Rob's Current Go-To Web Design List For Inspiration in Usability, Visual Design, and Fun
Prompted by a tweet question from Ken Drab of the web comic Rick the Stick, I assembled this go-to list of sites I look to currently as good examples of usability, visual design, and fun. I'd have tweeted this but it's already far too long of a response for twitter. There are dozens of other sites that almost make these short-lists but I'll keep this brief. Please note that some sites make more than one list! Good Usability:
These sites present tasks plainly, consistently, show what's important, de-emphasise what's less important.
Good Visual Design:
The look of these sites is executed with care and intention to good style and communication.
Fun Times to be Had via Style, Message, and/or Interaction:
My favorite definition of fun is in the book A Theory of Fun. These sites aren't all about games, some are some aren't. They all have fun in doing what they do and don't sacrifice good design in the process.
These sites present tasks plainly, consistently, show what's important, de-emphasise what's less important.
- http://twitter.com/
- http://www.bradcolbow.com/
- http://www.cvcomics.com/MRI.html
- https://agilewebsolutions.com/support
- http://www.boxee.tv/
Good Visual Design:
The look of these sites is executed with care and intention to good style and communication.
- http://www.bradcolbow.com/
- http://lfgcomic.com/
- http://notinventedhe.re
- http://www.cvcomics.com/MRI.html
Fun Times to be Had via Style, Message, and/or Interaction:
My favorite definition of fun is in the book A Theory of Fun. These sites aren't all about games, some are some aren't. They all have fun in doing what they do and don't sacrifice good design in the process.