Microsoft Homepage: How Microsoft Can Improve It’s Branding
(Note: All images are edited and do not reflect the original website)
I came across an article yesterday by Cory Watilo called ‘Why Microsoft has an image problem’ where he compares Microsoft.com to Apple.com. He makes the point that Microsoft is still very much stuck in their ways by continuously cramming loads of unnecessary elements on one page and using too much colour which distracts the user from focusing their attention on the important things. — I agree with most of what he says but let’s be honest, Microsoft is never going to be like Apple so they shouldn’t try to be like them but they could learn a great deal in their presentation and how they display information.
I’ve always noticed this problem so wanted to see if Microsoft maybe aren’t bad at marketing and design, they just lack in direction. I’m beginning to think I am right and that’s precisely their problem.
Microsoft Homepage Redesigned
The photo above (click to view larger version) was created using elements all found on Microsoft’s own websites (www.zune.net, www.microsoft.com/uk, www.microsoft.com/uk/wave/home.aspx)
If the images are not showing fullsize, use these links: for home, for work
Microsoft homepage when user navigates to the work section.
Conclusion:
Microsoft is well aware that they have perhaps grown old and were in need of a re-branding to revitalise their consumer image. Their problem lies with trying to manage so many complex deep-link pages (mostly unnecessary) and product micro-sites that there is a disconnect between the design which confuses people A LOT!.
There needs to be one or two universal design templates that follows through out every single page and site. This template must make use of screen real estate and support wide-screen viewing. This means using clearer heavier fonts, using HTML5, using less banner ads, using more subtle colours in your branding (not bright blue or orange) and finally force people to use your site (don’t spam your page with links to items of less importance.)
Windows Phone 7 Mango (beta)
Quick hands-on walkthrough of just a few of the up and coming features to be released in next years ‘Mango’ update for Windows Phone 7.
The UI has really grown on me, looks so intuitive and clutter-free.
