There is no doubt that technology has taken giant leaps in the past decade, including massive changes in the way we perceive and interact with technology. It is no surprise then that web design and development have come under the influence of these shifts. A portion of these have been owed in part to improvements in the technology itself and the access to more sophisticated and advanced applications and the other is due to the way user interaction has evolved in recent years.
Source: freepik
Whether it be minimalistic websites with designs that have an abundance but meaningful use of whitespace or the use of parallax scrolling to add an immersive experience, these design trends have definitely made an impact in the online world.
In any case, the result is an incredibly diverse set of websites that have pushed the envelope in terms of design, usability, user experience, and functionality. Below is a list of 10 such mind-blowing websites that we think you should definitely check out!
Top 10 mind-blowing websites
Alec Babala (Portfolio Website)
Source: Alec Babala
This one is for all the aspiring designers and artists out there. Alec Babala is a freelance UX designer who has done some really incredible work for clients such as Coca-Cola, Ford, and Motorola. His portfolio website is a beautiful showcase of his talent and skills.
First impression
The homepage features a large background image with Babala’s name and profession fashioned like a Snapchat profile image superimposed on it. The website offers a desktop experience in terms of its navigation. It has smooth gradient usage where the color gradient follows your mouse and movement. Overall, the warm colors make you feel at ease as you navigate the website. The most exciting aspect is it is both seemingly simple to use but showcases its incredible complexity all at the same instance.
Visual experience
Firstly, since websites is designed to replicate a desktop, you can move as you wish through the website in a 2D frame. Next, you have all these different interesting elements like a watch clock to show the time, little notes at the far corner to describe his work, and his skills, and the rest of the space is populated with little application windows showcasing his varied portfolio. Lastly, the colors are easy on the eyes and the overall design of this website is clean, sleek, and modern but still manages to capture a bit of personality.
Content
The content on the website is well placed. It is in relatively simple language and quite easy to understand. As he is a UX Designer, it is to be expected that he lets his work, i.e., his portfolio, do the talking for him. However, the written content is still spot on in providing the requisite information without having too much to read.
User experience
As aforementioned, it’s designed to look like a desktop so you can click on any of the little windows and be taken to that particular project or blog post. Most of the windows are clickable and showcase his incredible portfolio. As you hover over the windows, the wave-like visuals are immersive and really capture viewers and make you want to explore what the window contains.
Thoughts
This website is a perfect example of how web technologies can be used to create beautiful and interactive experiences. The visuals are stunning and the interaction is simple and fun. The end result is a website that is both visually stunning and highly interactive. Even without actually interacting with him, you already know that Alec is incredibly skilled, highly experienced, and incredibly personable. All this you can infer from just his website. So, not only does it tell you what he has done and what he can do for you, but it also tells you who he is, and all this in incredible detail. This is exactly what a website is meant to do. You also can’t help but think he is flexing a bit!!
SVZ Design
Source: SVZ
This website is a must-see. The design, functionality, user experience, and overall aesthetic are all top-notch. This is a web design studio based in San Francisco, and they have done an amazing job with their website. Everything about it oozes levity but still showcases their professional attitude. The team at SVZ has clearly put a lot of thought into every aspect of their site, and it shows.
First Impression
The first thing you notice about SVZ’s website is the completely pitch-black background. This makes all the other bright colors and design elements stand out. The second aspect that stands out is the use of animated elements. It is simplistic but still fun. It makes you smile and immediately creates a favorable impression of the company.
Visual Experience
SVZ seamlessly showcases its visuals through simplistic animations, motifs, and transitions. However, within this minimalistic animation lies the hook. Against the black background, this game-like animation is a throwback to the days of simple video games. The moving visuals are joined in part by the snippet-like video windows showcasing different aspects of their services and portfolio. The use of whitespace is particularly effective in creating a visually appealing and clutter-free design (not necessarily in white color), adding to the visual experience. The colors are very apt to highlight all the other design elements and blend very well with the look and feel of the website.
Content
The content on the website is well organized and easy to follow. The level of detail provided is just right, without being too overwhelming. The language used is also very simple and straightforward, which makes it easy for visitors to understand.
User Experience
The user experience on the website is excellent. The website is very responsive and easy to navigate. The simplistic animations provide a fun but informative experience for visitors to the website as they explore for information about the company’s services. Overall, the website provides a great user experience.
