Split screens
In this category we find a selection of sites that all split the screen using a vertical divide. There are perhaps many reasons to do this, and in surveying many samples of this type I have found two main reasons. The first is that at times a design can really have two primary elements of equal importance. A common approach to web design is to rank things in order of importance. This importance is then reflected in the hierarchy and structure of the design. But what if you actually have two things to promote? This approach allows you to give prominence to them both and allow the user to rapidly select between them. The second reason I have found for this approach is that sometimes you need to convey an important duality. Consider the Eight and Four website for example. Here they want to convey the fact that their core strengths are their digital roots and their talented staff. This pairing is what defines them. The split screen is a lovely way to present this. And I especially love how the ampersand unifies the two sides.![16](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/161.jpg)
![01](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/01.jpg)
![03](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/03.jpg)
![07](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/07.jpg)
![18](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/18.jpg)
No chrome!
One of the main elements used in web design are containing elements: boxes, borders, shapes and containers of all types used to split the content of a page apart. Consider a stereotypical header where the elements are neatly contained and separated from the content. A common trend now is to remove all of this extra chrome. This is a minimalist approach, but it goes a step further and has some interesting twists along the way.![02](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/02.jpg)
![13](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/131.jpg)
![15](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/151.jpg)
![20](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/20.jpg)
![17](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/171.jpg)
Modular or grid based
Next up we have layouts built on modular or grid-like structures. In these designs each module is intended to flex based on the screen size. This isn't exactly a new approach, but the introduction of responsive web design has made it even more useful. This hints at the type of adaptable layouts one can create with plugins like Masonry.![04](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/04.jpg)
![19](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/19.jpg)
![08](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/08.jpg)
![05](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/05.jpg)
![06](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/06.jpg)
Filling a single screen
Finally we have sites using an approach where the design adapts to completely fill the screen. This is a subset of responsive design in that it adapts to the screen size. But in this niche the designs adapt in such a way such that they completely fill the screen and do not produce scroll bars. This lack of scrolling means the content has to be extremely focused, and the hierarchy of content clearly established. I find the focus and clarity of these sites to be refreshing.![09](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/09.jpg)
![10](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/10.jpg)
![11](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/11.jpg)
![12](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/12.jpg)
![14](https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/cdn-origin/uploads/2015/01/141.jpg)
Conclusion
While I have dissected each of these trends here in isolation the reality is that they represent building blocks. And these building blocks can be assembled in many different ways. In fact, many of the samples presented here could be moved around to numerous of the categories we have discussed. The diversity of layouts on the modern web, and the fact that they are usable makes the web an exciting medium to work with.Patrick McNeil
Patrick McNeil is a designer, developer and writer; but above all things he is a passionate educator. He is a Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Missouri St. Louis where he focuses on teaching UX Design methods and front end development techniques. Patrick is also the author of the bestselling book series The Web Designer's Idea Book and the curator of DesignMeltdown.com. For more information about Patrick visit his personal site, pmcneil.com, or follow him on Twitter @designmeltdown.
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