Background patterns and background images.
Let's talk about possibly the most controversial graphic elements on Web pages -- background patterns and background images.
A little bit of history
1. First, there was the default background:
If you are in your twenties, most likely you don't know that in the beginning, all Web pages were rendered in a single color chosen by the browser. Netscape, for example, chose gray as the default background.
2. March 6, 1995: Netscape unveils the beta version of Netscape Navigator 1.1.
Netscape 1.1N gave Web page designers the ability to use small tiled GIF or JPEG graphics (or a single large graphic) to form a background pattern behind the Web page.
THE BACKGROUND ATTRIBUTE
Recent versions of the proposed HTML 3.0 spec. have added a BACKGROUND attribute to the BODY tag. The purpose of this attribute is to specify a URL pointing to an image that is to be used as a background for the document.
In Netscape 1.1, this background image is used to tile the full background of the document-viewing area. Thus specifying:
<BODY BACKGROUND="metal/brushed_aluminum.gif">Document here</BODY>
Source: http://wp.netscape.com/assist/net_sites/bg/index.html
3. Oct. 1995: First Beta of the Navigator 2.0 released
NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR 2.0 FOR WINDOWS
Background Images: Netscape no longer waits for the background image to completely arrive before displaying any text and images on a page. When the background image has been decoded the page is redrawn to include the background. Source: http://wp.netscape.com/eng/mozilla/2.0/relnotes/windows-2.0.html
4. Backgrounds are official!
CAMBRIDGE, USA -- May 7th, 1996. The W3 Consortium Announces HTML 3.2
(HTML 3.2 was published on May 5, 1996 and became the recommended version Jan. 14, 1997)
Source: W3C Recommendation 14-Jan-1997
No longer was the page content "THE" most important part of the page. New elements of presentations (fonts, colors, backgrounds, etc) became an essential part of the Web pages. It was a big day for Web Designers!
If you are wondering how some early pages appeared, here is an example:
NASIG Workshop - June 22, 1996
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
This article explains how to use background images. This 1996 page is nicely designed according to Netscape1.1N in use at the time.
OwnYourC.com2007 Webby Award Winner in the category "YOUTH"
A lot of background images! The biggest one:
has 979x383 dimensions!
YellowstonePark.com 2007 Webby Award Winner in the category of "TOURISM"
A lot of background textures! Check out this one:
Very artistic sandstone background that reinforces "Discover the ultimate wonderland of Yellowstone Park"
TheReggieBushProject.com 2007 Webby Award Winner in the category "SPORTS"
I would say - Nothing but background images!:)
My opinion is that the ugliest pages on the Web were the result of poor choices in background graphics. However, backgrounds in the hands of experienced designers can result in outstanding productions.
Visit these examples to see how background textures impact website design.
DimensionBoards.comThe background expresses an extreme sport lifestyle theme.
Very expressive, very dynamic!
I would nominate this site for 2008 Webby Award in the category "YOUTH"!
http://www.dimensionboards.com/ 
ExpTypo.comWhen you are on the site - find "Commercial portfolio" link on the right to locate more "background image" ideas.
http://www.exptypo.com/ 
Nayio.comTake the stage! Be the music! Rock the world!
"New age" up to the minute, cutting edge design! Here we go!
http://www.exptypo.com/ Back to FeaturePics
Examples of background textures that will open up many interesting visual design possibilities. |
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