Web Design Done Well: Perfectly Pointless
In the world of web design, there’s a lot of emphasis on creating websites that are functional, efficient, and user-friendly. But what about websites that are purely for aesthetic pleasure? Is there any value in creating websites that serve no real purpose other than to look beautiful?
The answer is yes. In fact, some of the most memorable websites on the internet are those that have no purpose other than to be visually stunning. These sites are often referred to as “perfectly pointless” websites, and they have become something of a subculture within the world of web design.
So what exactly is a perfectly pointless website? At its core, it’s a site that serves no real function other than to showcase the designer’s creativity and design skills. These sites often have no navigation, no content, and no real purpose other than to look beautiful.
Take Google, for example. The world’s most popular search engine is notorious for its minimalistic design. The homepage consists of little more than a logo, a search bar, and a few links. Yet, this simplicity is exactly what makes Google so effective. Users don’t want to be distracted by flashy graphics or cluttered layouts – they just want to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.
One of the most famous examples of a perfectly pointless website is the website for the movie “The Great Gatsby”. The site, which was created to promote the movie, features no real content other than a series of stunning visuals that transport visitors into the world of the movie. The site was so popular that it won a Webby Award for Best Visual Design.
Another example is the website for the design agency “Hello Monday“. The site features a series of interactive animations and stunning visuals that showcase the agency’s design skills. Again, there’s no real purpose to the site other than to show off the agency’s talents.
Another example of a successful “perfectly pointless” website is Craigslist. The site, which started as a simple classifieds listing service, is still one of the most popular online marketplaces today. And yet, the design has hardly changed over the years. The site’s founder, Craig Newmark, has said that he intentionally keeps the design plain and simple so as not to distract from the content.
So why create a perfectly pointless website? For designers, these sites offer a chance to push their creative boundaries and experiment with new design techniques. They also provide an opportunity to showcase their work in a way that’s memorable and engaging.
For visitors, perfectly pointless websites offer a chance to escape from the monotony of everyday life and indulge in something purely aesthetic. They provide a brief moment of joy and beauty in an otherwise mundane world.
Of course, perfectly pointless websites are not without their critics. Some argue that these sites are a waste of time and resources, and that designers should focus on creating websites that are more functional and useful. Others argue that perfectly pointless websites are a form of art, and that they have value simply for their aesthetic beauty.
In the end, the value of a perfectly pointless website is in the eye of the beholder. For those who appreciate beautiful design and creative experimentation, these sites are a welcome breath of fresh air in the world of web design. For others, they may seem like a waste of time and resources. But regardless of where you stand, there’s no denying that perfectly pointless websites have carved out a unique and memorable niche in the world of web design.
