Web 2.0 has helped Internet to step into its next avatar where users are the central focus and they dictate the success or failure of any web site. While debates are still on as to what exactly defines Web 2.0, one can safely say that it has revolutionized the way business is conducted over Internet, where users now call the shots. Besides redefining the web economy, Web 2.0 has helped technological interactivity between web sites and services reach new level. In this highly interactive environment web sites need advanced and interactive web site design paradigms confirming to the Web 2.0 sensibilities. By interactive web site design, we mean the following: a. The web site should directly address the user’s need and provide a platform to interact with them. b. The advanced web site design should be simple yet elegant where the navigation structure, use of flash in the web site design and the content scheme take the visitor straight to the solution of his/her problem. c. The web site content should be neatly distributed, keeping away from a cluttered look. To achieve these goals, you need to keep in mind the following factors: 1) Keeping the things simple : Every website and every webpage has a purpose. Each element in the advanced web site design scheme should work towards fulfilling that purpose. This means unnecessary elements (whether in design, programming or content) should be discarded. This would help visitors immediately focus on the relevant stuff. 2) Clear navigation : An easy to interpret navigation is very important as it will help users easily reach the page which is the most relevant to them and will ultimately result in achieving better conversion rate. The following factors will help you achieve this: †The navigation buttons are large, bold, clean and obvious. †Navigation bar differentiates from the rest of the page and other navigation bars (if any) in colour, tone and shape. †The purpose of each link is clarified using clear text and expressive icons †Universal navigational bar runs on the top or bottom or both in every page †Hyperlinked company’s name or logo or both are displayed clearly on the top of each page. 3) Using strong colors : Strong colors draw the attention so using them to define the important sections of the webpage is a good idea. They can also differentiate between different areas and can make the simple design look rich and elegant. It is important to note here that strong colors must be used selectively and only in the areas which you want users to notice. 4) Using the central layout : Web 2.0 design mantra is to keep things simple, bold and honest. The central layout style where the webpage is positioned centrally within the browser window gives the impression of the site being professional and technically sound. 5) Managing the grids and white space well : Work with mathematical precision to create a grid with well defined columns and stick to it throughout the site. It will give a coherent look to all the pages and will make it easier for the users to come to the terms with what the site is all about. One more thing that needs mention here is the number of the columns. The number of the columns should be kept at the minimum (to the maximum of three) to keep the site clutter free and simple. As for white spaces, it is worth remembering here that white spaces help in putting the strongly colored icons or buttons in sharp contrast to the base, thus making them stand out clearly. So be liberal with the use of white space especially around the strongly colored important areas.
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