Comments on Ux Unleashed: The problem of Destroying the Web 2.0 look

Hey...Check this cartoon strip I came across on Ge...

2007-12-20T23:03:00.000-08:00

Hey...

Check this cartoon strip I came across on Geek and Poke

I think much has already been said, but here are m...

2007-12-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

I think much has already been said, but here are my 2 cents.

Sunny did make some strong points, but my thoughts still resonate with Kiran.

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.

The author is urging designers to hold their own and add their bit without following a trend blindly.
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.

“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.”
(Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2)

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:

• Boundaries need to be soft and less defined in order to have seamless transition of information.
DESIGN REFLECTION: Beveled edges suggesting soft boundaries. Pastel shades offering warm, cozy, inviting and open feel.

• 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.
DESIGN REFLECTION: Transparent color gradients suggesting a seamless blend.

• The generation of today demands new age, full of finesse, high polish and a clean look for their homes, clothes and work space.
DESIGN REFLECTION: Slick, mirror polish and glassy surfaces that reflect elements

• Accessories (belts, watches, purses etc.) draw attention to them in a blended look
DESIGN REFLECTION: High contrast fluorescent colors used on elements that need focus, to stand out against the subtle colored polished surfaces.

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.

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.

Kiran, I share your sentiments. The document looks...

2007-12-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

Kiran, I share your sentiments.

The document looks as if it is positioned to discourage the use of all the “web 2.0” design trends (this comes out especially in his big designer screenshots section). But, all the author is trying to say is don’t follow the current trends blindly, understand why they work and why they don’t. And if they don’t, try to think of something else which will solve the issues the current design trends don’t solve.

Sunny, road rash colors were fantastic up till 5 yrs back. You could have given the same argument 5 yrs back (why change). Regarding the wheel example, a smooth wooden circular wheel is better than a square wheel, no doubt. Does that mean we stop at that? Wheel manufactures didn’t sit back and say ok, that’s enough, this works. Nowadays we have hundreds of types of tyres depending on the conditions of the road, weather, etc. A wooden wheel would have sufficed but there was always scope for improvement.

Having said that, even though this document is well written it’s nothing great. Like I mentioned above, the basic message of the document is “use your head and don’t act like sheep”. Web 2.0 is only an example. Maybe I’m oversimplifying

Hmm..much ado about nothing The article is good a...

2007-12-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

Hmm..much ado about nothing 

The article is good as it presents a counterpoint which is very much required. While the world is getting on the subtle outer glow bandwagon, it’s nice to see somebody say I’d rather walk and find my own way.

BTW, UX design and functional design are conceptually different, though they go hand in hand. The wheel analogy fails as it is more functional design, not UX.

The whole “Web 2.0 look” must have come about due to some guy thinking like the author of this article and creating something new. He had the guts to put it out, it clicked, and now everybody imitates it because its proven.

All he is doing is prodding those few who could possibly create the “Web 3.0” look. The Web 2.0 space is crowded and almost every vertical has a few successes and many failures. Maybe it’s time differentiation came through UX as well as an innovative business idea? Chamfered edges anyone?

I’m a big fan of the human endeavor at original thinking. That’s why I like this article. Leftist titillations are passé or at least I sincerely hope so. Non-conformism gets you on a shrink's couch if you don't create something worthwhile. An undercurrent in the article is that variety, spice, new perspective is a real need. Its not about being cool, but staying cool :)

And yes, life was always good. But we could do better?