Websites are a flexible and interesting medium for implementing design, but there are drawbacks and difficulties to certain styles. There are themes and ideas which don’t translate well or easily to a virtual format. These limitations are not always technical in terms of document structure, HTML or CSS. Sometimes they are just concepts which don’t seem to translate well to a computer format.
When Virtual Is Too Clean
Computer graphics capability is continually increasing. It is still difficult to overcome the “clean” look of digitally rendered images, however. Websites lend themselves most naturally to clean lines, and a modern look. That’s entirely appropriate for the majority of sites, but sometimes you want to try something different. I touched on this recently when talking about the importance of thinking outside the boundaries of technical limitations. Designs that are based on a “dirty” look, or on organic focused design, e.g. wood, stone, are always tough to achieve.
Pre-20th Century styles are more difficult to achieve using digital technology. Websites that focus on older vintage styles, such as The Steampunk Workshop, do little in terms of the site design, relying more on their content to reflect their focus.
A Retro Alternative?
There have been major moves forward in effective reflections of retro 20th Century designs. Even those have some limitations. Many of these designs seem to be quite reliant on extensive image use. I love the 1950’s look of Prabha, for example, but the whole front page is based on a single image with overlaid navigation, so it relies on that image loading quickly and is inflexible in terms of resizing windows. Lana Landis‘ site also looks great, but relies almost entirely on Flash to achieve its appearance.
Despite the limitations, these styles are increasingly practical and widely used in web design. That design style can utilise the clean lines and “retro modern” look that works well in website design. It’s a design style that’s also been encouraged by the so-called Web 2.0 design style, which encouraged the large icons and bold colors that are applicable to 1930’s and 1950’s styles.
Vintage Desire
I love vintage styles, and I’m always looking for inspiration or good examples. With a certain irony, technical advancement means that it’s becoming easier to reflect antique appearance, but there’s still a long way to go. I’m always looking for good examples and inspiration. What styles and designs do you find difficult to achieve?
Useful Links
- Retro And Vintage In Modern Design (Smashing Magazine)
- Vintage Web Design (Web Designer Wall)