14 iconic websites that show off classic 90s web design

The 1990s marked a transformative era for the internet, with websites evolving from simple digital documents to vibrant and experimental platforms. The first website, launched by Tim Berners-Lee in 1991, laid the groundwork for the internet's expansion by introducing key concepts like HTML, HTTP, and URLs. Iconic sites from this decade, such as the Space Jam website, exemplified the era's colorful and animated design tendencies, offering interactive experiences with games and downloadable content. Yahoo Games, launched in 1998, became a hub for free, addicting games despite the persistent pop-up ads, while San Francisco FogCam, created in 1994, became the world's longest-running webcam. Memes like Hampster Dance captured early internet culture with looping GIFs and music, serving as a litmus test for internet-savvy individuals. AuctionWeb, now known as eBay, revolutionized online auctions, enabling collectors worldwide to connect and trade items, illustrating the internet's growing social impact despite the chaotic design typical of the time.