Web design has come a long way since it was founded. As web design develops the line between design and development is growing thinner and thinner. There are radical changes that have taken place revolutionizing the world of web design fully. The days of dazzle are long gone and internet users are looking for something more than just flashy designs and beautiful graphics. The current decade requires that the average web designer stay relevant by not just impressing but also delivering and staying relevant to your clientele. In addition, the designs should be simple enough to accommodate the users of net books, smart phones and tablets.

Some of the marker features of 2011 are CSS3 and HTML 5. In the previous years, these have been on the background but designers are now starting to let go of flash and embrace these tools. HTML 5 saves the day where flash was being overused ad CSS3 is also a great tool for visual effects. Simplicity also marks the 2011 web design with colors being used more sparingly yet elegantly with the right contrast. Simplicity also extends to the use of smart phones, iPads and net books. Mobile web design is becoming more popular as is the need to code your site in such a way that it is compatible to mobile medium.

Touch screens are becoming more and more common especially in smart phones, desk tops and some laptops. The days of the mouse seem like they are being left behind as technology becomes more tactile. Your design needs to incorporate fingertip navigation. Liquid layouts are also more common and there is no need to deal with screen resolutions anymore. Basically, your design should be able to adapt to the changes so that you are not left behind.

2011 web design is also characterized by depth best defined by parallax scrolling which uses layers to create a 3D illusion. 3D technology though not so popular is gradually making its way and it is all about creating a third dimension in your screen making some elements look nearer than others. Large photos also seem to be surging back and are increasingly becoming a preferred way of attracting audience. Of great essence is, the photos having a content-appropriate background.

Adventurous domain names are also not left out in the 2011 web design trends. More creative domain names are emerging and the .com domain name seems to be fading away slowly and the likes of .me or .us are emerging. The Quick Response (QR) is another feature greatly revolutionizing the 2011 trends. It can be used to track visitors and to offer short cuts to your mobile site.

The thumbnail design has been invented and it offers a magnifying glass on which the visitors can click to see the content of your site. This feature raises the temptation of your site being judged by its thumbnails. It is however not very friendly with flashes based websites. Constant connection through personal blogs, portfolios and social networking sites has also greatly characterized 2011 web design trends