Comments on: Tips for Launching a Blog or Site Redesign

By: Kim Woodbridge

Kim Woodbridge — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:09:20 +0000

Hi Jacob – I was offline for a while and was afraid I had missed the launch. Fortunately it was only by a couple of days It looks great.

A number of my clients have told me that they have worked with designers and tech types who refuse to speak with them on the phone. I don't understand this at all. Talking on the phone can usually clear up an issue much faster than an email. When I worked in tech support I would often call people who emailed in for support because it was a faster way to fix the problem and close out the case. The risk I ran is that the individual would ask more questions about a different topic I suppose the designer could have a previous experience where giving out his number caused calls at all times of the day – I had a client like that and I dropped her as a client.

It is definitely important to have an idea what features who want before getting started as you learned. Personally, I find it difficult to start a project without some sort of guidance.

Great job – I'm excited for you.

By: Matt Langan

Matt Langan — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:53:43 +0000

Jacob,
I really dig the new experience. I appreciate the subtle branding through unique, yet non-obtrusive colors & contrast. I can totally empathize with your pains from the process. When we redesigned Involver.com we went through countless designs and played around with the different ways to achieve our goals. it can be a frustrating process for all involved, but the important thing is to identify the sources of pain and make sure they won't happen the next time. What I find most helpful as a designer is when stakeholders can provide me with links to sites, along with comments about what they like & dislike about the sites. That has always been the fastest, most effective way to get a grasp of not only the client's tastes, but also of what standards/best practices currently exist in their space.

At any rate, the design is done and looks fre$h!

By: jacobmorgan

jacobmorgan — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:28:47 +0000

hey thanks danny, it can definitely be tough. im still trying to get the designer to fix all the bugs on my site, it's like pulling teeth!

like your site design as well

By: jacobmorgan

jacobmorgan — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:58:50 +0000

hey adam, thanks a lot, what are you up to these days?

By: Danny Brown

Danny Brown — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:54:38 +0000

Congrats on the new design, man – as someone who's only recently redesigned my own, I know the headaches you faced.

I'd probably add “Do a lot of testing in different browsers” – you're not going to please everyone (and more than likely, not IE users) but getting it as attractive as possible in the main browsers is probably key.

Good job, look forward to continued reading.