Innovators of t'internet

Soldato
Joined
27 Sep 2004
Posts
13,751
Location
.
There are many amazingly talented individuals and organizations out there, providing rich interactive experiences for us all to enjoy online. Few stand out in particular as true innovators that have shaped the way we design for and also view the internet. These(I think) include:

2Advanced
Although many view them as out of date, still living in 2000 with flash sites covered in 'techy' styling. Let's not forget who really started the whole trend. Their high impact flash experiences and vast array of high end clients is amazing....even these days. I wouldn't be surprised if their annual turnover was outstanding.

*Group 94
I'm often presented with people that have no idea who these guys are. Understandable considering they seem fairly low key. However, every site launched creates a buzz and wins some sort of award. Their flash CMS applications seem pretty damn special. Browsing their portfolio they maintain a consistent 'less is more' in contrast to 2advanced^. For their higher end campaigns - take a look at EA's crysis site for some true interactive content. May not look like much but try creating a flash game incorporating that level of 3D, texturing and interactivity.

The Big Noob
What blogger doesn't know The Big Noob? What started as an in-house project resulted in one of the most popular design house blogs on the net, I believe. A combination of their fresh, innovation web 2.0 design and bright personalities created some buzz. I still think their at the forefront of social networking, creating such brands as Purevolume and Virb.

So go on, share your favorite sites/design agencies/designers and tell us why their so good. :)

* Probably my favorite design agency.
 
Sadly, I did what I do with all fully-flash sites when I discover what they are (unless I'm looking for something specific on them); closed it.

The Big Noob looks quite cool. Though I wouldn't say that Virb is at the forefront of social networking. Certainly a very good site, though.

I don't think I've ever had a favourite design agency. When it comes to the web, I like a simple layout with a nice font face (or set of font faces), solid colour scheme and good content. This thread's made me realise that I go for content now, more than aesthetics. That's not to say that I don't appreciate something that looks good, it goes into my inspiration tag for future reference :D (just noticed, the first one is a flash site! d'oh!)

Innovators for me would be people who are working towards a more accessible and secure web, with less focus on the social element so that a wider majority of people might appreciate that the web is more than just facebook and google.
 
Although flash can look cool, i'll generally avoid using any flash site if I can.

It just gets on my nerves. Simple, functional and easy to use designs are far, far better for regular use.
 
Apart from little flash headers i.e. simple fades between images.

I hate complete Flash sites and Flash intros, I just skip them everytime.
 
Both platforms have their merits. I wouldn't expect to see an online storefront featuring the latest flash technology.

Flash is excellent for building campaigns featuring great animation and effects. If done well, it can look amazing. As demonstrated in the OP. CSS design can also be great, especially on sites that must be accessible ie CMS driven e-commerce sites.

The intention of this thread was to have the greatest and perhaps latest sites displayed.

For the CSS lovers:
SimpleBits
Like most web 2.0 design, these guy(s) design methods revolve around the minimal and accessibility. Great use of typography and colour throughout their portfolio.
 
get_off_my_internet.jpg


He innovatified the internets! <--- (now with 100% more Bushisms)
 
Flash sites have never had me amazed. They do have me bored and frustrated, though.

Same here, I see flash websites as so 5 years ago :p. 90% of flash websites I end up leaving after the splash screen, content is never good and they are all just too fancy. I like Simple and clean websites better.

One site I recently came across which I thought was different is:

http://www.gr0w.com

And I've always liked panic codas website, no flash just simple and effective javascript animations:):

http://www.panic.com/coda/
 
Back
Top Bottom