Functionality
The website is extremely functional and really easy to use. All the features on the website work perfectly and are easily accessible. All the different sections are easily accessible and spaced out, allowing you to clearly perceive all the information provided.
Thoughts
The website is very well-designed and provides a great user experience. The animations provide a throwback feel, while the modern minimalistic design provides an exciting experience for those visiting the website.
SUPERLIST
Source: Superlist
Superlist is a platform that allows you to seamlessly plan and organize activities, both work and private, with your team or friends. This platform is akin to an application that helps you make a to-do list but is far more versatile, interactive, flexible, and exciting. It is touted to be the future must-have for project teams everywhere and pretty soon it will be.
First Impression
First up, this website is designed for GenZ audiences. It is fun, bright, interactive, efficient, innovative, and informative. That is probably a lot of things to notice on a first impression but that is exactly what the website conveys on the first look. It is a long scroll down through the many sections, but at the end, you feel like it should have been longer because it keeps you hooked.
Visual experience
The colors and font are bold and bright. The interactive banner that switches from light to dark mode by user touch is a brilliant move as it hooks your users on the first go. The use of the highlights on the banner texts of every new section, along with the doodling sketches, really make the site, visually, so much fun.
Content
The content is well-written and engaging. The website does a great job of keeping the user’s attention through a mix of text doodles, snippet content, and interactive design. The written content is simple and to-the-point and the placement is well spaced to highlight its context. The snippet content adds to the immersive experience as they provide the context to the text.
User experience
All the points above contribute majorly to the overall user experience. The interaction, whether through the changing banner on the starting page or the doodling sketches and text further down, is amazing as from start to finish your viewers are hooked on the page. The different sections that the user can select to flip through the snippet content add a layered interactive experience for the users.
Thoughts
The website is extremely creative and visually appealing. The content is well-written and engaging. The user experience is fantastic, with a great flow that keeps the user engaged from start to finish. The concept itself is fresh and beautiful, not to mention the potential applications are endless. Overall, an amazing website that I would definitely recommend checking out!
The year of Greta
Source: The year of Greta
Greta Thunberg is a 19-year-old girl from Sweden who has been making headlines all over the world for her efforts to raise awareness about climate change. She has become the face of the international climate movement, and 2019 has been dubbed “the year of Greta”. She was nominated for the Nobel peace prize in 2019, 2020, and again in 2021. The year of Greta is essentially a timeline website designed by Superhero Cheesecake outlining her life story so far.
First Impressions
I love the idea of this website, as it is very unique and interesting. The live 3D rendering is such a unique experience. What sets this website apart from the first look is the surrealism in the visuals. Along with the audio, it promises an immersive experience, exactly what you would want in a timeline website.
Visual experience
At first look, the website is obviously minimalistic as, apart from a few elements, the rest of the webpage is essentially a green background. This draws your attention to the monolithic statue in the center. The website does not have much in the way of eye-catching colors or visuals as it serves to emphasize the somberness of the message that Greta has been trying to put out.
Content
The website has very little content as the focus is on the audio experience. However, it does have a few sections where you can read about Greta, her story, and her fight against climate change.
User experience
The user experience is the highlight here as the live 3D rendering of the timeline in the form of videos that you have to drag to scroll around allows the users to immerse themselves in the life of Greta as different sections are substantiated with plenty of video content. This, coupled with the audio, allows the users a cinematic experience.
Thoughts
All in all, I think this website is incredible. It’s a great example of how audio and video can be used to create an immersive experience that engages the user on an emotional level. I think more websites should experiment with this format as it has a lot of potentials.
Kazuki Noda’s Portfolio
Source: kazukinoda
Kazuki Noda is a Japanese graphic designer and art director who has worked on some incredibly iconic projects, such as the branding for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. His portfolio is a great example of websites that showcase work in a way that is both visually stunning and easy to navigate.
First Impression
Right off the bat, Kazuki’s portfolio website looks, unlike any other website. The blend of audio and visual experience lends a cinematic feel to the website, allowing you to feel like you just stepped into another’s world. The website is incredibly detailed down to the finest aspect and in many ways defines Kazuki as an artist.
