When resizing the browser, the content on the page spreads itself out to fill the width of the browser when expanded, hence the term liquid design, and will look enlarged or as though is has shrunk. The columns containing the content on the webpage are built using percentages, rather than fixed columns used in fixed design, therefore the columns increase or decrease in size relative to each other.
Fixed web pages have a set width that won't alter when the browser is resized, no matter what device the website is being viewed on. On smaller devices, such as smartphones or tablets, content is harder to view and can be annoying for users due to the need to scroll horizontally to view the rest of the content on a page, or continuously ''pinch and expand'' to zoom into the page's text. When the browser on a screen is enlarged or reduced, images and text may visually fall apart on the screen.
Flat design is a minimalistic design approach that emphasizes usability. It features clean, open space, crisp edges, bright colors and two-dimensional/flat illustrations.
Microsoft was one of the first to apply this design style to its interface. Instead of converting a real-life object, such as a calendar, into a tiny realistic illustration, advocates of flat design identify apps with simple, icon-like images. Rather than bringing aspects of real life to an interface, this illustrates a clear separation between technology and tactile objects.
One fairly recent web design trend is parallax scrolling, which involves the background moving at a slower rate to the foreground, creating a 3D effect as you scroll down the page. It can sometimes be overwhelming, but when used sparingly it can provide a nice, subtle element of depth.
Single page web designs certainly aren’t a new trend. Its continuance suggests that it’s more practical and effective than most. Like all trends, single page sites have their advantages and shortcomings, but in a world where thousands of new websites are created daily, a single page web design may be the best way to cater to the ever-shortening human attention span.
It should be noted that the single page web design isn’t perfect for every purpose. Having a refined purpose for your design, your content to fit a single page, and creating an interesting layout are some of the most important focal points to make your single page design meet its full potential.
