Make Joyful Things

The internet feels bleak. Beyond the global challenges we face, the web's open and creative spirit is being stifled by exploitative trends like "Web 3.0" and unsustainable practices. Website design, too, often feels stagnant, prioritizing conformity over creativity. But what if we could change that? What if we prioritized joy in our work?

This article explores how to inject delight into web design, focusing on techniques employed by talented creators.

Infusing Joy: Techniques and Examples

The web is an interactive medium. Unexpected interactions can spark delight. Consider these examples:

• Cassie Evans's animated SVG portrait: The natural cursor tracking and expressive changes create a charming experience.
• Josh Comeau's surprising background interaction: A simple, playful addition that adds unexpected delight.
• Lynn Fisher's pull-tab interaction: A fun, unique alternative to standard clicks or scrolls, showcasing her consistently excellent website design.

Leveraging Animation and 3D

Animation and 3D elements are powerful tools for enhancing user experience.

• Josh Comeau's animated "Like" button: A delightful, bouncy animation with confetti and sound effects that encourages interaction.
• lepuzz.com's spinning product images: A simple yet effective use of 3D to add visual interest.
• Henry Desroches's animated 3D flags: A subtle, soothing effect using noise textures to displace vertices.

The Trade-offs of Prioritizing Joy

Prioritizing joy comes with trade-offs. It might increase load times, impact performance on slower devices, and require more development time. However, the potential to brighten someone's day might be worth the effort. Many of the examples shown are from personal websites, reflecting the greater freedom creators have outside the constraints of large corporations.

In challenging times, the act of creating joy can be particularly rewarding. Consider the value of making someone smile, even if it means sacrificing some efficiency or adhering to conventional design practices. The positive impact might just be worth the cost.

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