Segno

Segno is a design studio based in Italy that is involved primarily in promotional material, advertising, photography and communications. They aren't particularly involved in web design, but Riot Design, a separate design agency, has built them a wonderful site. Completely dynamic, structurally interesting, and clearly designed by professionals.

Motion and navigation is a huge part of why I'm highlighting this site as one of the better on the web. It uses an old style of placing the links to other parts of their site in the corners of the page. Not something we ordinarily see for usability reasons, but that hasn't stopped them from making it work. The colorful and blocks forms make them instantly noticeable, and prevent any misconceptions the viewer might have when interacting with the site. Smooth transitions between opaque and transparent, small and large, give the whole site a warm and welcoming demeanor. It holds some stylistic allusions to the Apple digital look, but is simplified enough that it will appeal to that and still other audiences.

I don't consider the site to be an outstanding achievement of graphic design, but it is conceptually and tactually well made. Take a look if you haven't seen it already.