This is only really going to be a brief article. Basically, I look around and I see a lack of innovation in designs today. Or rather, unique innovation. And in this little article - like a baby article really - I'll point out what I mean, and how you can avoid me passing over your site like a.. wow. I can't think of an analogy.

There must be other people like me out there, who hate these stereotypes, so read on!

Ok, what?

That first paragraph was, essentially, a load of rubbish. Let me clarify.

Ever been to a site, or another one, or even a different one, and wondered what happened?

Ok, let me straighten this out. I am in no way slagging these sites off. They're the first examples that sprung to mind - and Spoono's amazing linkbase! I'm not saying they are bad sites, and I'm not saying they're easy to make. God, no. Please, remember that. I'm picking the best that fall into the category I'm talking about.

So, ever been to a site like that and maybe couldn't find something? Got confused? Had to pause to think about what you're doing? Had to look for the button to turn the damn music off?

That's what I'm talking about.

Ahh, I see..

Yes, fellow web user. This is my point.

I am all for the advanced use of Flash, as demonstrated by the ever-amazing 2Advanced for example. But I also think that usability should be a major concern.

How can it possibly be good to confuse your visitors?

How about Dean Guitars? Just look at their site. How long did it take you to find the button to turn off the Flash music? Drove me insane. Put me off buying a Dean.

You've got to stop and think about this kind of thing. And as such, I personally prefer the little notion that: Less is more.

Less is more you say? Explain.

You've got a simple, clean design, like Union Designs by our very own ickle Niki.

Check that out. It's still attractive isn't it? The menu's easily in place, and it serves it's purpose. Yes, I know, there's no content. It's under construction (As of August '06 anyway).

How about another site from our lovely little family of designers, Eli?

I must say, I love that site. It's also clean, it's also effective.

Is this just a list of sites you like?

Not as such, no. Those two sites have a lot in common, and that, in a word, is simplicity. While some argue that the complexity of a site is what sets it apart, just consider this.. if you have to make your site complicated to get people to stay on it, does it need to be online at all?