Thanks to the both of you for your thoughtful comments. I really appreciate them, and I’m thrilled that you found value in this article. Jad, I totally agree with you about the subtlety and the choice of venue. I think it’s really critical that we look at those things when we start thinking about wowing users. And Gennice, I totally agree with your statements about there being far too many lists, and far too little content. I’ve made it a goal of mine to stay away from lists without content.

I’m eager to participate in a design community that looks toward the WOW in everything they do, and works to create originality and utility for all of our clients and their readers. Cheers!

This post enriches our design community that Drawar recently wrote about on his blog. It is very important for these posts to keep coming and eventually surpass the number of “list” posts in design blogoshpere, because there are just too many of those.

Jad’s posts on “Wow” factor sparkled a discussion and created an open topic for other designers to write about on their blogs. And it is important for all of us to keep the discussion flowing and keep adding value for all designers.

This post, Richard, is providing the value that I’m talking about. It enables someone to learn new things and take a new, fresh perspective when designing the next project for their client.

As for the “Wow” factor – it is one of the most important, if not the crucial point when it comes to brand originality, standing out from the crowd and making difference.

That being said, I would like to give a small advice to web designers:
When working on a project, ask yourself – Did I created a “Wow” factor here? Does something makes it stand out from the crowd? Or is it just another design, similar to many that lack originality.

Thanks for taking time to write this post Richard. I enjoyed reading it!

First of all, thanks for mentioning the article. I had a fun time writing that article. Secondly, thanks for leaving a well-written comment to the blog.

About the “wow” factor, you are definitely right and I agree with you. The “wow” factor doesn’t necessarily have to be flash, jquery, or even any type of effect, the “wow” factor can be the content of the site, it can be the images, it all depends on the audience. Like your example, I don’t think I would be using vibrant bright-colored, flashing menus for a law firm, or a hospital. I would probably do so in a Hollywood-type website.

Another thing, when I mention “wow” factor, I do like the fact that the things that wowed me on these sites were subtle, like the Analog site. Very good points that you brought up in your article and these are all valid points that designers and developers alike should consider.

Great job on your first post! BTW, I love the post layout. I’m definitely tweeting this article.