News and Media

Using Web 2.0 to deliver a user centred online experience

February 2008

If you have visited popular websites such Facebook, MySpace, YouTube or Flickr you have already experienced the current generation of internet design called Web 2.0.  This well worn term describes the current evolution in online design and the introduction of user-centred web-based applications that provide wide-ranging functionality.

A longer definition of Web 2.0 can be read at Wikipedia.

Web 2.0 brings about a more interactive experience, with users deciding what content they want – allowing them to actively and creatively participate in online forums/communities, blogs, wiki’s, online email, voice chats and instant messaging. Dubbed as ‘social networking’, online communities are popping up daily allowing people to share interests and activities, or look at the interests and activities of others

Check out the growing list of Social Networking websites that are appearing.

One of the nicer elements of Web 2.0 is the design styles that are slowly infiltrating some of the more popular sites on the internet.  It’s worth considering how these designs can work for your audience and whether it will improve the user experience of your website.

Logo’s

A slick graphical logo has become a must have for the Web 2.0 generation of websites.  Check out FontFeeds’ list of Web 2.0 logo’s - http://www.fontshop.com/fontfeed/archives/the-logos-of-web-20/.

        

Colourful Icons

The use of colourful icons (rather than stock photography) can provide a much better look and feel and a more user-friendly navigation for the user.  Sometimes it can be difficult for a stock photo to portray a link to an area of your website.  An icon can be designed specifically for this section of your site and provides a more unique visual identity. 

      

Reflections & Drop Shadows

These types of effects help to add depth to the page and provide a more impactful logo or header to the webpage.

        

Rounded Corners

In the past couple of years a new CSS technique for rounded corners has made this possible.  Rounded corners are much softer and suit the informal style of many Web 2.0 sites.

            

Big Text

When used with the right amount of whitespace, big text can direct people exactly where you want them to go on your webpage.  Just make sure you aren’t shouting at them too much (ie. make the most important text the largest). 

 

Uncategorised

‘Wet-look tables’, ’starbursts’ (also known as ‘flashes’ or ‘violators’), and ‘glass buttons’ make a visually stunning style.  Check out Apple’s website to see a lot of these techniques in action (where some of these techniques first appeared too!).

         

   

Some of things you can now do online – thanks to Web 2.0

Apart from the heavily publicised sites mentioned earlier in this article, the web also offers a raft of upcoming sites that have a range of innovative features – some that are great, and some that leave you wondering….why?

We’ve dropped in a selection below:

• Babbel.com
  With Babbel you can learn words and phrases in foreign languages and connect with people from all over the world. Practice on your own with online lessons or find a study partner in the international Babbel community.  Learn French on the fly!
• Picnik.com
  Online photo editing and manipulation tools using only your web browser.  Surprisingly easy to use and a raft of very advanced features, usually only available in photo-editing software.
• Polldaddy.com
  Quickly and easily create polls and surveys and insert them into your website, blog, forum, etc. 
• Conduit.com
  Create a free toolbar for your customers to add to their browsers. Incorporate live chat, a search box and your company’s logo.
• Yourminis.com
  Find widgets for your blog or website that include services like Twitter and Digg.
• Glogster.com
  Make your own poster with video, music, images – you name it.  Simply drag and drop around the screen and you’re ready to be the star of your office wall.
• VisualCV.com
  Create an online visual resume that has a raft of interactive features.  No longer is the CV only on paper. 
• Stuffable.com
  Show off your stuff – like a ‘show n tell’ but online.  I guess the question is – do people really want to see your ‘stuff’?
• SuperCook.com
  Recipe search engine.  Except you put in what you have in your cupboard and SuperCook tells you what to cook!  Great for the less culinary inclined. 

The Web 2.0 Directory

If you want to spend the next couple of hours looking at how quickly these sites are taking off – have a look at the Complete Web 2.0 Directory. 

For more information on delivering a user centred online experience, please Contact Us for more information.