Too much Web 2.0?

In our newsletter this week, I was mooting the possibility that we'd come full circle on the classic Web 2.0 design style, and that maybe it was time for a change. That's certainly what my client thought and he looked at a sea of very similar page designs from the competition, but what do you think?

Has the Web 2.0 design style run its course, or is it as vibrant as ever? Sound off below!

Simon

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I think your client has answered your question, pretty much. If an ordinary person (not a design aficionado or fashionista) has noticed that thinkgs are starting to look a bit too much alike, then the look must be getting overextended. It started with Apple's Aqua GUI for MacOS X, I believe, and at the time (c. 1998?) it was way cool. 10 years is enough for any look, especially on the web.

But why do you identify rounded corners, gradients etc. with Web 2.0? This now-ubiquitous look is just a style, but the full promise Web 2.0 has yet to come to fruition!

Must end with a prediction: the economic downturn will usher in an era of backlash against the glossy look your client found so odious. The new style will be suitably gritty and hard-scrabble...let's see if I'm right!

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http://www.fireflywebz.com

Hi Firefly,

Yes, I agree with your premise that Web 2.0 is yet to peak, but what I think my client was taking some issue with was the design style that goes with it - the faux-friendly, childlike design approach.

I do think Apple have a lot to answer for, but it's not really their fault that designers can't see beyond their desktop. It's like blaming Led Zeppelin for all the 80's poodle-rock acts!

Simon

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http://www.PageKits.com
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Personally I like the web 2.0 look, but I believe it's a design thing - which like every fashion fad - would soon come to an end - ten years is enough!
Let's wait and see what comes up next.

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http://www.mauconline.net

With you there. I'm old enough to remember the first fashion for rounded corners in webdesign. In the late 90's the agency I worked at in London called them "technosausages". How we all laughed when they started coming back!

Simon

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http://www.PageKits.com
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