Visual experience
As mentioned earlier, from the warm colors and melodic music to the text font and non-traditional grid structure, all of it contributes to drawing you into a cinematic experience. It is like taking a look into the life of Kazuki the artist. The combination of a defined layout with a non-traditional page grid structure contributes to presenting a truly novel visual experience to the user.
Content
What makes the website so special is the way in which it allows you to view the content. Apart from his bio, Kazuki has scattered snippets of content all over the page that in a way describe who he is as an artist. This, along with the Japanese words and terms for the different sections allows his audience to be more engaged as they view the page.
User experience
The website allows you to explore Kazuki’s work through a series of short films, photography, and illustrations. Rather than having a traditional linear structure, Kazuki’s website is designed as a grid. This allows you to explore the content in a non-linear way, and it makes for a much more engaging experience. The transitions of the different snippets are brilliant with fog-like fadeaway transitions apt for the overall look and feel of the page.
Thoughts
Kazuki’s website is a great example of how to create an engaging and visually-stunning online portfolio. His use of grid-based design and transitions makes for a unique and enjoyable user experience.
Bruno Simon
Source : Bruno Simon
Here’s another example of portfolio websites but this one is in the opposite direction of the previous one. Bruno Simon is a freelance web designer and this is his portfolio site. If Kazuki’s portfolio was a visual treat, then Bruno’s website is a completely immersive engagement.
First Impression
In terms of being a novel experience, you can’t really top Bruno Simon, who has designed his entire website to be an experience. Like a game, the whole navigation is done by driving a small truck across the board and landing at different stops to view the pages on those stops. It is like the perfect playground for a child. It is this child-like hook that pulls you in.
Visual experience
Visually, it looks just like a 3D game board. Lots of colors, simple high-quality animations, and an entire game board to view through.
Content
In keeping with the spirit of a game, there is not much in the way of content going on other than the headings and a bit of description for the different stops the truck has. However, in keeping with the theme and spirit of the page, it is brilliant.
User Experience
What could be more engaging than a game? The entire website is one big simple 3D game. It is beautiful how you can navigate around the board using your keyboard arrow keys. Each pitstop is different and affords a new experience. There is even bowling! The immersive experience for the user is off the charts with this website, thoroughly showcasing Bruno’s skill and outlook as a developer.
Thoughts
From the amazing visuals to the engaging gameplay, this website is a joy to use. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun way to spend some time online.
Bienville Capital
Source: Bienville Capital
Bienville Capital is an investment firm that specializes in providing capital to small businesses. You might be wondering what an investment is doing on this list because you might think that they would focus more on functionality than experience. However, what makes this website so great is its concept.
First Impression
The homepage features a video that immediately starts playing, giving you an overview of what the company does. The rest of the site is easy to navigate and provides all the information you could need about Bienville Capital and its services. There is a clear direction here, akin to a story, and it’s so great that they video-illustrated their tagline.
Visual experience
Straight away, it starts off with a video so you are curious and hooked. Hogh0quality video images all cumulating into their tagline, which is a really great start. The website features horizontal navigation with easy-to-read content and great visuals. The concept is very straightforward and clear, similar to a presentation, which is probably what they were going for.
Content
The content is in simple language, clear, and to the point. The content is well spaced out and placed, making readability super easy,
User experience
The website is easy to navigate and the overall experience is great. The website does a good job of keeping you engaged and wanting to explore more. From the video introduction to the slideshow-like navigation, the high-quality visuals, and smooth and subtle transitions, the users buy into the experience, regardless of whether they were even interested, to begin with.
Thoughts
This website is a great example of how to take a boring topic and make it interesting. They were able to do this by delivering the content in an easily digestible way and adding visual elements that help keep users engaged. This website definitely left me wanting to explore more amazing websites!
Chiara Luzzana
Source: Chiara Luzzana
Chiara Luzzana is an award-winning sound designer. She is considered to be one of the most highly innovative sound designers in the world, collaborating with brands on their Sound branding, soundtracking, audio installations, and even sound design. Her portfolio is one of those websites that you can revisit again and again.
First Impression
The very first impression of this website is elegance. Absolute elegance. There is truly no better way to really describe it. From the accompanying soundtrack to the big bold visuals, the website is a treat on the eyes and ears.
