9 outdated web design trends you’ll never forget

Do you remember what websites looked like in the ‘90s? Luckily a lot has changed since then, but there are some design elements that have somehow lingered through the years. At The Computer Guyz, we like to keep things new and fresh, if you’re looking for a website or a new web design – visit tcgcape.co.za or email design@tcgcape.co.za.

So, do you think Comic Sans has gone forever? Take a look at these old school web design trends you’ll never forget…

1. Comic Sans

  Ø  Once highly popular, this font fell by the wayside years ago in favour of more modern designs.

  Ø  The font was included with Microsoft Windows 95 and above.

  Ø  Still beloved by a small group, it may make a comeback on the internet very soon.

  Ø  Someone loved Comic Sans so much that, they gave it a makeover!

  Ø  Comic Neue is an updated version of the old Comic Sans, aimed at reviving the font back into mainstream.

2. Under Construction Logos

     -     This was once the best way to tell visitors you were still building your site, this is now looked down upon by most of the web design world.

     -      Its been replaced by the more mature “Coming Soon” page that allows users to opt-in to your email list.

     -      It’s not dead yet – there’s still an old school website online dedicated to Under Construction graphics.

3. Drop Shadows + Bevel and Emboss + Glossy Buttons + Gradients

  v  Drop shadows were once a really cool way to show off your Photoshop skills. Just a few clicks of a button and bam! You’ve got an awesome looking graphic.

  v  Today’s web design trends call for flat design, which pushes bevel and emboss into the dark abyss of bad web design.

  v  Glossy buttons are the bevel and emboss with a twist. Adding gloss to the buttons, making them look like shiny objects you just can’t resist clicking.

  v  Gradients are another feature in early web design that became so popular that it became overused.

4. Frames

     ·         HTML frames were used to break a page into multiple “frames” that would each display a different URL. The majority of early websites used them in some capacity or another.

     ·         Frames hurt SEO as search engines have a hard time reading frames.

     ·         Frames add to the numbers you must update.

     ·         Frames add to page load time.

5. Marquees / Scrolling Text

     ®     This feature was cool in the 1990s, and often combined with the Comic Sans offense.

     ®     Your website is not a news network! So don’t treat it like one by using a marquee.

     ®     If you’re still using a marquee on your website, you’re going to look like you’re stuck in 1996.

     ®     Google recommends against it, because it hurts your SEO.

6. Animated GIFs

  §  Animated GIFs were an amazingly popular trend of the ‘90s; it seemed everyone was using them.

  §  They are still being used today in email marketing from major brands like West Elm, Bed Bath and Beyond and Starbucks.

  §  They are slowly making a comeback, however if you’re going to use them, keep these things in mind:
  a) The bigger the file size, the longer it takes to load.
  b) Use only a few colours.
  c) They’re now a replacement for video.
  d) Keep them subtle.

7. Overused Stock Imagery

  ü  Stock imagery is still rampant today, but certain images are definitely overused, such as:
  a) The handshake
  b) Group of friends
  c) Happy family

  ü  Instead of stock imagery, use photos that echo your voice and your personality.

  ü  Use photos of people that look real and less than perfect.

  ü  The more real your photos look, the more trust you’ll build with your audience.

  ü  Show alternatives that will help convey a message without the fake stock images.

8. Hit Counters

  o   The early webmaster attempt used to collect traffic data, these were often inaccurate.

  o   Odometer style counters that count “up” each time the website is loaded.

  o   Though not widely used today, there’s still an argument for the use of free counters on your website.

  o   Instead of a visit counter, rely on Google Analytics to give your traffic data, and use a Call to Action to entice your customers.

9. Flash Splash Pages

     ¨       These were once popular because of how cool it was to animate your site with Flash. Thanks to the discovery that Flash isn’t the best option for SEO these have all but disappeared.

     ¨       Google will stop serving Flash ads in 2017.

     ¨       Splash pages are still in use today, for many reasons:
  a) Disclaimers, as required by law before entering a site. E.g. Alcoholic beverages/cigarette websites.
  b) Select the language they want to view the website in, so as to direct users to the correct one.
  c) Additional form of advertising.

Even decades after the dawn of the World Wide Web, we still see the big early design trends playing a role in how we design websites today!