Web Design Trends for 2009

Here is an interesting website describing web design trends for 2009. I have posted some of the more functional ones.

- Multi-page layouts: This is a blog style layout, where the middle section (often with the changing content) is competing with the left and right margins - which are filled with links, and other more permanent information.

- Huge illustrations and vibrant graphics : This would be good for artists' sites, or for sites which want to have a pictorial representation of the website - such as restaurants and retail stores.

- More white space: This kind of website avoids the clutter of too much colour, text or images.

- "Speaking" navigation: We have often been confused by navigation buttons which don't give us enough information (or are just icons for us to decipher). Giving enough space to be more descriptive about navigation buttons can help web browsers get where they need to quicker.

- More creative layouts: The trend has been to follow set rules and structures for web layout. Part of the reason is that people will have an easier time following what they are familiar with. But, websites have been around for while now, and web browsers are getting more comfortable with unusual or more creative layouts. In fact, this could be the driving force for them to visit your website.

Do continue to read these trends at Smashingmagazing.com.