Source: http://www.web-lovers.de/20-farbenfrohe-webdesigns/
Lately, casually browsing through some websites, I have found some that caught my eye. It was because of their unique web design that seemed to inspire me to look further into it. There are definite web design trends that are exploding on the scene, which offer a visual appeal that draws you in, and perhaps makes you want to refresh your own site with a redesign. Of course trends are always changing at a rapid pace, but hopefully some of these current trends may be able to inspire you or give you a new idea.
Here we go:
1. The Retro Trend
Ad Packs
The Retro style seems to be a trend on the scene right now. I actually noticed quite a few of them while I was browsing. Perhaps this trend will be here to stay, but it definitely offers some inspiration for a creative edge.
2. The Ribbon
CJs Favorites
There has been a rise in the Ribbon trend used amongst web designers and developers recently. It is being used on both professional and personal websites. There is a debate whether or not the use of ribbons is becoming overkill, or if it adds a personal finesse. I personally like the Ribbon trend, I think it’s visually appealing.
3. Huge Headlines and Images
Second and Park
Lots of websites today are using huge headlines along with images to captivate you. By using such large words and pictures, it definitely grabs your attention and pulls you into the website. I think this is a great trend because sometimes you need something to jump out at you, and it definitely makes the experience more memorable. The headline and the images on your website set the tone for your visitors, so it doesn’t hurt if they are big and flashy.
4. Customized Typography
TapTapTap
This trend is one of my favorites. I always think different fonts add that extra “umph” that you otherwise might be missing. The typography (font, letters, style, print) trend has been exploding throughout the web design world, changing drab styles into fabulous custom fonts. It is now a possibility to create your own unique font, and I would highly suggest it.
5. Mobile Compatibility
H&M
Smartphones are EVERYWHERE nowadays, so it is important to cater to the mobile compatibility trend. This is especially if you are a business that is in constant need of marketing any product. I for one know that this function is very helpful, and I use it all the time. Since more smartphones have been enabled with CSS and JavaScript, this trend is definitely pushing web designers to be ‘mobile ready’.
6. Single Page Layout
Creative People
Sometimes it is necessary for your website to be straight and to the point. This is where the single page layout trend comes in. More and more sites are being designed to purposefully give visitors a little amount of information in a quick way. Having a one page layout allows web designers to focus on an effective strategy to appeal to visitors and users.
7. Minimalist & Creative
Get Finch
Like the one page layout trend, the minimalist and creative trend keeps things simplistic and clean cut. Instead of getting lost in a complex website, this trend allows you to engage the website in an easy manner. As opposed to busy layouts in the past years, this new white space concept is becoming ever more popular, as it is distinguishable and creative.
8. Social Media
Old Loft
There is no surprise that the social media trend is and has been growing at a rapid rate, it is almost never ending. Everyone you know uses or will most likely begin to use social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc. So it is very important that web designers include the aspect of social media links on the sites they create. It will allow your visitors an easier, more accessible way to keep in touch with your site on a daily basis.
9. Introduction
Kyle Standing
Introduction boxes and headlines are an expanding web design trend. You only have a few seconds to catch a visitor’s attention when they look at your site. Having a quick, upfront way of introducing yourself and what you or your company is about is why the introduction trend works so well. It’s very catchy, and I like it because it is straight and to the point.
10. Modal/Light Box
Digg
Modal/Light boxes are kind of like pop-up windows, except they are less annoying. These boxes offer web designers a different way of displaying pictures, text and videos. Its focus is to concentrate on the information presented that is relevant to the user. I like this feature, and I use it on various websites. For example, when I do online shopping sometimes a light box will appear when I click on a certain image that I am interested in, providing me with more information. This user-friendly modal/light box trend is upcoming.
Web design trends are changing at a constant rate. Hopefully some of these trends and examples can inspire you to create or redesign your own sites. You never know, maybe it will even lead you to creating a new trend that can be introduced to the web design world. Good luck with your future creations.
Source(s):
http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/design/web-design-trends-2010/
http://d-lists.co.uk/2010/11/02/web-design-trends-retro/
http://d-lists.co.uk/2010/08/24/web-design-trends-the-ribbon/
As the blogging trend phenomenon takes over the web, more and more people are questioning which blogging software would be best for them to use. On one hand, we have the tough competitor WordPress, which is arguably the most popular blogging software of the modern technology world. And then of course there is Drupal, another fierce contender, which is more than just your average blogging software.
There are factors one must take into consideration when you decide what software to use when creating blogs.
All of these questions examine the type of blogger that you set out to be, and the expectations that you are seeking. But the biggest question that remains right now is plain and simple…WordPress or Drupal?
It seems to me that there are definite benefits to each program. Let’s do a short comparison:
WordPress
Drupal
*Both WordPress and Drupal are free.
Both applications have different qualities to offer users. WordPress fronts a more simplistic approach, while Drupal might be a bit more multifaceted. Each program brings its own offering to the table. I think of it as the two being much like people, as in siblings or family members. While the two may appear to look or be very alike, they each have their own personalities or qualities, making them very different at the same time. Sometimes you might get along with them and sometimes you won’t. As Mike Cohen commented on ForTheLose.org, “I actually found it easier to switch one of my sites from Drupal to WordPress than it would have been to upgrade from Drupal 5 to Drupal 6.”
Subsequently, for someone who wants to blog but is by no means a master of computers and CSS/HTML/PHP/etc., then WordPress definitely is the way to go. It is easy to install and generally user friendly. If you are a beginner or want the easy ride and to start your own blog quickly, you should probably hop on the WordPress train, and won’t be likely to hit any bumps along the way.
For the more advanced user, Drupal can be the key ingredient to creating more than just a perfect blog; it can be the source of a more complex and profound website. According to a source from Webhostingtop.com, “Drupal is an original advanced content management system [CMS] providing the user with full control over the development of a website. Different from other CMS using WYSIWYG editors and basic interfaces, Drupal is specially designed for web developers.”
So, now that you have some background on each program, which one should you choose? Well for me, I think it is just personal preference, and also personal knowledge of each product, along with your computer skills or lack thereof. There is definitely going to be positives and negatives that come along with anything. In this great debate many would agree that for beginners WordPress’s simplicity is perfect, and for advanced users Drupal would be more beneficial due to the infinite amount of freedom and control that is disposable at your fingertips. Both WordPress and Drupal can be amazing products, it just depends if you are able to use them in the correct way or not. Ultimately what it will come down to is the experience, resources, time and willingness of the user to learn, as well as what specific needs they are trying to cater to.
Source(s):
* Means Mandatory
