Should You Use a Web 2.0 Design for Your Site?

Should You Use a Web 2.0 Design for Your Site?

The whole Web 2.0 buzz isn’t just about the latest technology, web software or social networking - but design as well.  But just because it’s the latest thing, does that mean your actual web design needs to be “2.0″ as well?

Obviously, if your site hasn’t had a design or functionality upgrade in quite some time - it might be time to consider a fresh new face on your outdated site.  But even designers haven’t quite nailed down what makes a design “2.0″ - although there are a few things that all web 2.0 designs have in common.

Read over this list and consider whether or not a web 2.0 design is for you!

1. Crisp, clean, simple design - Web 2.0 design sites generally follow a clear and simple two-column layout.  This makes it easy for the visitor to find what they’re looking for, as navigation typically goes on one side and content on the other. 

2. Centered site layout - No longer are most sites squished into the left side of the user’s screen or stretched out to fill the entire space.  Instead, just like this page, the site sits neatly in the center of the screen - directing your focus toward the middle of the screen.

3. Bold logo and colors - When it comes to web 2.0 design, “say it loud and say it proud” is the motto of the logo.  Bright, bold logos aren’t afraid to announce their brand with pride and get it noticed. 

Does that mean everyone needs a lime-green-and-purple image?  No - but fresher colors evoke newness and uniqueness among a sea of bland corporate logos from decades past. 

4. Separate top space - Most web 2.0 sites (even iElectrify) have a top space that doesn’t blend in directly with the content below it.  This helps the user visually separate the design from the content.  The top section is also ideal for navigation that will appear on every page (such as About Us, Contact, FAQ, and so on).

5. Bright color schemes - That’s not to say you should use a bright color scheme throughout your site - as it detracts attention away from the content you’re presenting.  But using bright, vibrant colors to highlight key points or products is ideal to catch your visitor’s eye at the right time.

6. Using color to separate areas of your page - This helps bring the visitor’s focus in line with what you want them to notice on your page - whether it’s how to navigate the page, the content itself or special offers.  Smart use of white space is also a hallmark of a web 2.0-style design - but too much white can “wash out” your content and make it harder to get your reader’s attention. 

7. Special effects - These can make or break a page, but when used correctly, can give it that added “wow” factor that makes you stand out and be noticed.  Effects like these include rounded “tabbed” navigation (similar to the top section of iElectrify), a soft reflection of your logo or another important graphic, A glossy look to your site’s navigation graphics or using gradients (a gradual fade from one color to another - such as the background on iElectrify).

Keep in mind that with web 2.0 design, just because “everyone else is doing it” doesn’t mean you have to for the sake of fitting in.  If your brand and your site is converting visitors to buyers well enough, don’t jolt your customers by unveiling a completely new design that’s contrary to the brand you’ve already established and worked hard to promote.

On the other hand, if you’d like to see how web 2.0 design can help improve your existing site, take a moment to get your free web design quote from iElectrify. It’s fast, simple and there’s no cost at all.  Your information is never sold or shared with anyone.

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