Blog 4

I learned a lot of interesting tidbits while reading the blogs, but one theme I saw throughout the blogs was that of typography. Smashing Magazine noted that the typography should be interesting enough to capture the attention of the viewer but not crazy enough that it turns people away. They also said hand-drawn typography lends a more artistic approach to the site yet it shows professionalism as well. Most importantly, the type should be readable and fluid with the overall design of the Web page. Web Design Trends for 2010 also noted typography should be played with and explored, not something slapped on a site.

Another common theme I noticed was that of graphics. Smashing Magazine noted although Flash can be overused, if it is simplified it will add a lot more to the page. By having a motion graphic such as Flash, it adds flair and interest to the site. Web Design Trends also noted a trend towards more interactive designs. They also emphasized the importance of images on a site, saying over-sized images, headers, and logos make visitors remember the site more and draws them in. Additionally, they noted a trend toward more retro-looking designs and the usage of vintage art.

While Smashing Magazine and Web Design Trends 2010 focused more on actual design, I found Onextrapixel's section of the 'About Me' section interesting. They stressed the importance of the section, and how it can both invite and deter potential clients I never thought about the 'about me' portion of a Web page to be like a resume, but that is a fairly accurate assessment of their focus. To have an effective section, they recommended one to determine a target audience and to imagine what potential clients and site visitors go through when navigating the site. I found this to be an interesting view, and one I think not many truly think about when designing a site. Visitors want the site design and layout to be easy to navigate; we don't want to have to search for forever to find what we're looking for. The blog also stressed the importance of keeping up with the latest technology, techniques, and trends to stay up-to-date and current with the latest trends.