Oversized footers have been around for awhile, but will become even more amplified in 2010. Footers are gaining more importance in webdesign, breaking away from the norm of having a single line of information and copyright info. The bottom of a page is no longer an after-thought and the larger footer size is now optimized for multiple links. The footers of 2010 include sitemap links, full sitemaps, about and contact information, simple contact forms, social media links, polls, Flickr feeds, and back to top links.
Footers are starting to become a more important part of the look and feel of a site, helping to enhance the layout and design. For example, Smashing Magazine uses fun illustrations within their oversized footer, acting as a way to incorporate the site design and also doubling as a link to their “about us” page. The enlarged footers not only look cool, but can also help to promote links, encourage user click and visit duration, and save reader’s time. Check out a few great examples of how this trend is already in use:
Smashing Magazine
Bush Theatre
Carsonified Blog
Digg
Drupalcon
I Love Your T-Shirt
Apple
Nettuts
The Things We Make
