“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.
Sarah says
I love love love the new design! A breath of fresh air. I wish more would do the same.
Greetings a big fan from The Netherlands
AmyeToTheRescue! says
Now the visuals are on a par with the words! Great new look! Thank you so much for your blog!
Carol says
I agree with Jenny ,I would rather it not be centered. All other aspects improved. I look forward to your blog.
Ann-Marie says
Your site is a pleasure to visit. I love it. If I had anything to improve it would only be to have your hyperlinks (? The links to off site information) open up a new window. Then I can come back to you without getting directed away from your page whenever I click on something that you recommend reading. Thanks for doing what you do. It is inspiring.
Marissa M says
Agree^
Kerry Avilla says
I was artistically admiring the changes even before I realized that the blog was about them. Great job, Brian and Josh!
Melissa McIntyre says
I LOVE it! I’ll probably click over from e-mail just to read it here. Nice and streamlined and I’m loving the LARGER font! Apparently the 37th year of life brings with it the need to read LARGER FONTS :-) I don’t use twitter but thank you Brian! And of course you too Joshua!
Brian Gardner says
37th year? You youngin’. :-)
And you’re definitely welcome!
Alysa says
Love the brownish gray text. Very soothing.
Pastor Jamie says
I like the new, cleaner design. Simple is truly better, and it certainly is true for the web as well. I am still getting used to the center position; not bad, just different.
I’ve seen many comments about the new font and the color in particular. FWIW, I don’t like it. For me, seems harder to read. Its too light for me… not enough contrast. Prefer the darker black.
Overall very nice job Josh and Brian. Blessings to you!
Diana says
What a WONDERFUL and refreshing change. It is great – so fresh and easy on the eyes …. nice job!!
Jenny says
I like everything about it. My only comment would be that it is a natural for your brain to read from left to right and I find the centre spacing a little uncomfortable.
Lee says
It’s a breath of fresh air – clean, fresh and plenty of space! Love it.