There’s no doubt that web design is evolving. One of the major influences on web design is mobile computing – smartphones and tablets (like the iPad and the soon-to-be-released Playbook from RIM). These have a direct influence because the focus has to be usability, readability, and functionality.
One important technology that does not work on most phones and tablets is Flash. So the advice of many web designers in tune with mobile is to move away from flash. This is quite a turnaround from a few years ago when flash was seen as the answer to web functionality and interactivity.
Another trend to watch is the use and influence of Tumblr. As Christina Warren of Mashable says,
The popular microblogging platform Tumblr is a great way to quickly and easily post updates, share content and garner direct visitor feedback. Tumblr has become a really popular platform and more and more small businesses are using it for their own company blogs or sites.
For other trends in web design see these resources:
5 Design Trends That Small Businesses Can Use in 2011
4 Winning Web Design Tips From Ryan Carson of Carsonified
Essential Web Design Advice From a Wireframing Master [INTERVIEW]
