NYPL.org Redesign

The New York Public Library has given a sneak peak to the public for their new site set to launch January 6th. What do you think?

Left: The home page before the redesign, Right: The home page after the redesign.

Left: An interior page before the redesign, Right: An interior page after the redesign.

While it is obvious the site needed some updating, I’m not so sure that the design for the home page was the absolute best solution for such a resource in New York. There is an FAQ section on the redesign which gives people like me an insight into the process, but something about the home page just isn’t as engaging as I would expect. I think the content is useful and presented in the top navigation in a user-friendly way. The “Using the Library” section in particular is very important for the younger generations who are native to the internet and not the physical library.

I’d like to see if the home page will change over time, because the type doesn’t work for me, and the My Account button is distracting. I think it should have been renamed and not so consumer-like. Maybe have some fun since it’s a library, call it My Shelf, My Bookcase, My Library, something other than account. It’s too commercial.

There are a few other minor details that bug me such as the logo symbol being perfectly aligned with the word ‘library’ rather that with the entire wordmark, but you can read more on the logo design at Brand New.

As with most redesigns, only time will tell whether it has been a successful one. The in-house designers at the NYPL definitely deserve some kudos for taking on the tough task of rebranding an institution that has deep roots that is also being thrusted into the digital age.