The world of web design is constantly developing and each New Year brings both challenges and opportunities for web designers and developers alike. Keeping up with advances in technological devices and software products often requires rethinking of traditional formats of web design. From 2011 and onward, web design must not only consider display compatibility for desktop and lap top computers, but also must take into account the particular demands of smart phones, iPads, Blackberries, tablets and other mobile broadband devices. For this reason, many of the top web design trends to emerge in 2011 reflect an awareness of the need for functionality across a range of various display options.
One of the key trends in web design for 2011 is a tactic that never goes out of style – keeping it simple. Simplicity has become even more imperative as people are increasingly viewing websites on smaller screened devices. Brief text in a clear font, on a plainly coloured backdrop, will always be easy on the eye. That doesn't mean that your web site should only use black and white, but try to limit your colour scheme to no more than three colours in varying shades. This is not simply a suggestion for 2011, but a good rule of thumb year in year out.
As we've already seen, 2011 web design must be compatible with multiple view ports. Building a website primed for mobile devices is crucial for this year and beyond and has contributed to the popularity of single-page website layouts. These web designs take a minimal approach and remove everything that is superfluous, leaving only information that is absolutely necessary. This allows site visitors to immediately view everything that is available on the website before they click to open links to any of the items they are interested in which takes them to more specific and detailed pages.
Another trend in web design that is related to the increased popularity of mobile platforms is the preparation of two versions of a website where the mobile version displays an option to visit the original version of the website. It's been predicted that smart phones will overtake computers in sales for 2011, so if your website is not optimised for mobile viewing options this year, you in serious trouble.
Finally, websites prepared in 2011 must reflect the trend toward touch screen devices. Some desktop computers, as well as all smart phones and tablets operate exclusively with touch screens so current web designs are shifting away from mouse-based navigational systems and becoming more fingertip friendly.
No comments:
Post a Comment