Are we designing for ourselves?

I found a very thought-provoking article on recent trends in web-design aesthetics vs. functionality. It would be interesting to see your reactions to that article. If you have few minutes to spare, please, go to this address.

Nothing very thought-provoking or new, I’d have thought.

OK, that’s one reaction from an experienced web hand. How about younger, less experienced (or less involved) people – all those who still try to find their own way in web design?

I am particularly interested in opinions on the first section of the article, dealing with a washed-out low-contrast aesthetics made popular in the last few years by Apple.