The .DESIGN Domain Name is Powering the Next Generation of Portfolio Websites

The .DESIGN domain name extension has started to gain wild popularity among the design community. There are already a handful name-brand businesses that use the .design domain name for spin-off websites, like facebook.design, airbnb.design, adobe.design. But what’s just as interesting, is how freelance designers and boutique creative agencies are using .DESIGN to present their portfolio, where website visitors can evaluate and appreciate their design work. Read on to see a few examples of how the .DESIGN domain name is powering the next generation of portfolio websites from Top Level Design. If you need more tips on how to ace your digital design portfolio, read Hover’s post on our blog.

.DESIGN Use Case: purposedrives.design

purposedrives.design

Purposedrives.design is a great example of how the .design domain name extension is associated with a portfolio website because the creator of the website, Darrell Estabrook is a long-time designer. His website combines examples of past projects, design philosophy, and in-person workshops. This is a clear example of how the .design domain name reflects what the website is about. It gives visitors a clear signal as to the type of content they might expect.

.DESIGN Use Case: kaybow.design

kaybow.design

In addition to quality, having a high quantity of design projects to showcase in your portfolio is a great way for you to stand out. The portfolio site, Kaybow.design, is an ideal example of this. Kaybow.design is filled with tons of rich content for visitors to see. Each project has its own dedicated webpage that describes the project in more detail. There are sketches, images, and descriptions of the purpose of the project. By providing all of this information, clients and hiring managers can see what this designer’s process is.

.DESIGN Use Case: monicabaran.design

monicabaran.design

Monicabaran.design is one of the most creative .design portfolio websites we’ve seen. Why is that? This website doesn’t follow a standard website template. And because of its simplicity. It feels unique and original. The site incorporates illustrations to show off the designer’s expertise, which in this case is also illustration. There is a cohesive theme on each webpage to make the website visitor feel that it’s all part of the same universe.

.DESIGN Use Case: smartshape.design

smartshape.design

Smartshape is a design and innovation consultancy. Similar to other examples we’ve looked at in this post, their website displays their portfolio of work for future clients to get an idea of their expertise. smartshape.design also features useful content for designers as well as tips for collaborating with engineers. Their site showcases work examples that span multiple industries: medical, commercial, and consumer. Seeing design work in multiple industries is a reminder that design can be applicable in many different areas.

.DESIGN Use Case: joannemac.design

joannemac.design

In addition to showcasing some incredible design work examples, joannemac.design also takes the time to share passion projects. For example, Joanne has some collage experiments where she integrated image and type to create dynamic compositions that resemble songs in the electronic dance genre. Sharing side projects and things you are passionate about is a cool way to show off your design skills and create something that you want to create.

Conclusion: How the .DESIGN Domain Powers Brands

When it comes to the types of brands that are registering .design domain names, the trend we’re seeing is that .DESIGN is associated with freelance designers and designers who are on creative teams at companies. The other noticeable pattern is that a lot of .design sites present some sort of portfolio component to them whereby website visitors can view the design content and get in touch with the creator.

If you’re thinking of how you might be able to use a .design domain for your site, you’re in the right place. For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we’ll be offering a deal on .DESIGN! Find out more and check back on the Black Friday and Cyber Monday page on Hover.