“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.
Dag Bawagan says
Very clean and simple … really minimalist.
Btw, I’m from the Philippines and caught the “minimalist bug” just last month and been hooked ever since. Your insights are very helpful and inspiring indeed. Thanks a lot ….
Kristin says
Looks wonderful. Very minimalist :)
Charles Specht says
Joshua & Brian,
I’m a fan of the new design. No sidebar! Bold move.
Your color selection is unique and is a branding technique in and off itself. Everything is clean, simple, and easy to find.
What I like most is the amount of white space to the left and right, as well as the logo that extends the length of the width.
Good job.
PS: Ohhh, and the content is still phenomenal. ;-)
joshua becker says
Thanks Charles. The changes were absolutely overdue. There were many inspirations for removing the sidebar. Zen Habits and Unfiltered among the finest of them.
Kristie says
I love the site change! New logo as well? I love the subtle grayish/brown color scheme. Much better than black and gray. Awesome design Brian!
Brian Gardner says
Thanks Kristie — appreciate that!
joshua becker says
Logo is the same. But the design certainly gives everything a fresh, updated look.
Carolyne says
Great font! so much easier on the eyes – especially older ones :)
Thank you for making this a favorite place to come
Susanne says
I love this new design! Just great – and so clean.
Thank you!
Judy Natzke says
Beautiful design and love it!
Angeline says
I really like the new design. Clean and fits well with your minimalism work; it’s easier on the eyes.
Sarah says
Very nice. Easier to read too!
Amy says
Love it! Great job, and well done. And thanks for all you’ve done and written over the years. I found the minimalist movement and your site through my favorite travel blog: almostfearless.com. I’ve been a devoted reader ever since. Keep up the great work!
joshua becker says
Well, then, special thanks to Drew and Christine. And thanks to you for being a committed reader.