A quite mystique phrase is spreading over the internet world for the last few years. Web 2.0 - the cure for all diseases?? Maybe, maybe not. Lets have a closer look on it before following the mass… and this is meant in the true sense.. In my believe it is more the design, the fonts, the visual appearance which changed in the so called Web 2.0 sites.

Roots in African Masks What do have african masks to do with this question? Lets have a short glimps to some development many years ago in art. No, not the history of the internet, but the development of design. We had a comparable change in the art of design slightly more than hundred years ago, when “modern art” started to spread. Up to the end of 19th century, the known art was “old-fashioned” - nice but not attractive to our eyes. A great change took place when a new simplicity of design, developed based on african masks and african figures, became famous in Europe. Indeed the old african artists had carved their african masks in a pure, simple and clear style, that even nowadays you can put african masks on top of any book. What is their special juice?? It is the abstract form of the african masks, with items like ears “great” in size, the natural colour worn by many years of use, and the careful carving really resembling to the art objects of modern internet designers.

So lets focus on the first majour conclusion: it is simplicity, which is a key factor. And it could well be the case, that this is the most important factor. Simple layout, simple fonts.If you add some great colours you are nearly done.

But let us watch at some typical examples of Web 2.0 design. One nice example is a place about fonts. Yes, one of these boring places with piles of fonts - or not? Well, have a closer look yourself to a font site a great experience. A nice example for such a uptodate design site with fonts shows the combination of a simple but unsual design, strong colours, great visuals … and the best fonts you may find.

Another interesting example is a health site about hair loss. Health sites tend to be clean white, boring one could say. This site about hair loss is different. Why not? Web 2.0 gives you the freedom to show it the way you like - whether its about fonts or hair loss. Its true - one can not take only photos for such a serious item, but even a hair loss site can beginn with something astounding.

Both sites - the site with fonts and the web directory - are quite puristic in concept. Indeed you don´t need too many colours. But you can use them if you like. In contrast to a web directory anime sites are in most cases colourful - too much indeed in most anime sites. Anyhow, noone would like an anime website where only grey shades can be seen. So this great anime website draws its attraction from the simplicity. No word, just one picture to see. Only if you use your mouse, you come to the menu this anime site offers.

So, whether looking at fonts, anime, web directory or african masks - you can come from history and will glimpse into the possibilities.