I respect what the Bootstrap developers have built. It is robust, it looks good, it is opinionated, and it seems to just work. And it's EVERYWHERE.
And that's my problem with it: I feel as though every new web application I visit is built with Bootstrap, barely customized (if at all), and lacking any soul or personality – not because Bootstrap doesn't have personality (it does), but because its impact has been diluted by the number of sites that use it.
Take this 'inspirational gallery' for example. With few exceptions, every screenshot looks almost exactly the same: light gray background, white containers, Helvetica, black toolbar on top, Bootstrappy buttons. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that most of these screenshots came from a single application.
My point is this: tools like Bootstrap are great for rapid prototyping, but if you're not doing heavy customization, you're forsaking the opportunity to create an identity and personality for your product or page. So be wise: customize!
Agree, custom and unique design matters nowadays and of course twitter bootstrap will not always be enough. Some people just did not have enough imagination, the other - money for unique design, the third - time.
We often offer using TwB either in the early stages of the project in order to save precious time, or for domestic products if they will be used only within the company.
And that's my problem with it: I feel as though every new web application I visit is built with Bootstrap, barely customized (if at all), and lacking any soul or personality – not because Bootstrap doesn't have personality (it does), but because its impact has been diluted by the number of sites that use it.
Take this 'inspirational gallery' for example. With few exceptions, every screenshot looks almost exactly the same: light gray background, white containers, Helvetica, black toolbar on top, Bootstrappy buttons. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that most of these screenshots came from a single application.
My point is this: tools like Bootstrap are great for rapid prototyping, but if you're not doing heavy customization, you're forsaking the opportunity to create an identity and personality for your product or page. So be wise: customize!