Ah, the 90s—a time of dial-up internet, Tamagotchis, and the wild west of web design. If you were around during the early days of the internet, you’ll remember the excitement of creating a personal website or stumbling upon a new one, only to be greeted by flashing graphics, endless scrolling text, and a colour palette that could make your eyes water. Looking back, it’s hard not to cringe at some of the web design trends that were all the rage back then. We take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and revisit some of the worst offenders—design trends that, thankfully, didn’t survive the 90s.
The flashing text and graphics extravaganza
If you’ve ever experienced the joy (or horror) of visiting a 90s website, you’ve likely encountered flashing text. Whether it was a “Welcome to My Website!” greeting or a “Sign My Guestbook!” plea, flashing text was the ultimate attention-grabber—or so we thought. Combine that with blinking GIFs of spinning globes and dancing babies, and you had a website that screamed for attention in the most chaotic way possible.
Why it should stay in the past:
Flashing text and graphics are the visual equivalent of shouting. They’re distracting, overwhelming, and just plain annoying. Today’s web design favours subtlety and user experience, which is why these eye-searing trends are best left in the 90s.
The rainbow bright backgrounds
In the 90s, the internet was a colourful place—sometimes, a little too colourful. Backgrounds were often a riot of bright, clashing colours, with neon hues and loud patterns that made it nearly impossible to focus on the actual content. Websites looked like they’d been designed in a paint shop explosion, with little regard for readability or aesthetic appeal.
Why it should stay in the past:
Good web design is about creating an environment where content shines, not competes with the background. Modern websites use colour thoughtfully, with palettes that enhance rather than distract from the message. Those eye-popping, retina-burning backgrounds? Let’s just say we’re glad they didn’t make it to the 21st century.
The never-ending scrolling marquee
Remember the days when scrolling text was the height of sophistication? Whether it was a “Breaking News” ticker or a motivational quote, if it scrolled across the screen, it was considered cutting-edge. The problem? It was often used for non-essential information, creating a constant stream of distraction that was hard to ignore but even harder to read.
Why it should stay in the past:
Scrolling marquees were more about novelty than functionality. Today’s web design focuses on readability and accessibility, ensuring that important information is presented clearly and without unnecessary gimmicks. The scrolling marquee has (thankfully) scrolled off into history.
The frameset fiasco
Ah, framesets—the beloved 90s method of dividing a web page into multiple sections, each with its own scroll bar. It was like trying to navigate a maze with no clear exit. Users would often find themselves scrolling in one frame while another remained frozen, leading to a frustrating and disjointed browsing experience.
Why it should stay in the past:
Framesets were clunky and confusing, making it difficult for users to find what they were looking for. Today, we prioritize seamless navigation and a unified design that guides users effortlessly through a website. Framesets, you won’t be missed.
The under-construction GIF
No 90s website was complete without the infamous “Under Construction” GIF—a flashing, animated icon that let visitors know the site was a work in progress. It was often accompanied by a message urging users to check back soon, as if they couldn’t tell from the broken links and half-finished pages.
Why it should stay in the past:
Modern web design embraces the idea of continuous improvement, but we’ve moved on from broadcasting our work-in-progress status with cheesy GIFs. Instead, we use “Coming Soon” pages or simply wait until the site is ready before going live. The under-construction GIF is a relic of a bygone era, and we’re perfectly fine with that.
The MIDI music madness
Finally, who could forget the MIDI music that automatically played when you visited a website? Whether it was a tinny rendition of a popular song or an upbeat jingle, MIDI music was the soundtrack of the 90s web. It played without warning, often startling visitors and forcing them to frantically search for the “off” button.
Why it should stay in the past:
Auto playing music is a guaranteed way to annoy your audience. It’s intrusive and often unwelcome, especially in professional or public settings. Today’s web design focuses on user control and experience, which is why background music has been largely silenced.
A final farewell to 90s web design
While the 90s gave us the internet as we know it today, it also gave us some truly questionable design trends. These early attempts at web design were well-intentioned but often misguided, resulting in websites that were more chaotic than user-friendly. Thankfully, we’ve learned a lot since then, and today’s web design is all about clean, functional, and visually appealing sites that prioritize the user experience.
So, the next time you feel nostalgic for the early days of the internet, just remember: not everything from the 90s deserves a comeback. Some things are better left in the past, where they belong.
At Cape Business Online, we’re committed to creating modern, effective websites that reflect the best of today’s design principles—no flashing text or scrolling marquees in sight. Ready to bring your website into the 21st century? Let’s talk!
