As I mentioned yesterday I’m in the planning stages for redesigns on all the properties that I am a part of. These involve:
What I am finding interesting is that when I think of the personalities that we are trying to portray on these sites not all the designs seem to match. I think 9rules fits perfectly with what we are trying to achieve. It’s great content, with a laid-back feel to it. We want anyone to feel as though they can post a Note without worrying about stepping into the realm of geniuses, but we also want them to have faith in the fact that we have selected the best sites across the web to guide them towards.
Wisdump is sort of in the middle. The site is mostly seriously topics, with a bit of a crazy spin on things, but I do think it could have a more personal feel behind it while still retaining its professionalism.
Oreo CEO I love. I have a new project coming out in 2007 so some minor changes need to be done, but the personality of the site matches exactly what I want to convey.
ScrivsTyme is not even close to the personality that Tyme and I have on the show. You have a serious looking site, with two people who have nothing but fun. Definitely needs an overhaul.
I think a lot of site owners would have a problem answering the question of what their site’s personality is though. Everyone wants professional, but doesn’t understand that professional comes in many forms. Nobody ever seems to ask for polished or playful and if they do they probably don’t think they can get them both at the same time.
If one of your selling points is that you provide a wonderful community for people, then shouldn’t the site have a community feel to it or should it feel as though you just walked into a corporate boardroom? Slashdot’s design has always matched the community behind it I feel. An elitist type of personality to match the geek crowd where everyone thinks they are right.
I used Apple in a post yesterday and I get to use them again today. Don’t you think their site matches their personality? Clean design. Easy to use. Fun.
A final example that comes to mind is the New York Times. The design just fits the personality of the paper.
I know it might seem like a silly question but ask yourself does your site match the personality that you are trying to show your audience? Do you wear daisy dukes and flip flops on your first date or a suit and tie to the beach?
Originally posted on November 14, 2006 @ 2:45 am