I almost always ask new clients to send me links to sites they like (or don’t like). For some, though, that’s an overwhelming request. Not everyone has the time or inclination or even the ability to spend hours surfing the web.
Luckily, there are oodles of web design galleries out there that have already compiled links & screenshots of interesting websites. These can be great starting points for your quest for inspiration. Here are a few of my favorite compilations:
- Design Meltdown: I love this site because it uses so many different categories. You can check out a gallery of, for example, sites that make use of drips, sprays and splatters. Or — my personal favorite — tiny sites.
- Smashing Magazine: You are absolutely guaranteed to find interesting stuff here. You could start with their list of 45 Fresh, Clean and Impressive Designs.
- Web Creme: This site gets extra points for credibility because it, itself, is so beautifully designed. Neat color categories, too.
- StyletheWeb.com: I like this one because it offers categories based on content, such as education or technology, as well as design-based categories. However, I wish they provided larger screenshots.
- CSS Zen Garden: This isn’t a compilation of sites; rather, it’s a single site with multiple themes created by different designers. So cool!
- Nerd Business’ Top 100 CSS Designs of 2007: A very interesting list with a few surprises.
Do you have a favorite web design gallery? Let me know, and I’ll add it to the list.
2 Comments
But the question is should we ask clients to tell us what websites they like or dislike? or should we learn about their business and show them a demo of what their idea or business could become?
Salman, good point. I don’t think the two approaches are mutually exclusive, though. Many of the people I work with are not internet-savvy; some are startups with no pre-existing branding at all. “Websites that you like” is neither the beginning nor the end of the story — but it is a great way to get the creative juices flowing. Plus it often gives me an opening to preach about web standards & accessibility.