No more grey (and blue)

It is widely known that corporate websites are painted grey and blue. The word “painted” was not used in vain. Actually corporate sites often are built the same (difficult to be described but easy to be recognized) way. They all look the same to me and at the end of the day I can’t recollect any of them.

Grey and blue are two colors which add validity, solemnity and authority. Strict menus, somewhat dull images (yuppies and luxury work places) and solid lines do the same. People who use them they certainly have something on their mind. The question is: five years ago these design schemes served the purpose they supposed to - what about now?

The implication is clear. Corporate websites should change. Adding new colors to the old scheme should not embarrass CEOs. AJAX effects should not be frowned upon. All in all what makes a (corporate) website credible? According to me the most important issue is the way texts are written (clear, to the point, providing solutions). It is much easier to use some greys and blues instead of taking time to compose a text which would transmit powerful messages to the visitors of the site. People seek for solutions - that’s why they visit such websites. They need clear answers and they need proofs. Clear answers can be provided by the Web. Proofs not always (valid online services are proofs however).

My conclusion? Say no to grey and blue color combos. Say yes to deep thought and solid development from the very beginning.