Evolution of a Website

Complete, cohesive websites with logical architectures take time and effort to build. Once built, content must be kept fresh and interesting or much of the initial value is lost and the website grows stale. Below is the story of the evolution of one of our favorite client sites, Vox Music Group, from its inception to its current state.

BEFORE - Before coming to us in 1999, this client had a simple website with straightforward (but slow loading) graphics on a site host which did not provide proper site statistics or support the Perl which would later be required for mailing lists, catalog searches, and other applications:

Client website, BEFORE

Groundwork - We moved the site to a more responsive host, reorganized the web pages, added site navigation to the front page, and streamlined the graphic images. We began to develop a cohesive look-and-feel for the client site. Playing off the site name, VoxCD.com, we chose to use pieces of a CD to highlight options in the left-hand navigation bar:

...navigation added

Content - Although look-and-feel enhancements continue, content enrichment and reorganization is the primary focus. The website now includes a searchable catalog of recordings, contest page, feedback form, and site map. The navigation continues to maintain the CD motif, but has been moved to the top of the site, leaving more space for content on the web pages below:

...top navigation

Refinement - The restructuring of the site is substantially completed. Site content continues to be enhanced. Work continues to finalize a palate which reflects the tastes of the client and which works well on the site. We are getting closer:

...colors refined

2001 Revision - At last, the CD image finds its place in the site navigation bar, as the tab image. The color palate is quiet and elegant, but not staid, and the opening page includes a subtle Flash movie introduction with falling music notes:

...look refined

2002 Revision - The first major revision, planned for January, 2002, was installed ahead of schedule and under budget. The CD images were retained in concept but updated and repositioned on the page. Also, the search function, which has been popular among visitors to the site, is now be visible at all times. There were also site-wide internal changes, including coding to help reduce "spam" email to the Vox team:

...look updated

Major Overhaul - After a number of years with a similar but subtly varying look, we agreed that it was time for a major revision. The site was completely redesigned, leaving the CD-icon navigation behind, and putting in its place a new composer montage which immediately conveys Vox's classical emphasis. The welcome page includes stronger colors to draw the eye to new releases and features. And the navigation is easily available at all times to the left of the window.

...final site

2004 - Called in - Vox in-house staff maintained their own online mailing list, searchable catalog, and new releases page without assistance. We came to the rescue in July 2004, however, after they inadvertently introduced a bug, but our rebuild (which affected 145 web pages) did not affect the look-and-feel of the site.

2006 - They're Back - Vox continued to use the same design for its site until 2005, when the site was allowed to lapse. In late Fall of 2006, they undertook to revive the site, working in-house, with elfenworks providing technical support and advice as needed. We're so happy to see them back on the web.

The above images tell the story of an iterative process of design and enhancement. Ideally, a website's look-and-feel should be refined regularly, maintaining a sense of continuity while keeping the website fresh. Content should be updated even more frequently. This is because websites which continuously grow and change are most likely to attract new and repeat visitors.