A fresh new BBC on the web

The BBC has a wonderfully detailed explanation of the forthcoming design changes across their web properties – something they call Global Visual Language 2.0. It’s a great mini case study in transparency and the though process behind visual design for a website that started small but has now sprawled to be one of the most popular on the web.

Have they achieved one of their aims to create “a modern British design aesthetic, something vibrant and quirky that translates outside our national boundaries?” Yes, I think they have. The design is very recognisably BBC and whilst it’s fresh, it’s not loud or too busy like many competing sites. I like the new horizontal navigation shown above and the subtle icons shown below.

It’s also fascinating to see the amount of thinking that has gone in to page layout with a real focus on grids to help align content both vertically and horizontally. It’ll all emphasize, subconsciously, the consistency of the sites.

Consistency of text will also help with that sense as the choices have been narrowed down to a few classics – Arial, Helvetica and Gill Sans.

It’s a great post and well worth a read for anyone interested in web design. Nice post Bronwyn!

Comments

• Anonymous
  February 17, 2010
  Steve, you work for Microsoft. Your company's web properties are desperately inconsistent and hard to navigate. Same mistakes repeated again and again, like the recent new mini-site on Windows Phone with its own separate look and feel and even log-in. Any thoughts on why Microsoft, unlike the BBC, doesn't regard having a consistent, easy to navigate web site as important?

• Anonymous
  February 17, 2010
  Tim - I wish I had an answer for you. the thought did cross my mind as a typed this post. there is definitely more consistency coming across product sites though clearly room for improvement. I'll ask around and see what i can find out