Visual experience
Everything about this website is so in-sync that it is hard to imagine that these are all different elements. The minimalistic design and structure, the bright bold fonts, the warm colors, the consistent grid layout, and even the scrolling navigation are in line with the elegant feel of the website and blend in effortlessly into the type of message the subject of the website is trying to showcase.
Content
The content is substantial, clearly elaborating on the story, experience, and creative thought process of Chiara Luzzano. The bold stylish fonts, the even spacing, and even the varying sizes of the font serve to highlight what the author wants to stand out and be apparent.
User Experience
The feel of the website is absolutely silky smooth. The blending of the audio and visuals are seamless. This, coupled with the minimalistic design, the smooth transitions, and even the 3D visuals contribute to an absolutely timeless immersive experience from the viewers of this website.
Thoughts
Hands down, one of the most elegant websites. The level of sophistication and the overall artistry is world-class. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story and wants to be wowed by amazing visuals.
Swab the World
Source: Swab The World
This website was created with the intention of providing people with a way to help others in need, and it does so in a very unique way. Swab The World collects DNA samples from people who are willing to have their cheek swabbed, and then uses that DNA to match them with people in need of life-saving bone marrow transplants.
First Impression
The backstory behind amazing websites are incredible. This one is no different. That itself plays a major role in the impression that the website makes on you. Objectively, it’s an incredible website that makes for an enriching experience as you navigate through the various sections. From the visuals to the content, even if the website was talking about something useless, it would still command your attention.
Visual experience
Bright font? Check. Bold and bright colors? Check, High-quality imagery and animation. Check. If all these points check, coupled with an enriching context, well-presented content, and smooth transitions, why would the visual experience not be 10/10? The grid layout is very consistent, offering uniformity, with well-spaced pauses, and bright bold content that conveys the message.
Content
As mentioned, the content is presented in varying sizes that emphasizes context. There is well-placed spacing to provide pauses in the reading, and the content is very informative, and in enriching detail to ensure that the website is not visually capturing but contextually as well. The combination of horizontal and vertical make for the efficient use of space and affords excellent readability.
User experience
The simplistic animations, the smooth transitions, both through the page and through different pages, and interactive snippets all contribute to capture the viewers of this website. The interactive gradient and slight transitions when selecting or viewing offer that little bit of zest to make for a smooth experience.
Thoughts
This website is designed with the user experience in mind and it really shows. From the animations to the transitions, everything is smooth and easy to use. I also like how there are different snippets of information that you can view without having to scroll through the entire page. Overall, this is a great website that works in tandem with the aims of the founders to truly capture the hearts and minds of its users
Hard Work Club
Hard Work Club is a Toronto-based idea+design collective that specializes in web and interface design, branding, user experience (UX), and consulting. They help clients with anything from launching new websites or product to redesigning an existing one.
First Impression
The obvious impression is that you are going through a storybook. The transitions are smooth with high-quality graphics lending an easy-going yet intense storytelling vibe to the whole experience.
Visual Experience
Everything is bold and in your face because that is exactly what it is meant to be. They want you to notice every element as it is made apparent in front of you. Yet because of the smooth transitions you just carried from one image to the other as you understand their story. The fonts are bold and the colors are experimental, allowing you to experience a fairy-tale-like feel to the storytelling.
Content
The content is meant to tell a story, which it does perfectly. The main points are made in large sizes and smooth fonts to be easy on the eyes so that you capture every detail.
User experience
The transitions are the best part of this whole experience. They are so smooth that they make this storytelling vibe so authentic. This is not to say the other elements don’t contribute as well. The interactive animations, the gradient cursor, and smooth navigation all contribute to providing a fantastic user experience for its users.
Thoughts
If your looking for websites that cares about telling a story, then look no further than Hard Work Club. You can be sure that their services will be able to tell your story with as much vividness and attention to detail as it deserves.
Conclusion :
We hope you enjoyed this list of amazing websites. While there are many other great websites out there, these 10 websites stand out from the crowd in terms of their design, usability, user experience, and functionality.
Not only do these websites stand out, personally, but they also form the foundation for our inspiration and creative work here at Pixel Street. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and check them out for yourself! And if you know of any other great websites that deserve to be on this list, let us know in the comments below.
