Friday, September 10, 2010

How To Use Web 2.0 To Design Your Own Website - Web 2.0 Design

Many people wonder what Web 2.0 design is all about. Well, it is not a new website providing tips on web designing as the phrase may seem to imply. Web 2.0 design is the term used to define the drastic change that has come about in the way the websites are designed now. Most of the websites these days are clear, high on aesthetic appeal and easy to navigate. This is in stark contrast to the earlier websites that were crammed, clumsy and difficult to use.

The reason perhaps is that the earlier designers gave too much importance to the content of their website, almost ignoring its aesthetic value and clarity. In their zeal to put every bit of information on the site, they ended up making it quite messy and troublesome to browse. However, today the stress is on making the websites simple but attractive, informative but well defined and smooth to navigate. There are some definite dos and don’ts when it comes to making websites based on the Web 2.0 design. However, before you go through some handy points, you must be aware of the way to use Web 2.0 to hone your designing skills.


Taking Help Of Web 2.0

Numerous websites provide help in making web designing easy for you. The first choice of most people today is ‘www.webdesignfromscratch.com’. This site aims at teaching you various common graphic design elements in the modern web designing (Web 2.0 design). Some of the topics covered are basics, design process, opinion, business, goal-oriented design, graphic design, site architecture, accessibility, usability and copy writing. There is help on more technical aspects like production, HTML, CSS and Javascript/DHTML. You can get help on almost all the topics related to web 2.0 design.


Another useful website for web designing is ‘www.photolabshop.com’. This site provides you with guidelines on creating some latest effects like ‘the reflective or glass effect’, ‘soft shadows’ and ‘star shapes’ that hold the key to aesthetic appeal of your site. The guidelines are simple, clear and easy to follow. You just need to follow them step-by-step. Tips on different types of aesthetic enhancement are posted here from time to time. It is truly a useful link for any web designer.


Apart from the above, there are some other useful websites like ‘www.profitpapers.com’ and ‘www.designshack.com’ that support you with valuable help in designing your website based on the Web 2.0 design pattern. It is time now for some instructions that will prove to be helpful in designing your website.

Tips To Having A Smart (Web 2.0 design) Website

The first mantra to design a neat website is to keep it simple. Just be frugal when it comes to using different features. Use only the very essentials in your design. A crammed website is a big put-off for browsers. Next, as far as possible, use central layout for your website, i.e. your website should be in the central position in the browser window. It really irks the browser to scroll right or left immediately after opening the window. Remember, first impression is the last impression. Use fewer columns. Keep between 3-5 columns. Use colors judiciously for lucidity. Avoid your own whims. Just be practical when it comes to simplicity. Do not hesitate to use white where it seems fitting. Finally, keep the navigation as simple as possible. Difficult navigation only contributes in making the browser lethargic in using your website.

Remember, the basic idea behind creating a website is to establish communication between the information that you wish to share and the viewer. Intelligibility and clearness characterize the best modes of communication.