A common new web design

[oregonbob]

This isn't an Ubuntu question but it is regarding development. I am an novice website developer somewhat isolated and one thing has been driving me nuts: There is a fairly new, recent website style that is exploding on the web. I would love to know if the developers are all using a similar set of design tools, framework to rapidly and easily produce these websites. I see its use is very common in newer technology startups and even well established.

It is hard for me to describe the style so I'll give examples. I would say many appear to have larger, simple fonts, menus and styles. It might be considered a "dashboard look". Often using dark background colors with light foreground and fonts, compared to the older customary dark foreground on white background. Buttons are usually, relatively large. Here are a few sites I think represent this style/look:
http://www.jolicloud.com/
http://photopeach.com/
http://vimeo.com/
http://www.justspotted.com/
http://www.ning.com/
http://www.eguiders.com/
http://addictomatic.com/newsfix/popular

I give a lot of examples because I have such a hard time describing the look and feel. It is one of those things "I know when I see it". Sorry if this is not the appropriate place to ask this question. I am suspecting developers are all using similar tools to produce these websites. Maybe a framework, or platform, or rapid development tool.

Does anyone see what I mean?

[Barrucadu]

I don't think there is a common framework or tool; it's just the latest of many web design trends.

[worseisworser]

I don't think there is a common framework or tool; it's just the latest of many web design trends.

Yup, pretty much. This is HTML (some HTML5), CSS (some use some of the newer CSS features) and JavaScript; standard web stuff.

[Grenage]

It's quite a good way of displaying some sites, especially when you don't want a lot of clutter.

[krazyd]

Welcome to Web 2.0 (http://www.webdesignfromscratch.com/web-design/web-2-0-design-style-guide/). ;)

[bitscarre]

That is the new trend of the now famous Web 2.0. You can find a lot about it on slideshare. Also there is an opml file with a lot of websites and blogs related to web design and development. Google a bit and you'll find it easily, it has about 150+ websites in it.

Get the opml, then you can read through the new trends of the web on a daily basis.

If possible for you, also follow the available conferences, worrkshops, there are plenty available. A bit pricey if not a student but well worth the price and sometimes extremely inspiring.

[worksofcraft]

The original intent of the web was to give us access and navigation of information. HTML and web browsers aimed to give us, the users, control of appearance: Font sizes and colors that could be adjusted to an individual's accessibility requirements.

"web 2.0" however focuses more on appearance and marketing and has much the same objectives as the glossy junk mail that we dump in our recycling bin every day. While some of the advice is good common sense it is however IMHO still only a fashion trend and not suitable for everything.

[oregonbob]

Whoa, someone is getting defensive of the old ways :P Yes I understand the new look is more eye-appealing and implies "Try me I'm easy to use", but it may not provide as much actual information in the same amount of space.

I do know I like the new look when appropriately used. I want to design some websites using it. Thanks for the OPML tip and I'll check that one. Can anyone recommend their favorite tools for creating them?

[bitscarre]

This is like emacs vs eclipse.

Everybody is entitled to an opinion.