Websites Trends of 2008!

Can a web site designer really learn anything from upcoming trends in the world of physical product packaging? Contrary to popular belief about the two different branches of design, packaging trends and web site design trends are actually derived from the same complex combination of fashion, evolving design philosophies, shifts in cultural value, and technology.So what’s going on in packaging that the web site designer should be aware of?

The most popular these days:

Go Green

The phrase is so overused that it has gone beyond cliché; but overuse of the term should not blind smart marketers to how much environmental concerns and the desire to slow the runaway pace of pollution has impacted our culture. So if you want to jump on this, when it comes to your site, capitalize on the growing concern for the environment by installing electronic bill pay systems, emphasizing the reduced environmental impact of a digital rather than brick-and-morter storefront, and using the copy-oriented culture of internet selling to explain all of the “green” initiatives your company has created.

Make it personal

By adding a blog or some other form of personal interaction will make more customers come to see what you or others have posted. Also adding mission statement and personal saying help customer feel more in turned to your product or services. Bold Bright colors may seem as old fashioned as Captain Crunch cereal packaging, but when incorporated into smart design in an abstract way, bright colors take on a trendy, artsy tenor.

Graphic Images

The generation of 18-34 year-olds has been casually labeled the ADD generation for its total inability to concentrate on anything for more than approximately 30 seconds. That might be a slight exaggeration, but the truth remains that imaging with a clear, concise illustration of product use beats out good copy on the shelf. People want to look at a product, know instantly if it is something they like, then take the time to peruse the copy for more information.

Minimalism: Less is More

The overarching trend in much of product design, packaging, and even digital graphics is that subtle touches and minimal composition are preferable to busy design. This is perfect for the web site designer because it reduces the need for distracting patterns in favor of a focus on the product or service being sold. Look at your pages as total work of art, with its own composition, and path for the eye. Guide the visitor’s eye the images of your product and use concise copy that treats each word as a strategic decision. Avoid as much as possible, distracting banner ads or excessive copy, especially on index pages. If customers are interested enough to click and read more, then you can provide more details about the product.

Artistic and Free

Break away from carefully stylized images and let loose the artistic creativity of counter-cultural design. Experiment with the shapes, style, and shading of everything on your site from the tabs to the windows. Remember, though, that just as artistic design should never detract from the utility of product packaging, so artistic design on your sight should never detract from ease of use, intuitive set-up, or well laid-out navigation. Artistic design should wrap around, not manipulate, the basic structure of your web site.

So here are some helpful hints on trends of website design for 2008.