5 Top Websites on Web Design and Development

One of the downsides to the web is that everything is temporary. Technology is moving at lightning speed and if you want to design a new website or have someone design one for you, it's not enough to be good.
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

One of the downsides to the web is that everything is temporary. Technology is moving at lightning speed and if you want to design a new website or have someone design one for you, it's not enough to be good. There are so many good websites out there. You need to have a site that is memorable and be able to make a statement with your design without "screaming" at your target audience as some sites do. You need to be able to provide a unique and different experience for your target audience otherwise you might lose your target audience.

If you're a web developer or designer, you'll want to follow these 5 top websites so you can connect with a likeminded community, get inspired and re-conceptualize the value of your brand and business.

WebDesigner News has curated stories for designers ranging from personal anecdotes to informative "how-to" type articles. Some of the articles are highly technical in nature but are still web-friendly with relevant content.

Smashing Magazine is an all-in-all site that focuses not just on coding and design, but how to use that design and code to touch someone's heart with design. The focus is also on providing editorial content that can also work from a design perspective with two main platforms -- website and ebook publishing.

Dribble is a community of designers who showcase and share their latest web design projects. There are multiple opportunities to network with other designers at in-person meetups around the globe as well as jobs for designers.

A List Apart - focuses on design, development, and meaning of web content. You'll also find a special focus web standards and best practices. An added value of this site is that it also pays for freelance writers to write on timely topics that are relevant to web design and development. There are also live events featuring expert panelists from around the globe.

Awwwards is a place for top web designers and developers to showcase their work with the hope of being discovered, recognized and promoted. Each year, top designers and developers are selected at a special awards ceremony at an iconic city. As Awwwards says, they are looking for unique digital experiences that are useful, innovative, intuitive, and beautiful."Awwwards is a global "well" of knowledge and inspiration.

So there you have it -- five top websites that showcase not just talent, but knowledge by web designers and developers who have conceptualized their brand through the power of their websites. Many of the contributors to these sites have maximized their online presence to help build their brand and be part of a like-minded community. Have you heard or connected with any of these sites? Do you have any others to share? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot