In the last few years, science-fiction has once again become huge. The concept of space and time merge to create a new genre of futuristic entertainment, and it is slowly leaking into other categories as well. Art and design are good examples of this.
From murals for bedrooms and DIY home decor kits to the wider world of Internet design, it is easy to find instances where space has been utilized as the main theme. With the possibilities of color, shape and object, this is far from a shocking development. You can do just about anything with a good space-inspired web page, for example.
But with so much popularity mingling with possibility, it can make it difficult to establish your own idea without copying someone else’s. The best way around this is to take a look at recent trends and let them inspire you as you adapt your own version.
Here are some excellent examples of space-themed web designs that show the beauty of the universe and the capabilities of modern Internet graphics.
QuickSend
Something about space just makes you think of speed, which is probably why QuickSend chose the motif for its website. But it went with a simple idea, utilizing the emptiness of space without making it appear barren.
The dark blue of the sky with the complex stars and colors around the name give it just enough push to keep it from being too minimalist while removing any chance of the image being cluttered.
Positive Hype
Because Positive Hype is a creative design company, you expect a good web page. Luckily, it delivers and shows its skills to the client right off the bat. It went with a space theme, but the company gave it a little extra.
The “plus” sign (+) shows off the name itself and provides a nice visual. But the colors and the way they present the metaphor is well done and different from anyone else. The site also shows that you don’t have to get so literal with the universe ideas.
Space O Technologies
With a name like Space O Technologies, it would be a serious misstep not to have a space theme on the homepage. Namely, it would make no sense – what else could the company provide?
A giant “O” with a huge amount of blank space on every side? It isn’t the same. But it went with a much busier design scheme, meant to imitate planets in orbit. It could have done a better job, frankly, but it does offer an interesting concept that could easily be changed and cleaned up.
TUI Space
This one is a little more on the sci-fi side. The front page reads “Greetings Earthlings,” and there is a show reel featuring a space theme that you can play if you choose. I find the look a little bland, and I think it could have pushed the whole alien idea a little more. But the basic concept is good.
BEI Blog
This is one of my favorites. It has a breathtaking picture of planets against an expansive universe, with gorgeous colors and even a futuristic flare. Its logo with the tags is a little strange, given the rest of the motif. But the background really is well done and will be sure to inspire anyone. It reminds me of those posters I had as a child up on my walls.
Emerging Earth Community
I remember when I was younger, I would sit with my cousin at his place and watch the satellite view of the Earth below for hours on end as it slowly orbited our turning planet. The back image on this website reminds me of those times as you see a full-color picture of the planet.
We Choose the Moon
This site is inspirational for anyone who is fascinated by space travel and the history of our experiences in space. We Choose the Moon is a fully interactive flash site that is very fun to play with. You can even launch Apollo 11 using a fun calendar to the left.
World Arcade
An adorable site, World Arcade is dedicated to providing flash, iPhone and Java game developers a way to generate income with their creations. But it should be offering design help, because its site is so cute it makes me want to vomit rainbows. It keeps with the science-fiction motif, but with a touch of cartoonish whimsy and childish wonder.
You can find dozens of examples of websites using space-inspired designs. What are some of your favorites?
Jennifer Moline writes for the PsPrint Blog. When she’s not writing for the PsPrint Blog, Jennifer Moline can be found roughing it in the mountains or tucked away in a movie theater. PsPrint is an online printing company.
