9rules.com — If you add together all the "interface tricks" designers use on 1) websites, 2) blogs, and 3) web applications, the one common thread is the idea of manipulation. When we use gloss, gradients, or drop shadows it's because we're trying to manipulate your eye into thinking the 2D screen in front of you is a lush 3D landscape filled with volume...
Aug 30, 2006 View in Crawl 4
anagogeAug 31, 2006
"When we use gloss, gradients, or drop shadows it's because we're trying to manipulate your eye into thinking the 2D screen in front of you is a lush 3D landscape filled with volume..."Or, more realistically because it's cool to look shiny and web 2.0, regardless of what your site is offering.
jaymoonAug 31, 2006
@TheReportIf you talked to clients/customers/colleagues like that in your work office, I, and many others, wouldn't do business with you.
jaymoonAug 31, 2006
This isn't how to make a gradient. It's how to make a *good* gradient.You're probably one of the people that thinks "Eh, it doesn't matter what font I use on my website, they're all the same..."
soupisgoodfoodAug 31, 2006
A lot of people are giving this article crap, but it DOES illustrate an important point in graphic design: subtlety. The key isn't so much in the effect you use, but the way you use it. A good designer can use subtle effects on elements, that may not even be consciously noticed by the average viewer, to make a design more interesting and aesthetically pleasing.
sawyer3Aug 31, 2006
@Powerdrift"huh?" ... exactly.if you are going to make lame comments, like this one or your first comment, defend them... don't just hit and run... it's unbecoming.
3pointrossAug 31, 2006
I think it is a good article, it shows people how to use subtle gradience over painfully obvious ones. Even though I know how to do this - it is nice to see tutorials that teach core items with the idea of taste and proper usage vs just the methods.I am not sure it is front page digg worthy though? Did this happen simply because Rundle is a well known designer/blogger?
Closed AccountSep 1, 2006
What does anyone on Digg know about subtle?
mgadalskyApr 20, 2007
Really good. Helpful tutorial, thanks!
crossersMay 14, 2008
I don't understand what is means we want to monipulate!
crossersJul 21, 2008
<a class="user" href="http://www.shpe-sac.org">http://www.shpe-sac.org</a><a class="user" href="http://www.ocflex.com/">http://www.ocflex.com/</a> <a class="user" href="http://www.trgovinca.org">http://www.trgovinca.org</a><a class="user" href="http://www.chasr.org/">http://www.chasr.org/</a>