Posts Tagged ‘2010’

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2010 Web Design Trend: Modal Boxes

Monday, March 15th, 2010

A modal box is a secondary window that pops up and floats over the top of a web page, requiring a visitor to interact with it before they can return to the main window. It works similarly to a pop up box, but is way better, because they are seamlessly integrated into the layout of a web site and there is no need to load a new page. These boxes are more stylish, user-friendly, and allow the viewer to focus on pertinent information. You’ll commonly see these used to display images in detail, on sign-in forms, for alerts or notifications, to display help tips, search boxes and video. Check out examples of modal boxes below:

Facebook

Jules

Jules

Sierra Trading Post

Digg

Digg

Tumblr

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2010 Web Design Trend: Increased White Space

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Today’s websites are getting cleaner, more streamlined and focused on an increased use of white space. White space refers to the negative space between and around the elements in a design (graphics, type, columns, etc.). Those who are inexperienced with the use of white space may view it as an empty area, and thus a waste of valuable screen real estate. This blank space, however, is extremely beneficial to a design and the usability of a site. White space will make a layout much easier on the eyes. It reduces the amount of text a viewer will see at one time, increasing legibility and helping a visitor quickly find what they are looking for. It can also improve the structure of a site by creating a visual separation of elements, allowing content to stand out from the background. Not only is it functional, increasing space can also give a web site a more professional, uncluttered, and fresh appearance, providing a strong platform on which to present your message. Check out the examples below for excellent uses of white space:

Apple

Jason Reynolds

Indie Labs

Buffalo

Astheria

Left

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2010 Web Design Trend: Speaking Navigation

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

For some, one word navigational links simply aren’t clear enough. Designers are now trying to explain, in a short snippet, what the visitor should expect to see upon clicking on a link. This additional short phrase has been coined as “speaking navigation,” as opposed to “silent” navigation which follows the traditional style of using keywords to represent a group of information. The end goal in this method is to create a more effective communication style with site visitors. If content can be clarified, navigation will be simplified for the user and could potentially generate increased traffic through the site. Check out the examples below of speaking navigation:

Sifter

Sifter

Lift Interactive

Lift Interactive

AgentPoint

AgentPoint

Lennon Bus

Lennon Bus

You Version

You Version

Dishizzle

Dishizzle

goodbytes

goodbytes

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2010 Web Design Trend: Icons

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

The use of icons is getting big in modern web design. Icons are being employed to enhance the user experience, allowing for better visual recognition of elements on a page. Today’s icons are extremely stylized, far from old-school clip art of the past. If it is well designed, an icon can make a great visual impression as well as enhance the look of your site design. An effective icon will give a clear meaning to the user and allow them to easily spot what they need faster than from standalone text. Though icons are great for usability, too many icons can distract the user and get confusing. Today’s focus is on using icons more sparingly and giving the icons you do use higher-value locations. Fewer, more effective icons command attention and will be more appealing to the user. Check out the examples below of excellent uses of modern icons:

FreelanceSwitch

FreelanceSwitch

AshWebStudio

AshWebStudio

Curb Innovative

Curb Innovative

Artificial Studio

Artificial Studio

EnviroSpeakTV

EnviroSpeakTV

Dishizzle

Dishizzle

Macrabbit

Macrabbit

Media Temple

Media Temple

SMS Parking

SMS Parking

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2010 Trend Prediction: Subtle Textured Backgrounds

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Subtle background textures will be popping up all over the web this year. This new trend doesn’t go overboard with textures (as seen in many grunge styles), but focuses on simplicity and a more precise use of texture. The goal of the trend is to give the site a surface and the illusion of actual texture, but to not distract from the other visual elements on the page. A subtle texture can add dimension and depth to a design, creating a sensory experience for the viewer. If the texture is used well it can become a significant and beautiful feature of the web design. Check out the examples below showcasing great uses of subtle textures.

One Twenty Seven

One Twenty Seven

Delibar

Delibar

(more…)

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Winning At Working: Assessing Your Progress

Monday, January 4th, 2010

resolutionsI love Nan Russell’s columns and this one, regarding resolutions, is entirely appropriate. Happy New Year everyone!

Assessing Your Progress

I’m not a big fan of New Years resolutions. Sure I’ve made dozens of them, all with good intentions and a bit of magical thinking, believing this time the resolution will stick. Maybe a few have, but generally these wishful self-promises end up broken. And when that happens my self-esteem suffers.

You see, every time you break a self-promise, your self-trust is weakened. Every time you give up on your commitments your self-confidence takes a hit. And every time you look back on broken resolutions, your self-assessment hurts, not helps, your performance future.

By contrast, I am a huge fan of goals or dreams or aspirations or targeted focus. Call it what you like. Mine come in a variety of forms, anything from a life-to-do-list to aspirational dreams. But their achievement hinges on the same element – incremental action. I learned in twenty years of management the power behind small steps. (more…)

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