DRAG’ing… A Design Trend or Over Indulgence?

So, what does the term drag’ing mean? DRAG, stands for ‘Drop shadows, Rounded Corners & Gradients.’

I read an article that stopped and made me think – are these elements being over used and if so why. Are designers using them because they are a design trend or because they are finding it hard to come up with a ‘look’ for their website – if it is the latter, then this is often because the concept is weak. If a concept is strong the design should usually take on its own direction naturally and ‘come to life.’

However, if you find yourself (all designers are guilty of it) using drag’ing elements to decorate your design and liven it up – the concept was obviously not well thought out from the start, (sounds harsh!)

Design trends are here as a guide and should be used sympathetically and appropriately to your designs, they should not dictate the direction of the design.

The reason I am writing this, is to highlight that it is important to ‘keep up with the trends’ but not to be completely influenced by them. Design trends have a shelf life, much like fashion and it is important not to fall into the trap of designing in line with the ‘current style’ but to always be initially driven by the concept.

This is just food for thought and made me think! In other words, if you went to a buffet, you don’t have to put everything on your plate, you would be selective, just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to eat it!

I will not be so quick to apply a drop shadow or rounded corner to a design, unless there is a good reason for doing so, it should be used to enhance a design

… Not as a ‘pretty decoration!’

Claire Tuvey
Designer