Looking Back at the Best Web Design Blogs of 2017
The year 2017 was a turning point for web design. Mobile-first design had become the default, CSS Grid was reshaping layout possibilities, and conversations about accessibility and performance were moving into the mainstream. The blogs that defined that year captured these shifts in real time, helping designers and developers adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape.
Revisiting the best web design blogs of 2017 offers more than nostalgia. It reveals the foundations on which today's practices are built and highlights the enduring principles that continue to guide great work.
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Smashing Magazine
Smashing Magazine was at the height of its influence in 2017. Its long-form articles on CSS Grid, performance budgets, and design systems set the tone for the industry. Many of the practices popularized by Smashing that year remain standard today, including component-driven design and progressive enhancement.
A List Apart
A List Apart continued its legacy as a thoughtful voice on web standards and practice. In 2017, the blog published influential pieces on responsive design, content strategy, and ethical considerations in design. Its essays often read more like industry manifestos than tutorials, encouraging deeper reflection on the craft.
CSS-Tricks
CSS-Tricks, led by Chris Coyier, was indispensable for front-end developers in 2017. The blog's coverage of new CSS features, JavaScript techniques, and developer tooling kept practitioners on the cutting edge. Its almanac of CSS properties became a daily reference for many.
Awwwards
Awwwards captured the more experimental side of web design. By celebrating innovative, visually striking websites, it pushed designers to think beyond convention. The Site of the Day showcase highlighted bold typography, immersive scrolling experiences, and creative use of motion.
UX Collective
UX Collective grew rapidly in 2017, becoming a hub for user experience writing. Its curated articles covered research methods, design thinking, and career advice. The platform gave a voice to designers around the world, broadening the conversation beyond Silicon Valley.
Codrops
Codrops specialized in tutorials and demos that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the browser. Its experiments with WebGL, SVG animations, and creative interactions inspired countless portfolios and product sites in 2017 and beyond.
Lessons That Still Apply
Many ideas championed in 2017 remain relevant. Mobile-first design, performance as a feature, accessibility as a baseline, and design systems as scaling tools are now considered fundamentals. The blogs of that era helped normalize these practices, and their influence continues in modern website development workflows.
What Has Changed Since
Of course, much has evolved. JavaScript frameworks have matured, design tools have transformed collaboration, and AI has begun to reshape creative workflows. The blogs that thrive today often emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical design alongside the technical and aesthetic concerns of the past.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at the best web design blogs of 2017 is a reminder that the field is built on continuous learning. The voices that shaped that year laid the groundwork for today's standards. By studying their contributions, designers can better understand where the industry has been and where it is heading next.
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