Sometimes, graphic designers redesign something without being asked. Or paid. Maybe it’s a personal exercise to try something new. Or maybe it’s an unhealthy obsession with improving the visual communications around them. No matter the reason, these self-imposed design projects often result in very interesting work unhindered by normal constraints (such as budget, time tables, and clients). A few years ago, Matt Chase redesigned the United States Postal Service and created quite a stir with his unique approach. More recently, designer Karolis Kosas took on the task of redesigning Wikipedia. In his own words, Karolis explains the reason for this project:
“Wikipedia is one of our favorite sources of accumulated knowledge, hats off to Jimmy Wales.
But from the user’s and designer’s point of view it still has room to improve.
That’s why we decided to spend two spring months on this project, looking for the ways how to make it better, reader or editor friendlier, clearer and aesthetically satisfying.”
I don’t know about you, but I’d be much happier with a cleaner home page, as Karolis has created here.
To read about the process and see more images of the re-imagined site, visit Wikipedia Redefined, in which Karolis explains the journey and reasons behind various design decisions. What are your thoughts about this redesign?
Found via Mitch Goldstein
