Fresh looks everywhere

It must be related to the time of the year, new designs are appearing on many sites lately. This really became apparent to me when i was visiting Mezzoblue and Stopdesign the last days. Both looked different, but interesting enough, still familiar. Obviously Dave and Doug had the same thoughts on what to do with their designs. Taking off some weight, less graphical heaviness, more background.
I think we all agree that sometimes less is more. On a website rich of content and type, why would you need huge graphical elements that might distract your reader and draw away the attention? Clearly, a complex design and easily accessible content are not always easy to combine. Hence a simple layout and design that is easy on the eyes is favoured by many. I am definitely one of them.
Now, Dave’s and Doug’s sites even before have been sporting compelling and well refined appearances. Its to some degree a matter of personal taste if you like the new looks. Given that Doug announced that the current minimal design will be evolved into something less minimal soon its probably not too big of a change in the end.
I really like to see the progression. As they are good designers i know that what we will see won’t be bad, maybe different, but always on a high level. Its that constant evolution the world of art and design needs to continue to exist.