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.