I just read an article outlining usability issues which introduced a new concept to me called the 'Baby Duck Syndrome'. This describes the way users tend to stand by the first web design they learn and judge all future web designs based on that first design. Therefore, anything new or unfamiliar is not welcome to users, which makes redesign projects very challenging.
The conference I attended recently (Webmaster Jam) touched on this issue. Their recommendation was to never do a full redesign of a site. They noted that revising items in "chunks" not only helped the users slowly adjust to improved design or functionality, but it also allows the critique of each "chunk" individually. If a redesign is launched all together, and it is not well received, it is difficult to determine which parts were most troubling to users. If it is released in "chunks" it will be easier to determine if users are receiving the change well through feedback or website statistics.
So, when it comes to your website, is a complete redesign necessary? Would it be beneficial to determine what is working and to keep those things in place? My recommendation is to keep the things that are working, revise those things that are not, and try your best not to alienate your users.
2 comments:
In general I think that people are rather conservative and tend to keep what they used to. However, new things that are REALLY striking and nice do change the trend. That's fact.
On the other hand, how do you explaing the fact that there are so many bad designs out there and people go and pay for them?
JR Design Studio
I definitely agree that a total redesign is what some sites need. It is essential these days to have a professional looking website to bring in new business.
You are right - many companies do pay for bad design. I think this comes from the fact that the website is not something many smaller companies enjoy working on. I believe they want to check a website off of their list. Sometimes web companies without experienced designers will offer their services and it is easy for the company to work with them, and they end up paying for bad design.
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