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New IDEO website launches

By Core Jr - August 12, 2008

in Design Business

In good company with another famed site's relaunch this week (gratuitous use of the word "beta" on that one--unless it's the word-of-the-day), IDEO has revamped their online presence in the first overall site overhaul in 7 years. Led by core-fave Valerie Casey, the site plasters up its wares not unlike the post-it note sessions it's famous for. Indeed, comments Casey,

For me, the greatest achievement of the new IDEO.com is that it really manifests IDEO's culture--transparent, messy, highly creative. We are a family of observers and collaborators, builders and storytellers. For us, the site represents an opportunity area that we call 'networked culture,' by connecting people to content and each other in a dynamic way that builds communities, culture, and capabilities both online and offline.

There's a ton to explore here: The Focus pages take IDEO's areas of expertise and mix in proprietary content with links to outside resources; IDEO To Go is a tool for visitors to compile a customized information packet; the Culture section is fed continuously by the firm's 550 people (Yowza!) with observations and insights--check out Blinks.

Finally, be sure to take a wander through the now-rendered-prosaic Featured Work section. Easy nav, great slideshows, and a dashboard stat line that makes us feel a bit better about how many conference calls we indulge in.

Bonus: Take a peak at the firm's sweet 1996 homepage background tile below--a nice technical drawing riff on Paul Rand's logo. (In those days, you got to choose between "shocked" and "basic" versions of the site.)

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Rob

16 years ago

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The site is actually starting to grow on me.

The site makes it pretty clear that IDEO's brand is not Apple's. It's a real 'zag' from straightforward and somewhat sterile information design that is becoming an industry standard. It does a good job of showing that the culture at IDEO is different from anything else out there - pretty remarkable considering IDEO's size.

The site definitely makes you dig in and appreciate the details, even if it can be a little unexpected, but i think that it's true to the brand of IDEO, and represents the sophistication of their work accurately.
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Nelsonia

16 years ago

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While the new site has far more engaging features than the previous, its visual and interaction design is really kind of bizarre and a little nauseating. IDEO's work has always inspired me, but this site is a circus compared to its super simple, elegant predecessor. Opposite ends of the spectrum. IDEO, love your work, but the new site design lacks restraint. Brainstorming should be free from restraint, yes, but information design absolutely requires it. Hire me, I'll improve your site.
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Manuel Toscano

16 years ago

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I must admit I really did enjoy this new site. I would suggest for everyone to look at "IDEO to go" section. Possibly the smartest way to transform a visit to the site into a project for the firm.

Damn you IDEO! :)
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