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In graphic design, gradients are generally frowned upon, primarily because they tend to be excessive and distract from the meaning of the images. In web design,
by mcav 16y ago
In graphic design, gradients are generally frowned upon, primarily because they tend to be excessive and distract from the meaning of the images. In web design, there are legitimate uses for subtle gradients to add a subtle 3D effect. As with anything else, trends come and go; right now, subtle gradients and 1px highlights are in; take a look at the iPhone UI for inspiration.
- zachrose 16y agoA computer screen is like a perfectly precise lightbox. Gradients are tacky in print because they were expensive to execute on paper. ("Tacky" here used to mean counter to the Modernist dogma of purity, precision, truth, and generally "going with the grain" of a medium that dominated a large part of the late 20th century. YMMV.) On a screen, gradients are not only beautiful, but useful in creating the perky faux-physics that have come to dominate almost all of consumer UI design. Part of this may be rooted in the measurable "effectiveness" of illusionistic UIs, but I have the sense that it's also about wanting desktop computers to be a cute little robots. Also: grade.tumblr.com
- jamesbritt 16y ago"On a screen, gradients are not only beautiful, but useful in creating the perky faux-physics that have come to dominate almost all of consumer UI design." Gradients are occasionally beautiful, when subtle, but the sooner the whole "perky faux-physics" dies (especially the tiresome "everything has a glass bubble" look) the better.