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.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. In this example they have eliminated the notion of a header and footer all together. It feels more like an interactive kiosk instead. The hierarchy of content is primarily done through a left to right organization, which helps make the layout very intuitive. And the chrome to separate navigation from content is simply not needed. Instead, the beautiful products shine through. Here we find that the content is greatly emphasized by removing any sense of a header or footer. Instead of reading a header first, you read the name of the company and a clear statement about what they do (and where they do it). Followed by the main navigation. What a great way to emphasize the brand before getting people to navigate. It makes for an elegant flow. Interestingly as you scroll the page gets a header and a touch of chrome. A beautiful and effective layout that uses the pattern in an inspiring way.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. This example perfectly demonstrates the idea. The design is completely responsive. As the screen size changes each module adapts and sizes to fit the space. By dividing the space evenly it is easier to have the design adapt. And they get bonus points for introducing an element (at larger screen sizes) that breaks the rigid barriers between modules. This example is a rather intense version of the pattern. It does of course embrace the modular approach, which allows them to easily shift content in and out as needed. But there is an important design element at work here, which the previous example lacked. The size of the modules vary to reflect the order of importance and its place in the hierarchy. A risk of this modular approach is making everything the same size, which means you're not really emphasizing anything. In contrast, this example clearly gives importance to the primary element.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.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.
Read Next
LimeWire Developer APIs Herald a New Era of AI Integration
Generative AI is a fascinating technology. Far from the design killer some people feared, it is an empowering and…
By WDD Staff
20 Best New Websites, March 2024
Welcome to our pick of sites for March. This month’s collection tends towards the simple and clean, which goes to show…
Exciting New Tools for Designers, March 2024
The fast-paced world of design never stops turning, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for creatives. As…
Web Tech Trends to Watch in 2024 and Beyond
It hardly seems possible given the radical transformations we’ve seen over the last few decades, but the web design…
By Louise North
6 Best AI Productivity Apps in 2024
There’s no escaping it: if you want to be successful, you need to be productive. The more you work, the more you…
By Simon Sterne
3 Essential Design Trends, February 2024
From atypical typefaces to neutral colors to unusual user patterns, there are plenty of new website design trends to…
Surviving the Leap from College to Real-World Design
So, you’ve finished college and are ready to showcase your design skills to the world. This is a pivotal moment that…
By Simon Sterne
20 Mind-Bending Illusions That Will Make You Question Reality
Mind-bending videos. Divisive Images. Eye-straining visuals. This list of optical illusions has it all. Join us as we…
By Max Walton
15 Best New Fonts, February 2024
Welcome to February’s roundup of the best new fonts for designers. This month’s compilation includes some innovative…
By Ben Moss
The 10 Best WordPress Quiz Plugins in 2024
Whether it’s boosting your organic search visibility or collecting data for targeted email marketing campaigns, a great…
By Robert Reeve
20 Best New Websites, February 2024
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, so this latest collection is a billet-doux celebrating the best of the web this month.
Everything You Need to Know About Image Formats In 2024
Always trying to walk the tightrope between image quality and file size? Looking to branch out from JPGs and PNGs this…
By Robert Reeve