Web 2.0's simplistic aesthetic values make illustrative art possible in a shorter timeline

07/28/2008 Jrnl/Design

I recently saw a really cool post at Spoon Graphics’ blog about how illustrations of landscapes are trendy in web design. The post is worth a look, just because there are so many nice designs pictured there.

But what’s even more interesting to me is the fact that so many of the illustrations in that gallery are fairly simple. They’re not very elaborate or frilly – which is unusual in designs aiming for an organic look.

I think that, instead of organic, they’re going for the “Web 2.0” look, which subscribes to a Keep It Simple, Stupid mentality.

And that has a rather interesting side-effect: I could probably do something like that at my job. I don’t think it would consume too much extra time, and it would make the whole design look as though more time went into it than actually did.

Comment [2]

Evan

07/31/2008 User Comment

A majority of the those landscapes are a bit cutesy. Naturally that must be what the designers wanted. Do you think there is a way to make a landscape in that web 2.0 style more serious? Is it a matter of that style inherently looking a little too cartoony to be taken seriously?

Dan Hiester

08/03/2008 User Comment

That’s a very interesting criticism. Web 2.0 evangelists seem to enjoy patting themselves on the back for making the web easier to approach for those who have less computer experience. I think part of the motivation in making these layouts look cartoony is to make them more approachable; less threatening.

I think it is possible to do minimalist landscapes that can look a little more professional, but it definitely seems like these designers want to make a website that looks like it wants to reach out, shake your hand, and ask how the kids are doing.