Forget about the complicated flash animations, glittery titles and flashy designs. Web design in 2011 is not about beauty — it is about functionality. Trends for this year and future years consist of responsive web design, constant connection and virtual reality. Several factors contribute to these trends such as, simple color schemes, intuitive design, easily accessible information and fast response. Here are just a few of the most popular web trends found on websites today:

Let’s play the Name That Logo Game...

way too easy right? It’s because every one of these visual identities are composed of special features that are instantly recognizable to people. Whether it’s through the red and white of the Coca-Cola word mark or it’s the golden arches of the McDonald’s ‘M’ , these logos have their own exclusive character that helps make them instantly recognizable, creating a unique identity.

Logos should portray the business in a positive light and embody their mission, through simple text, a symbol or a combination of the two.

I’m going to share a little secret on how to get the best website ever. Be the best client ever. Wait, what? It’s not the client’s job to design, code, tweak, and publish. Their job is to sit back and relax, shell out the big bucks, and have a super slick website on their desktop in 4-6 weeks. Well, that’s definitely an important part of being a client, but I’ll bet you half those big bucks that you'll want something tweaked, changed or new at yoursite.com. It’s time to get involved with the web production process. You don’t have to take the reins, but it’s your job to help steer.