5 Ways to Approach a Redesign

Sometimes in this line of work we are asked to do a redesign of an existing website. This can be an interesting problem to overcome, as the question becomes, how do I approach it? Here a 5 different ways to tackle a website redesign.

1. A Redesign - is the easiest approach of taking the existing structure and integrating a new web design around it. This is ideal if the client is happy with the current structure and site content but wants to give the site a new look and feel.
2. A Restructuring - is a good idea if the client is happy with the way that the website looks, but would like to change things around a little bit in terms of layout. This is sometimes a good idea if the flow of the website doesn't work well and users are having difficulty navigating or finding the necessary information.
3. A Rethinking - involves visiting points 1 and 2 and completely rethinking the way that the site works. This would involve taking into consideration the main, as well as the revised, aims of the website and looking at the content, structure and design individually.
4. A Rearrangement - would involve revisiting the main purpose of the website and revising it to better suit those objectives. In this instance you would also look at what new technologies are at your disposal to enhance your website for it's new audience.
5. A Rebrand - consists of looking at the overall brand and design relating to the clients company. You would most likely need to redesign the logo, website, business cards, letterheads and compliment slips and potentially more. This is a great way to market a company in a different way to how it was done originally.

Whichever option suits your needs best just try to be clear, creative and concise in the design and layout of the website, users expect to find what they are looking for very quickly these days. Time is of the essence!