The concept of Web 2.0 is fairly broadly defined as a second generation of web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, blogs, and wikis - in other words, just about everything on the web today that isn’t a brochure website. Without getting bogged down in semantics, it would seem fairly pointless to lug all blog websites into the Web 2.0 category - in my opinion, a web service that allows people to blog, or provides widgets or hosted services for blogging are very much web 2, while a typical blog that allows users to comment about a post about their dog really isn’t. Communities and social networking sites are other examples. In the same way that everything on the web can’t or shouldn’t be “Web 2.0″, there needs to be some sort of clarification as to what makes a good Web 2.0 website design.

Axialis have some interesting Web 2.0 icon sets (some which are free to download) which typify features of a Web 2.0 site - these kits provide a way for user to create large icons for standard website features like RSS feed links. These icons and “badges” are also an excellent match for the larger font sizes which are typically part of a stunning web 2.0 aesthetic.

Clearly defined heading areas, large but bold and simple logos, large text and use of innovations like tag clouds are all features that most people would associated with Web 2.0. - Surprisingly, we started looking around for some truly unique Web 2.0 Templates so far we’ve been sorely dissapointed. There are a few good web 2.0 templates over at Joomla Shack - the Aqualine Reloaded Template, the Weblogic Template Set and Element templates are especially nice, but they only cater to Joomla users…. Template Monster seem to have lumped a whole bunch of stuff into their web 2.0 category - most of them are also featured in business categories and else where on the site. Even the templates that do look “web 2.0″ don’t really feature icons or font choices that you’d associate with cutting edge web 2.0 design. Out of more than 100 so called “web 2.0 templates“, these are the pick of the bunch:

An animated Swish Template suitable for any sort of technology or communications firm. PRICE: $55

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A simple CSS / HTML design, but it has clear navigational elements and large easy to push buttons. This one would be great for a software firm looking to brand and sell a particular product. PRICE: $62

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A full Flash 8 site web package with an interesting layout - perfect for a business solutions company or a consulting firm. PRICE: $65

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This more generic style CSS / HTML template could be used for just about anything. It’s simple, elegant and completely web 2.0. We love it. PRICE $63

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A clear header area with simple but effective Flash navigation, use of large fonts, and tag clouds make this a perfect for podcasting, or any sort of category driven downloads site. PRICE: $64

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Doesn’t look like much from the screen shot, but use of Flash creates a really nice feel around this beautiful looking template which is oozing with white space. PRICE: $62

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If you know of any other Web 2.0 resources, please post a comment below.