June 11th, 2010
by foreignwebmarketingcorrespondent
With the world around us going green, it’s no surprise that the web world has caught up! We came across this invigorating web design 2010 trend report compiled by Jessie Jo Blalock of Los Angeles Web Design Firm Executionists. They’re saying the new trend for business to tailor their websites to this year is: the minimalist approach. We couldn’t agree more! Blalock brilliantly describes web design minimalism’s as to Feng Shui principles in her wholesome summary of new web design trends, 2010 Web Design Trends: Now and Zen.
Think about your website design. Has it been updated lately? Keep in mind that design = NEW.
So what should you be aware for 2010? Blalock of Executionists says websites are becoming holistic, meaning they are more than just a statement, they are a solution. Focusing on clear, effective communication and content is key. Focusing on bare essentials of what a visitors is there for is what needs to be reviewed for clean, clear design. Simple layouts that are non-intrusive, nor baffling to the user must be considered.
Content is KING and outreach is QUEEN.
The Web Marketing Therapy team has preached this ideology A LOT (and we won’t stop.) It would be healthy-marketing-wise to re-assess HOW your content is presented. What do you want to communicate? Are you optimizing your social media for that outreach? Once you have attracted customers and potential clientèle on your website, are they finding the information they seek? Are they enjoying your website? Or is your web design disrupting their online chi?
Wait, online chi, you ask?
That’s right! Thanks to Executionists “kingly” content, it is time to enter feng shui web design for 2010! Your web design is extremely important as it’s the main source of communication between you, your business and the consumer. It presents what you want to say – therefore, it is fundamentally important that you are saying it clearly! Getting rid of all that unnecessary clutter that will confuse the web user and de-tract from the main PURPOSE of your website, is a starting point.
Get some tips on de-cluttering your website by checking out these simple trends as laid out by Executionists (thank you Jessie Jo Blalock for the clear tips!):
Back to Basics
Websites are taking on their old-school look, sans the flash. Content-oriented sites are mirroring their print media counterparts – using layouts similar to the ones you see in your daily paper. The key is in using the design to make your website appear credible and refined. Simplicity is not necessary boring, but rather allows effortless navigation of your website.
Personalize
Unique and memorable sites are you friends. Avoid standard templates and layouts or that typical corporate feel. Use a design that’s indicative of you, your business and what its VALUES are. Make the design engaging to the user, use your originality.
Breadcrumb Navigation
“Breadcrumb trails” style navigation gives the user an easy-peasy and simple perusal of your site, limiting content overload by allowing less screen space. This drives the transparency of your site, makes navigation obvious and effortless and encourages users to explore your site further. This trend is similar to the simplicity and clearness of mobile web browsing.
Vitaly Freidman, Editor in Chief of Smashing Magazine explains the key: “Design trends do not exist to be followed. They exist to be broken, reshaped and abolished by the spirit of creativity rippling through the design community.”
Use your imagination in re-inventing a web site layout that supports your content and does not overwhelm your users. And take these trends on board as a starting point! Read the full blog post on web design minimalism’s (as per Feng Shui principles) in the 2010 Web Design Trends: Now and Zen blog post.
