Web 2.0 Design
The term web 2.0 is defined a period of websites where, basically, content is generated by the user. Along with this period has emerged unique, although now somewhat overused design trends that define the “web 2.0 era” of websites. Whether social media is involved or not, as web designers we all know what a “web 2.0″ website looks like. I am aware of the latest “web 2.0″ trends and have come up with a few attribute that are featured on MANY web 2.0 designs.
GRADIENTS: Gradients Galore
You will not find a web 2.0 that does not feature a large assortment of gradients to hold together a design. It’s a fundamental design technique taken to a whole new level with web 2.0 design. Whether its a background gradient or a gradient on a navigation tab, I have yet to NOT see a “sweet” fade in or fade out.
Clean and fresh vs rugged and dirty.
There are basically two types of web 2.0 designs; Ones with TONS of textures, to make it look like they have been uncovered from a dirt pile, or ones that are extremely smooth and clean. Theres not much in between.
PAPER: Our wesite is ACTUALLY on paper….
It seems web designers in this web 2.0 era are sick of computers and technology and REALLY want to go back to the days of designing and writing things on paper. Popular papers include: lined paper ripped out of a note book or post it notes with folded edges. I have also seen some paper stapled to my monitor on occasion.
LARGE FONTS: THE BIGGER THE FONT THE EASIER IT IS TO READ!
We all knew it was coming. 4.0em fonts are not unusual anymore. Lets hope everyone has a 30″ apple monitor!… no, seriously, lets.
SKINNY: Website Anorexia
There are the rebels of the LARGE revolution who limit the size of their site to cater to the 640×480 monitor resolution. Usually these sites are unnecessarily long and my fingers get tired of scrolling.
Reflecties, and Bubbalies!
A trend that seems to be residing (thank god)… the reflection and bubbly button craze lasted for a good time until designers realized that they had become a fad, and IN FACT, Photoshop could actually create these things a long time ago.
Liquid, yet not.
Many web 2.0 demonstrate a Pseudo liquid layout where if you have a large monitor, the left and right sides would actually seem like they were stripes on some flag and not actually a website.
Tapestry effect
Many web 2.0 site use very intricate tapestry background patters to create contrast. Basically these sites look like they are lying on one of grandmas old drapes from the 30’s.
