tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445269723137820164.post-1036226000139019772007-12-20T10:42:00.000-08:002007-12-20T10:42:00.000-08:00I think much has already been said, but here are my 2 cents.<BR/><BR/>Sunny did make some strong points, but my thoughts still resonate with Kiran. <BR/><BR/>Functionally, the wheel has been rolling since its discovery, but it has seen a great change in look, feel and style since then. That’s what growth is all about.<BR/><BR/>The author is urging designers to hold their own and add their bit without following a trend blindly.<BR/>Honestly, WEB 2.0 design is the trend of the day and will not fade away drastically to something new as it reflects the lifestyle we are leading. As suggested by the author Web 2.0 is a concept and not really a design. Let’s understand this concept and see how it’s being reflected through design.<BR/><BR/> “The phrase Web 2.0 can refer to a perceived second generation of web-based communities and hosted services — such as social-networking sites, wikis, and folksonomies — which aim to facilitate creativity, collaboration, and sharing between users.” <BR/>(Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2)<BR/><BR/>In the above definition Collaboration seems to be the buzz word. In order to collaborate efficiently the points suggested below exist or are needed in the tangible world we inhabit and the virtual world we are building:<BR/><BR/>• Boundaries need to be soft and less defined in order to have seamless transition of information. <BR/>DESIGN REFLECTION: Beveled edges suggesting soft boundaries. Pastel shades offering warm, cozy, inviting and open feel.<BR/><BR/>• Blend of space: In our present day lifestyles we tend to eat food sitting in front of our TV’s in the living or work with our laptops on the dining table. The use of space has changed and there is a blend of form and function. Space is no more perceived as black and white but grey.<BR/>DESIGN REFLECTION: Transparent color gradients suggesting a seamless blend.<BR/><BR/>• The generation of today demands new age, full of finesse, high polish and a clean look for their homes, clothes and work space.<BR/>DESIGN REFLECTION: Slick, mirror polish and glassy surfaces that reflect elements<BR/><BR/>• Accessories (belts, watches, purses etc.) draw attention to them in a blended look <BR/>DESIGN REFLECTION: High contrast fluorescent colors used on elements that need focus, to stand out against the subtle colored polished surfaces.<BR/><BR/>The clothes we wear become our second skin and reflect our personality; it’s important for the designer to understand the purpose of the site and reflect it in its skin and not follow trends blindly. <BR/><BR/>As a starting point, it’s alright to follow someone’s footsteps as the path is already laid out, but you should be willing to leave your own footprint for the rest to follow. APPLE reflects this thought.Sidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115072209754531486noreply@blogger.com