The Web Transmogrified 2: Predictions

These are not original ideas.

Print will die once everyone has a mobile computer. This may take a while, although perhaps not as long as one might think since Walmart is selling the iPhone.

Online catalog budgets for retailers will by in large surpass traditional merchandise catalog budgets, but ecommerce user experience will not change much, sadly.

Magazines will finally see the light and start investing in online publishing, spurring some minor innovations in online publishing, mostly in the area of online advertising, sadly.

All music will eventually be free via the web and all artists will make money through t-shirt sales and donations.

Most desktop apps will be cloud-ified.

George Agpoon’s internet buzzword, “cloudified”, will be embraced by hundreds.

The Web Transmogrified 1

Stating the obvious, but maybe some don’t know yet:

The web is mostly type, which makes readability and organization of written content of critical importance.

Users will scroll. They like to scroll. The vertical organization of large chunks of information on a page is easy for users to understand.

Users will surf the web from their sofa.

Users (Millennials and up) do not differentiate between television and web media.

Users (consumers) are the primary keepers of brands online. Web workers must inspire and empower users to activate and advocate brands.

How I Love WordPress

For me, WordPress has that pleasure principle going for it. I love using it. The design is elegant. It has great usability. It’s extremely flexible and customizable.

Put another way, WordPress is the Baskin Robbin’s Peanut Butter n’ Chocolate of online apps.

Addicted to Avenir

Seems like everything I design lately uses the Avenir typeface. I’ll often start with a different font, but I always seem to go back to Avenir. Why? It’s precise, modern, timeless, well kerned, and easy on the eyes. My overuse of it is however is making it a little stale.

There are other options, such as Freight:

Proxima Nova:

And Precious:

I could always go back to the tried and true Helvetica Neue. Or maybe I’ll finally get around to designing my ideal typeface.

(images from smashingmagazine.com)

Beijing Brand Identity

I have to say, I am really enjoying the design and branding of the Beijing Olympics. The brushstroked logo is friendly and well balanced. The visual element of the wave, as seen in the environmental graphics, is simple, but executed in a very beautiful and elegant way. The wave evokes energy, but also serenity. The color palette is vibrant and joyous. The Olympic designers somehow managed to use the rainbow in a tasteful and modern way. I love the subtle gradients in the color draping. All the graphics seem to play well with the Olympic architecture I’ve seen thus far. Can’t wait to see more.

New Home for Blog?

I’m trying WordPress to see I like using it more than Blogger. WordPress seems to have more design, layout and functional options. I’m curious to see how posting works on the iPhone as well.