Now with 100% More Shine

I love the concept of Web 2.0. If you're not sure exactly what that is, Wikipedia sums it up nicely: "a perceived second generation of web development and design, that facilitates communication, secure information sharing, interoperability, and collaboration on the World Wide Web."

I especially like the collaboration part, and focus on the users:

Creative Commons: http://creativecommons.org

Wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.com

Wordpress: http://wordpress.com

However, I am totally sick of some of the design concepts of this second generation of web design. Please, no more shiny, bubbly sites like these: 50 "Excellent" Corporate Website Designs".

Ridiculously large graphics: While beautiful, I really hate how enormous the graphics are on these sites.

Identical layout: Huge graphical section on top 2/3rds, bottom 1/3 usually an isolated, plain area with mini blurbs and links to the actual content.

Reverse text: We can't all copy the Apple website design, people.

Gradients: Seems we mustn't use a solid color when a gradient will do.

Gloss: Every button has a glossy visual effect. In fact, most graphics in general do.

Wispy vector graphics: Swirls like liquid motion.

I think it's OK to use a few of these design ideas on a web site. In fact, I use gradients quite a bit on my design site, Marlena Cannon Design. But I really value a site design that looks unique. Too many sites following too many of the above trends tends to make them all look the same. I admit, I was annoyed when I saw what Webdesigner Depot had picked as their top 50 corporate sites. They looked like they were all made from the same template!

Also, I really don't think the bubbly web style is fitting for most professional, corporate sites such as bank sites, health care sites, etc. YES for music sites, design sites and mobil phone marketing sites. NO for sites that require users to do more than just gaze upon the beautiful marketing.

Go ahead, fellow designers! Use the shine and the reverse text and the gradients! But don't just copy what Apple and everyone else have already done. Create something unique. And always keep the user in mind. Is it appropriate to have a graphic that takes up 2/3rds of the browser window? Does the user want to see that? Maybe they do. Maybe they don't (I dare you to try to book a ticket on the Southwest site).