Developing a powerful and useful web application or service is just one aspect of the job. Developers must also consider whether users will like it, understand how to use it, and ultimately return to it. Simplifying features and finding the easiest way for users to interact, understand, and love the app is key. Effective web apps and services must be simple, emphasize their purpose, and allow users to achieve basic tasks quickly.
When we look at some of the most popular web apps and services, such as Google Search, Twitter, Delicious, or Flickr, we find that simplicity is the common thread. They are memorable because they are easy to use, learn, and understand. They also have powerful tools that back up their simplicity. These websites have clearly defined functions and basic navigation that is easy to understand and allows users to perform tasks quickly.
While there is no one formula for creating a popular web app or service, there are some general guidelines to follow. There is also no typical design style to follow, as demonstrated by the 50 best-designed web apps and service websites showcased in this post.
These sites are broken down into several categories, including Clean, Simple, and Nice Designs, Minimal and Effective, Vector and Large Background, Corporate and Professional, Modern and Typical (Web 2.0ish), Stylish and Classic, Graphically Improved and Flash, Flex and AIR Designs.
Ultimately, the success of a web app or service depends on its ability to provide a simple, intuitive, and user-friendly experience. By following the best practices of effective design and user experience, developers can create powerful and popular web apps and services that users will love and return to.
Server Density
WebMynd
The Invoice Machine
Big Cartel
Grapevine
Minify Me
Flickr
Delicious
ColorSuckr
TASCK
ImgLot
Pictaculous
StrawPoll
FriendOrFollow
TwitterFone
Everlater
Bet Your Followers
MiLK – The Mobile Learning Kit
Corporate and Professional
WordPress.com
crowdSPRING
Wellper – Collaborative Pricing
Amazee
Vyew – FREE Anytime Collaboration
Last.fm
Behance Network
Screenr
Print Friendly
Cork’d
Vimeo
Jing
Friends Call Me
Blogger
Plinky
SHOWN’D
Typechart
Dialogix
Cobblestone Community Network
Carbonmade
Wufoo
AppBoy
OCR Terminal
BabelWith.Me
Gambolio.com
Clean, Simple and Nice Designs
Image Spark
robo.to
Tumblr
PhotoSnack
YOKABOO
Verb
Autodesk Project Dragonfly
uvLayer
Used cars : Volkswagen UK
Psykopaint
PDF Creator
When developing your web app remember this: Users hate waiting, learning, repeating, non-standard navigation and really hate overlong and overblown pointless sigup forms. How about that for a simplifed guideline?