The Internet has been continuously evolving since it was first introduced and like the human mind, it has not remained static. The introduction of websites was the defining change in the evolution of the Internet. Companies and folks suddenly discovered that they could not do without a website.
This marked the beginning of the Web 1.0 era wherein the first standards of website design were laid out. Web 1.0 refers to the origins of web designing in the early years of the Internet (pre 1999), in which visual elements and website content was presented on websites in a passive manner which discouraged user interaction. The Web 1.0 era saw large businesses set up their websites on the Internet and user action was limited in viewing only what companies and organizations had to offer. Emails were just getting popular however only text emails could be sent. You could not attach pictures or images. Websites too were static or consisted of basic animation.
However, things changed with the improvement in technology. The introduction of features such as XML, broadband, wireless, and RSS brought about a radical change in the thinking of how websites could be designed. Web 2.0 is all about a paradigm shift in the mindset of designers aided and substantiated by technology related to web designing. Today’s Web 2.0 websites are not a technology playfield demonstrating every aspect of web designing technology, but a simple, bold, elegant as well as powerful statement of a few strategically chosen technologies that can direct the users directly to the point – such as buying a product in case of a retail website.
Again, while Web 1.0 was focused on companies and organization, Web 2.0 is all about communities and encouraging their participation in the web phenomenon. While Web 1.0 was a ‘read only’ web, Web 2.0 can be aptly described as a ‘read and write’ web, where user interaction is encouraged. Web 2.0 is all about encouraging communication freely on the Internet in the forms of blogs, comments, forums and many other ways. It is now possible to exchange music and video easily over the Internet. Thus, multimedia is now a distinct reality. Search engines are now smarter, and voice communication over the Internet is now possible. The major upheaval during the Web 2.0 era is the introduction of social communication networks, giving people the power of informative decision.
Some of the features of Web 2.0 web design are described below:
- Web 2.0 web design incorporates all these elements that give people the power to communicate and choose. The driving focus of Web 2.0 web design is focus and simplicity. Thus, Web 2.0 websites now provide only relevant information rather than cramming massive information that is likely to distract the user from the intended message of the website.
- Web 2.0 web design focuses on ample white space and appropriately portraying soft information like the first impression of the company. The goal is in removing unnecessary components so that the user’s gaze is focused on the main purpose of the website.
- Having fewer columns (at the most 2) rather than 4 column websites is the recommended Web 2.0 web design norm presently. More columns distract visitors with excessive information and divert them from the site’s main objective. Again, the logos, navigation and main branding are distinct, bold and in large font from the remaining text, which is conveniently placed under in a smaller font.
- Web 2.0 web design is all about simple navigation that is bold and clearly identifiable. It is clearly differentiable from the non-navigational elements of the website. Additionally, the trend is shifting from using small fonts to larger fonts for reading ease.
- Strong and intense colors are the main focus of Web 2.0 web design. It is vital to use creative color combinations that are strong and bright to draw the attention of the eyes to the items that the designer wants the visitors to notice. Also recommended is the use of 3D effects to enhance the qualitative feel of the design. However, anything that is overdone loses its value, so color combinations should be judiciously used.
- The same rationale applies to graphic design. The use of gradients, drop shadows, inner glows and spectacular highlights is recommended. Again, such elements should not be overdone.
- Icons and pictures also carry high significance. The use of icons is definitely recommended, however, these are used to convey a clear meaning. The trend is in using fewer, better icons that carry the relevant meaning.
To conclude, Web 1.0 web design laid the groundwork for better meaning web design that has been carried forward in the form of Web 2.0 web design. Many people are now predicting the ushering of web 3.0 that will be the culmination of better logic and clearly defined semantics.
