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Web Design that doesn't suck!
MONDAY JUNE 23, 2008

Business Week has just posted a really interesting article on the usefulness/uselessness of the internet. Its a quick read that breaks down the trends of "web design that doesn't suck" through the eyes of Stamen founder and creative director Eric Rodenbeck.

The article itself raises a series of well articulated questions and outlooks on information architecture, animated databases, and maps. With advances in user interactivity and the all too sought after action script 3.0, Reena Jana (author of the case study) reminds us that the best online experiences are those that are focusing on usability and clarity.

The need for over-prominent juicy clickable buttons and fun drawn out animation/video sequences is obsolete in the world of communication. Unfortunately, ad agencies and boutique design firms are increasingly giving up concept and clarity for a "flash in the pan" viral microsite. True it is the future of advertising with technologies like TIVO that turn television advertising into a thing of the past. However, agencies need to take a step back from their technological wonders and remember that its all about the idea. Fun and wacky sites are indeed interesting and if done well enough, maybe the user will forward their experience to a friend, but all microsites have a very small life span are are often far too age/gender focused.

Well thought out ideas and concepts are universal and in the end of the day design success is all about clarity of communication.

Links:
www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/jun2008/

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