Web Trends 2008

Take a look at this Web Trends Map (~8MB) which lays out the 300 most popular websites in a Tokyo train map type design.  Obviously at the time of this post it is almost 2009 but this is a pretty useful resource.  The below text is from the Information Architects website.

A Closer Look

The map pins down nearly 300 of the most successful and influential websites to the greater Tokyo area train map.  Different train lines correspond to different web trends such as innovation, news, social networks, and so on.

The Forecast

We’ve brought back the weather forecast from version 2 and incorporated it along the main Yamanote train line.

Brand Experience

The bottom layer includes a rating of brand experience analogous to restaurant experience. It illustrates our perception of user experience and brand management of the main stations. We studied the usability, user value, and interface (simplicity, character, and feedback), and rated each site on a scale of eating at various types of Japanese restaurants.