I recently came across a post on web design trends from Paul Boag.  Paul outlined some of the emerging web design trends he had noticed and many of them fit with things we have adopted and put into play this past year with our web design methods.

The biggest on Paul’s list for us has been the use of the "functional footer".  A few years ago the footer at the end of a page contained a contact link, copyright info and a link to us as the web designer/developer. We now incorporate links to main pages, increased contact information, the logo again and more.  Instead of an ending, it’s a means for a next step or a new beginning.

The thought is that once the user is at the end of that page, give them proper options to proceed and move on with their experience.  Why make them scroll back to the top?  Eliminate the extra step and give them valuable links and information.  Just consider that maybe your fabulous content has just convinced them to work with you … without any scrolling, just let them see your contact info or click to reach a form.

On our Prime site you’ll notice you can reach each of our services right from the footer.  That’s usability folks.

Here is the full list of Paul’s trends, read the full article to get more info on each one:

• Below the fold, many designers are throwing out the worry of getting info packed into the screen without scrolling
• Functional footer, see above
• Resolution dependent layout, expanding your viewing area
  
• Right column navigation, left or top have dominated, but maybe right is all-right
• Focus on content, good text, good graphics, good photos enable good design
• Emphasis on typography, it not just the font either … consider spacing and more
   
  

 
The combination of these gives a good foundation for a solid web presence when mixed with other great ingredients.  I also now have another source for some of the things I constantly discuss with our staff and clients … so I’m not alone in my genius (or disillusion!).

Posted on August 6th, 2007 by Jeff Wagner
Filed under: design, web design

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