At present there is no single classification of styles of web-design. And no wonder: each resource is unique in many ways, and the styling of the site is not an exact science and has no clearly defined rules. Here are the basic criteria by which we can classify the sites:
Structure (minimalist, complex, 2-3 columns);
Color scheme (black and white, multicolored, light, dark);
Number and level of graphics (standard, clean, artistic);
Theme or art design (magazine style, gothic, “cartoon” style, futuristic, retro, classic, grunge, etc.).
As you have already understood, in design, as well as in other types of art, there are a huge number of artistic directions, starting from Romanesque style of X century and finishing with futurism. In general, web design styles are a mess right now, as far as I’m concerned.
Some people think that by creating a portal with a 3-column structure, they are laying down a new direction in design. And if you dig deeper, it turns out that they do not know what specific style belongs to their site, and what they are generally there. Let’s look into it.
The structure of the site
Site with minimal structure, or focused on some main element, or consists of one 1-column page;
2-column and 3-column structures are more common. They can be used in different types of sites: blogs, information, corporate, etc.;
complex structures are usually created for Internet portals, news sites and other resources that contain many blocks and columns.
The structure of the site must necessarily correspond to the resolution of the monitor in which it will be viewed by the user. Masters of web design are well aware that the most popular resolution is 1280×1024, so it is under him first of all, should be adjusted when creating a style of web design.
You can, of course, make a rubber layout, which will stretch to the full width of the screen. However, this option has its disadvantages compared to the fixed. Firstly, the rubber layout is much more expensive. Secondly, on monitors with a high resolution of all the elements of the site will spread, and the information on it will be distorted.
A more complex version of the rubber band is adaptive design. It can display a different number of columns, depending on the resolution of the monitor.
Artistic design
I call on those who continue to clutter your site special effects, urgently stop. This trend has long been a thing of the past. Modern style in web-design welcomes neither crazy backgrounds, nor flashing sliders, or musical splash screens.
As web-developers and users have long since passed the stage of negation of minimalism, and realized that the simplicity and purity of the site – the key to its maximum convenience, functionality and fascinating aesthetics. Sites devoid of nifty features load times faster and keep the user’s attention longer, which is good for ranking and conversion.
But do not confuse simplicity with boredom! Website design style should be fresh, original, attractive. I will offer you some interesting styles that will be useful to both novice web designers and experienced professionals who are looking for inspiration.
Hipster style (grunge)
This dark and brutal style is one of the most in-demand styles in web design today. I personally am in awe of its raw elements.
This style fits perfectly with the idea of minimalism. It is characterized by a combination of sharp shapes with rounded corners and clean, or stark urban backgrounds.
Within this style, real homemade things (rustic signs, brick walls, wooden planks, virtual ribbons, stamps) can also be displayed as backgrounds.
Minimalism
The secret to the undying popularity of minimalist sites is their emphasis not on design, but on content. Fonts look clearer on a neutral background, and images of products – brighter.
In general, the basic idea of minimalism is contrast. It is achieved through color accents strategically placed so as to control the user’s gaze as much as possible, as well as through visual hierarchy through contrasting fonts and backgrounds.
Card style (“Metro”)
A very interesting option, ideal for sites that need to provide a significant amount of information in a digestible form. In this style of web design all the content is distributed on the cards of a single modular grid, as in the start menu of OS Windows 8.
Bright and expressive design “Metro” inherently minimalist, easy to load and adapt to different types of devices, and yet manages to provide limitless opportunities for creative impulse. Its characteristic features are flat elements without shadows or gradients, bright color accents, tile structure, interesting fonts.
Retro (vintage style)
Websites in the style of retro look chic, vintage. This design is often used where necessary to emphasize the rich history of a product or company, to form a consumer certain image.
On such sites can often be found antique, classical elements, furnishings, decor, etc. Most often played up the following historical periods:
antique period;
early XX century;
post-war period up to the 60s-70s.
Futuristic design
Well, this is understandable. Here, in a good sense, “speculate” the idea of the future, sci-fi, robots, metals, computers, etc. A futuristic site should be perceived as unconventional and ambiguous, going against the traditional perception of reality.
Of course, in this article I have not described a small part of all the styles that exist in web-design – this topic is worthy, perhaps, a treatise. The main thing you should remember, choosing the design and structure of your site – this is what will distinguish it from other resources on the Internet. Set clear goals and objectives. Take time to determine the style of the site. Do not forget to take into account the corporate colors and corporate identity of the company for which you are developing web design.
Learn and evolve, both creatively and logically. Create unique designs “for people”, with a well thought out structure and usability. Then your creation will not go unnoticed by users.
