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Site Design: Instagram.com testing a very minimal variation

almost 8 years ago from Adam Wintle, Experienced Product Manager and Maker

  • Ryan ODonnell, almost 8 years ago

    So tired of these "minimal" redesigns. So sterile and boring.

    Are brands scared of having a personality? Scared of offending even the smallest group?

    4 points
    • Ben MJTBen MJT, almost 8 years ago

      Agreed, and it's a little dispiriting the praise this is getting from some. Modern design does not mean whitewashing everything, it's ok to show some character, in fact it can really improve a design.

      0 points
    • Ricky SynnotRicky Synnot, almost 8 years ago

      Having colour, type, graphics and sound on a page can help expose the identity of a brand.

      But I don't think it's as straight forward as 'putting more on the page'...

      If Instagram are leveraging popular new patterns that are found elsewhere, that's fine.

      I think brands are a construct in the consumers mind. They are made up of many things, not just web Ui.

      Maybe Instagram doesn't need to sustain their chunky, skeunirphic design anymore, now that they're a household name :)

      0 points
      • Ryan ODonnell, almost 8 years ago

        A brand is a lot like real estate property. Everything it puts out in the world, every addition it makes, can either either improve or hurt it's equity.

        When there are disconnects, it hurts that brand's equity. You wouldn't want a Tuscan-style house with Zen garden in the courtyard.

        Disconnects like this often confuse users. They're forced to relearn and reinterpret how this now fits within their brand. They start making comparisons and consider alternatives.

        Gradual evolution of brand is commonplace and expected but this is a drastic change is a sterile direction for an otherwise fun, personable and approachable brand.

        0 points