Web 2.0 is Not a Style

by Scott Allen

Everywhere I go, I hear the phrase “Web 2.0” thrown around very loosely, with vastly different meanings. It seems like each person has their own idea of what it means, in some cases that’s a great thing because there are many unique features that can be incorporated in Web 2.0 sites. In some cases, the usage of the term borders on ridiculous, especially when I hear people say, “Make it look Web 2.0.”

Web 2.0 is not a style, it’s a mode of designing sites that are more interactive, have better functionality, and are dynamic (vs. the static sites of the 90’s), and build user community when possible. The phrase was credited as being coined by O’Reilly Media. It denotes that we’re in the second generation of website development, and there is much we can add to sites to improve user experience and usability. We’re barely just starting to tap into the possibilities, but there is much that hasn’t even explored yet.

Unfortunately, the term “Web 2.0” is often unknowingly misused by those who use it to mean a graphical style. This effectively removes a lot of the meaning of what a web 2.0 site can be. Now, you can design your entire web 2.0 site without ever opening a program or hiring a qualified designer. After all, you can design just about every element of a Web 2.0 “style” site from online AJAX generators. Do a Google search for Web 2.0 Generator and you’ll see what I mean. No designer needed! No concept needed! No thought needed! Woohoo! Of course I’m being sarcastic, but you can see where it starts to get a little ridiculous. Check out these examples of Web 2.0 Generators, some humorous:

• Web 2.0 Company Name Generator
  Create a Web 2.0 company name with the click of a button!
• Web 2.0 Logo Creator
  Create a Web 2.0 compliant logo so your logo can look just like everyone else’s!
• Bullshitr - The Web 2.0 Bullshit Generator
  Click a button and create Web 2.0 compliant jargon! (This one’s great.)
• Web 2.0 Button Generator
  Create Web 2.0 buttons!
• Stripe Generator
  Create Web 2.0 candy stripes!
• AJAX Loader Generator
  Create a Web 2.0 AJAX loader!

And of course, be sure to check your site with the Web 2.0 Validator!

There is even a Web 2.0 Style Guide so you can learn how to create “Web 2.0 style” designs in a flash.

What people refer to as “Web 2.0 style” is a common style that is employed by many Web 2.0 sites, but there is no one “Web 2.0 style”, which is the implication when people use that phrase. Life would get boring very quickly if there was only one valid graphic design style for Web 2.0 sites. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very cool style, and works well for some sites, but it’s getting over-used throughout the web, and before long, people will probably get sick of seeing it everywhere. There are an unlimited number of design options in a Web 2.0 world, not just glassy effects and candy stripes. Let’s face it, it’s a fad.

An improved user experience through Web 2.0 technology is a good thing. As developers, we need to be incorporating some of the great functionality features that are being introduced, in order to improve user experience across the web. But, let’s not get stuck on one style, because there is a world of amazing creativity and design out there.

Tags:
Web 2.0 | graphic design | web design | web development | WebGeek

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