In with the new: changes to web design for 2010

Well another new year is upon us, and it might be a good idea to take a look back at where we’ve been with web design, and where we are going.

Perhaps I am simply spending too much time on a computer lately, but it seems there has been a major shift in trends in web design.   There are probably dozens that strike out at designers, but I would like to cover a couple of the big trends, size and design mirroring characteristics or print.

Size of graphics

Everything is bigger!  We’ve seen logos and headers increase to fill up an entire webpage 2010 will be oversized logos, large headers, and bigger images.   These types of headers can take up the entire screen, but quickly resize themselves after a second.   Users do not need to click, and risk closing out of the site, or sticking on a popup.

Check out the new look for CNN.com as an example.  The new layout is cleaner, key stories really pop.  The site also has some YouTube characteristics, with bigger graphic links to new video clips.   One drawback?   I am not a fan of needing to scroll to read other news articles.   Advertiser space takes up a lot of real estate, as you can see below.   I’d rather the Cialis bathub logo was below the information I really want to read, but I guess CNN needs to pay some bills like the rest of us.

Migration to mirroring print.   Type and graphics

Type: Until recently web designers are afraid of using new and different fonts as there was a concern over compatibility with user issues.  Yes, Arial, Verdana, Calibri, etc will continue to be in our vocabulary, but we are beginning to see examples in which type is richer, and a bigger player in the site’s design.  When used correctly and creatively, it type can lead us into a more captivating site, and providing the users’ attention to key content.  The site for 365 Days of Astronomy, (library of 365 podcasts about astronomy)   is a good example of implementation a type into the design of the site.

Illustrated graphics: Although video and stock photos will always be important, the use of illustrations is increasing in popularity.   Used as a means to blend the interaction between the virtual web and hard copy print, illustrations can be used to personalize the web for users. Here are a few examples of unique illustrations.   The Bryant Park Hotel has an approach  to strictly use illustrations on its home page.   Users need to dig deeper into category pages to find photos for hotel meeting rooms and accommodations.  The hotel is renowned as a hub for the fashion world, and the website’s  slick appearance and music reflects that.   Although as a user, I would probably like to see some images of the hotel on the main pages, I think the hotel’s image allows the site to get away with not having images sooner.

Another example for Doll Play Station, a site for online fashion doll games for girls,  shows a mixture of illustrations and photos.  Here offering girls real photos of how they can use the games adds a better personalization for the site and the user’s engagement with it.

Most of us will continue to receive less print mail, and many of us are subscribing to less print publications each year.  As companies are switching to a web only presence, designers are tasked to provide a layout that print readers will instantly recognize and become comfortable with.   It will be interesting to see how sites will continue to evolve by the close of 2010.

Teens and Facebook: Permission to stay connected or risk to employers?

Today’s teenagers were born into an era in which they never knew a world without TiVo, internet or chat rooms.  Whether at school, work or band camp, kids are social in person, and  they take their expectations on remaining plugged in wherever they go.    Will their habits succeed in the workplace, or crash and burn?

This month Junior Achievement and accounting firm Deloitte released a survey report about teenagers and their expectations about social networking habits on the job.

In our mobile society this probably would not come as much of a surprise to anyone:

The report found that 88 percent teens surveyed use social networks every day, with 70 percent saying they participate in social networking an hour or more daily.

More telling however, was that half (58 percent) said they would consider their ability to access social networks at work when considering a job offer from a potential employer.

Although the majority of teens surveyed stated they do not behave unethically while using social networks (83 percent), the report found conflicting information.  Read on for some statistics:

• 40 % do not consider the potential reactions of college admissions officers
• 38 % do not consider the reactions of present or future employers
• 30 % do not consider their parents’ reactions.
• 16 % readily admitted to behavior that included posting content embarrassing to others, spreading rumors and pretending to be someone other than themselves, with a vast majority of them expressing regret later about doing so.

These figures provide some soboring statistics for employers.   A lack of mindfulness can hurt a friendship, and yes, that can be costly to the individuals involved.  But what if you’re a business owner?   The implications of an employee’s post can put the costs (both financial and reputation) to a company beyond repair.  The cost from bad pr, lost sales or even a lawsuit due to an employee’s action spreading rumors about co-workers or managers and leaking proprietary information can be overwhelming.

As the job force of the future puts such an emphasis on social media, additional training and education is required.  As employers may be less familiar with social media tools than their young hires, they will need to consider enhanced training and communication relative to social networking in order to recruit the best and brightest.  However, teens entering the workforce may also need to learn some lessons about ethical decision-making tools to help them understand the importance of behaving with integrity on- and offline.   After all, once something is posted, it can live on forever.

Currently more than half of the companies surveyed by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics do not have a social medial policy.  Employers need to recognize that policies should be created sooner than later to avoid risk.   I am a legal marketer by trade, and love the e-blasts sent by Jaffe Associates.   I’ve provided a link for their published  Social Media policy.   This is a good sample, regardless of industry.   But definitely work with your HR and legal department to make sure this is right for your company.

A little leg work now, and employers and recruits can interact with each other safely and effectively.