Quick guide to creating a Web 2.0 site.
Web 2.0 and Web 2.0 standards all sound pretty complicated, but basically all Web 2.0 means is that the web has evolved and improved now offering better and more up to date services, such as blogs, wiki’s, social networking etc. Web 2.0 sites are more attractive, simple, and much more usable.
A simple way to create a Web 2.0 website without going into to much depth is to follow these simple rules:
1. Keep it simple! – The site needs to be simple and not too cluttered, have a small amount of content and lots more images.
2. Create a background with a difference - Don’t just have a grey flat background, give it some more depth and feel. Add a gradient effect and don’t be scared to experiment.
3. Big fonts are best - Use large clear fonts. On logos again use large clear fonts but with a Web 2.0 design. Here is a site showing examples of web 2.0 logos: Web 2.0 Logos
4. Bright and beautiful - Use bright, strong colours in your web 2.0 design. Here is a link to a Web 2.0 colour palette: Colour Palette
5. Site alignment - You have created a great background so don’t hide it! Centre your site so everyone can see it.
6. Simple navigation - Use large fonts and again keep it simple and clear. Choose a horizontal navigation rather than vertical.
7. Reflection effect – A great way to add a Web 2.0 element is to add a reflection to your images. Check out our tutorial in the May 2008 newsletter. – LCN Archive
8. Round those corners - Stay away from square boxes, make content boxes and buttons with rounded corners.
9. Add stickers - You will find Web 2.0 stickers on most Web 2.0 sites on the net. Check out our tutorial in the March 2008 newsletter. – LCN Archive
10. Book marking – There are many great book marking sites on the web that you can use on your site, add digg, delicious and reddit etc icons on your site to make your visitors bookmark you.
Their is no rule that says you have to have a perfect Web 2.0 website, sites can look and feel just as good by adding only a few Web 2.0 features. Our website www.lcn.com uses many of the Web 2.0 concepts but not all.
So experiment is the key, follow these simple rules and you will have yourself a great Web 2.0 website!
* Please note LCN are not responsible for the content of external websites.
