How to get the Web 2.0 Look and Feel
Web 2.0 is becoming extremely popular. Although strictly the name refers to the new wave of community-driven websites, it is also increasingly used to describe their fresh and clean approach to design.
The great thing about Web 2.0 websites is that they are all about the content. They are well structured, easy to navigate and easy on the eye. They use clean space lavishly and beautiful design elements but sparingly (you can have too much of a good thing). It is the simplicity and subtlety of Web 2.0 designs which makes them so visually appealing.
If you want to revamp your website with a web 2.0 look and feel, here are a few techniques you can play with...
Rounded Corners
Rounded corners add a soft touch and give a smooth and flowing effect.
Wet Floor Effect
The use of reflections (the ‘Wet Floor’ effect) add texture and dimension to a logo or link.
Gradients
Gradients can really bring a web page to life and add a sleek and professional look and feel.
Big Buttons
Draw attention to important elements of your site with big, bold buttons that incorporate a characteristically Web 2.0 glossy effect.
Space
Not necessarily white space, but space all the same - regardless of colour scheme. Web 2.0 websites are uncluttered and feel spacious.
Sunbursts
Another element often seen in Web 2.0 header designs – this one is simple and attention-grabbing.
Simple Layout
Simple layouts work best – you don’t want to confuse your visitors with unnecessary complexities, you want them to instinctively understand your content structure and navigation the moment they arrive.
Simple Navigation
Paramount to a positive user experience is an obvious, consistant and easy to read global navigation system. Make sure visitors always know where they are and where to go to next.
Big Text
Web 2.0 websites use clean, legible fonts that are typically larger than in previous trends of web design. Slightly larger fonts with high contrasts make for more manageable websites. Increasing the line-height can also go a long way towards making your text easier to read. You can also afford to make headings significantly larger than the main body of text to really draw attention to them. Sometimes a different font for headings can work well too.
Examples and inspiration
For inspiration and countless examples of the above techniques check out some CSS web galleries, a few of which are listed below:
CSS Drive
http://www.cssdrive.com
CSS Based
http://www.cssbased.com
CSS Mania
http://www.cssmania.com
CSS Heaven
http://www.cssheaven.com
CSS Beauty
http://www.cssbeauty.com
Screenalicious
http://www.screenalicious.com
For more information and to find out how Dimnet can breathe new life into your website, please don't hesitate to contact us using the contact form at the bottom of the face.
