So, we’ve spruced the place up a bit.
When we started KC Beer Scouts, I envisioned a site full of reviews of interesting and varied beers written by our group and lovingly compiled, with the occasional bit of local beer news and an essay or two. More than two years later, that vision never really came to be. Our site has become much more devoted to news, new breweries, new releases, and new beer-related events. The old design did a poor job of relaying that information to you, the reader.
What’s New
Probably the most noticeable aspect of the new design is how much white space surrounds everything. Gone are the embossed letters, paper textures and heavy dark backgrounds; replaced by open white spaces and legible sans-serif typefaces.
If you’re reading this on your phone – and more than half of you do – you probably have noticed that it’s a whole lot easier to read this on your phone. The idea is called responsive design, a fluid grid layout that repositions elements depending on the size of the screen. (If you’re actually sitting at a computer, make the browser window skinnier and watch the blocks dance!)
I really like our Beer Events Calendar, so much so that we boastfully refer to it as the Grand Unified Beer Calendar. On the old design, it was buried; only accessible thru the menu. Now it is prominently displayed on the homepage, and a list of upcoming events are listed on every page.
Credits
I’ve spent many, many nights and weekends of the last several months on this redesign. If you like it and think that your business could use a cool new website, you’re in luck! Designing and developing websites is actually my day job. (Surprisingly, drinking and discussing craft beer for KC Beer Scouts doesn’t pay the bills.) I am the co-owner of Lagom Design, a branding and design company in the Crossroads Arts District. It’s pronounced LAW-gome, by the way. Check out some of our other work on our website. And if your business has needs for branding or web design, give us a call.
… And Your Thoughts
So, what do you think? Better than the old site? Is it all too vanilla now? What would you change?
Really diggin the new look, especially the logo. Looks great!
Great new look! I’m looking forward to contributing some essays. If writing is my penance for trying something new, so be it.
Looks awesome on my phone! Nice work.