Web design trends for 2009

Chloe — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:05:21 +0000

Over the past few months we have looked at a number of web site designs. But which of the developments and trends that we’ve seen will continue, which will go mainstream and become a classic approach? Here are some of the web design trends that DDA think designers are beginning to accept as standard approaches.

Single Page Layouts

We visited single page portfolio designs in a previous DDA post on showcase and showreel sites but I felt it was important enough to include as a prediction for 2009 too, as I believe we will be seeing a lot more of these types of designs – not just restricted to portfolio sites.

Pikaboo.be

Paolo Boccardi – Photographer

Modal Boxes / Lightboxes

This method of displaying media or capturing data is fast becoming the norm for web sites. Modal Boxes enable the user to input information, make selections or view images and videos without having to navigate away from the page they are viewing.

The Typographic Desk Reference

WordPress

Fabric and Textures

Adding texture to a web site is a simple way to add interest and depth to your design. Background images are the most common area of use but adding it to headers, footers, content areas, sidebars and even fonts can give a design the extra edge.

There’s a good tutorial here if you want to know more.

Bern

Web Designer Wall

NarfStuff

Retro & Vintage

Vintage design elements are becoming the ‘new thing’ in web design. Left out of digital design in preference of hi-tec glossy effects, retro is making a comeback. Used effectively it evokes a nostalgia that most find hard to resist.

Target Scope
Level2D

Prahba

Dynamic Tabs

Dynamic Tabs are going to become a popular choice for multi tiered web sites in 2009. A tabbed area whos content can be changed dynamically will provide an area for promotion without the user having to load the whole page to find out it’s not what they’re looking for. Expression Engine demonstrates this perfectly with their site.

Expression Engine

Komodo Media

If you would like to know more about creating dynamic tabs visit NetTuts.com

Hypnoteis Graphic Design

Sophie — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:59:22 +0000

Hello everyone and welcome to 2009! Hope you New Years Eve went with a bang, we were all at a friends fancy dress party! The theme was music stars and I dressed up as Cher, gave myself big crimped hair and everything, it was loads of fun and some people had really cool fancy dress outfits, we had a very good Elvis and Amy Winehouse!

Anyway on to today’s post, here is some more excellent graphic design from a great designer based in the Netherlands. His name is Teis and his website is called Hypnoteis.

Here’s a few of my favorite examples of his work.

Bold by Hypnoteis

I liked this one for the colour scheme and the kitty! Seriously though its a very attractive blend, nothing ground breaking but still extremely well done, especially the blend of graphics and photos at the side of such a vivid colour scheme.

Invicta by Hypnoteis

As you have no doubt have guessed from previous examples I have a thing for shiny black work, this is a really pretty example of this. I love the theme of the piece and all the dial detials, colour choices are fantastic.

I will definitely be keeping an eye on this portfolio for future work and hoping to see more like this.

Also thought I would share this with you, an awesome little lamp design from a designer called Jamie Wieck.

Dunno why I love it so much I just do!

Fight the Sofa by Jamie Wieck

Hope you have set a whole bunch of fun new years resolutions to stick to, mine is to try to post a little more on here, I am thinking of starting some tutorials this year!

Good luck in 2009 from DDA xxxx