The look of websites is ever changing, and while trends come and go in web design, the basic rules behind elegant, user accessible websites never change. That’s not to say that the design of your website shouldn’t necessarily make use of these trends.

One of the most popular design trends over the last couple of years has been the “Web 2.0″ style of websites. While “Web 2.0″ can be an ambiguous term, in design it refers to the oversized sans-serif headings, extensive used of gradients, striking elements and rounded corners, among many other things. A lot of popular websites make use Web 2.0 styling, and when used correctly, it can be very easy on the eye.

However, the common theme among these aesthetically pleasing websites is that they follow the basic rules of web design. A couple of these rules are:

• prominent, easy to use navigation
• consistency throughout the website
• consideration towards the F-shaped pattern for web reading
• content should always be the focus of the page, not an afterthought

There are dozens more rules, and all of the best websites follow them. These rules will always be more important than any trend, and any website that follows them will be off to a great start. Making use of current design trends has it’s positives; it shows the user that your website is modern and “cutting edge”, and that you have taken time to create an eye pleasing website.

Trends will always change in web design, and while they can give your website a fresh, modern feel, it’s vital that you don’t forgot about the basic, underlying concepts behind good design.