“Design creates culture.” —Robert L. Peters
Becoming Minimalist is newly designed with version 4.0. If you are reading this post via email, I encourage you to see the new design by clicking here. You will be glad you did.
Before I go any further, I need to thank Brian Gardner for the new theme. Brian is a talented designer who took my ideas, but also encouraged me to consider new ones. I’m excited to have him as Becoming Minimalist’s web designer. And proud to call him friend.
Becoming Minimalist’s previous theme was launched almost four years ago. Since then, there have been a lot of changes. Our readership has grown from 30,000 visitors/month to 350,000 visitors/month. We’ve written books, launched newsletters, and created speaking pages. We’ve added social proof and sharing buttons. Things got cluttered. We were long overdue for a change.
Our goal was to create a new website specifically designed to enhance the reader’s experience. To accomplish this:
- We incorporated a cleaner, simpler webpage with fewer distractions.
- We introduced a wider, easier-to-read font package via Typekit.
- We utilized the same color-scheme throughout the entire site.
- Our new Genesis framework is more lightweight and secure than our previous theme for a more enjoyable user experience.
- We built a mobile-responsive design for tablets and smartphones.
- We optimized the design for Retina display.
- We accomplished much needed house cleaning on the back-end of the site.
I believe each of the changes will be appreciated by both new and returning visitors.
Indeed, we have made significant changes to the site. And yet, Becoming Minimalist has not lost its unique voice. Our logo and colors remain the same. Our writing voice has not changed. And our passion is as strong today as the day we launched this site.
Becoming Minimalist exists to inspire others to find more life by owning less. And this passion will never change.
I am curious to know your thoughts on the new design. Please, leave them in the comment section below.
And if you get a chance, send Brian Gardner a tweet (@bgardner) thanking him for his hard work.
Nat says
Excellent, clean, clutter-free, minimalist design. Well done.
Alex Mertz says
Wow, nice! I really like the new design. It’s much simpler and more minimalist, imho.
Donna says
Love it…aesthetically and functionally terrific!
Josh Vickerson says
Love the new design! Looks wonderful on my iPhone.
Carolyn Moen says
perfect! I love the font…easy on the eyes…thanks for the updated look!
Kelvin says
I love the new look Joshua!
It’s clean, simple, and minimalists yet user friendly. I love the font size as well. Awesome updates sir. Well done!!
Leann says
Love this new look. Easy on my eyes, sleek and clean appearance. So easy to read on my phone! Great job!
joshua becker says
Mobile-responsiveness was a much overdue enhancement.
stephanie says
Love the new design. Very clean and simple! I’m wondering if the it was meant to be cut off in the header? Just an observation…. Nice job!
Brian Gardner says
Not sure what you mean by “cut off in the header” — can you elaborate?
Allison says
Vast improvement. The design makes perfect sense with the minimalist theme, and it’s relaxing to look at and navigate. The font size is perfect in my opinion.
BrownVagabonder says
Beautifully simple design. I love it. The font that you chose is perfection. Thank you for always improving and being someone in the blogosphere to aspire to.
joshua becker says
You are very gracious. Thanks for all your kind feedback at countless times. Truly, I mean that. It’s always helpful.