Redesigning my first ever project
A long, long time ago, when html was html, tables were the sh*t, and hover effect on links was the hottest thing out there, I made a website. Specifically it was my first “real” project, where I would actually receive some sort of compensation, and it was for my local golf club where I actively play, Stavanger Golf Club.
The new design of Stavanger Golfklubb
So what has changed then since then? Well first of all, I actually make a living of designing websites now, and I’ve made quite a few in the 3-4 years since I did the initial design. The main reason for doing the redesign was to get the site up and running on my beloved WordPress platform. The old site was built on html, tables (yuck!) and a simple php news system (CuteNews), and it just can’t compare with the brilliance of WP.
Powered by WordPress
Surprisingly, the original design has stood it’s ground all these years, at least in my eyes. So I didn’t want to drastically change the design, since the colors and layout had done so well. My main goals were simply; Re-use the color scheme, make it 960px wide and make it easier to read. The old design was lacking in the typography department because I was heavily influenced by all the Flash sites back in 05/06 that used mini fonts. I’m glad that has worn of, and I now enjoy new design trends that allow for more white space and better typography.
The old design
The design took about a day to finish in Photoshop, and the coding was done the following day. The tweaking part is what take up most of the time. The production of the site took about 4 days, and although it isn’t completely propped with content yet, it is 95% done. I was quite pleased with the end result, and that always leaves a good feeling, and gets me motivated about keeping it looking good for the years to come.
Feb 18, 2009
Loving the new redesign, definately a good decision to redesign
Feb 19, 2009
I think when you have a good solid design, there’s no need to “redesign” but instead realign the Web site to today’s standards or the company’s new needs. It’s also less stressful for the user, and that is (after all) who the Web site is made for.
Nice work!
In my case, however, I am in need of a redesign because my Web site has become multidimensional and is stuck inside a blog template because it was easy at the time I did it. It’s quite frustrating for users, in that the Web site is content-heavy and not incredibly accessible for them to find what they need. I never anticipated it would grow in such a short time.
Feb 22, 2009
Rly nice work magnus, iv been following you and the rest of woo for a while and i am just blown away of your work.
Mar 2, 2009
One day?!? Wish I had your Photoshop skills! Are most of your Web design skills self-taught? And also is 960px the width size you normally use on your Web designs?
Mar 2, 2009
Hey,
Yeah I have never taken a class on html/css or any design class. It has been something that I was interested in and just worked at it.
I usually always use the grid layout supplied in http://www.960.gs photoshop template. But I like to code it myself instead of using the grid layout, as it is a bit constraining sometimes.
Mar 4, 2009
A brilliant example of how a simple realign can make a huge difference. Really amazing work, Magnus!
May 1, 2009
hei!
I have recently moved to Stavanger… it is nice to share a town with such a talented designer. Keep up the great work!!