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Now this is how you go about redesigning a project like Wikipedia. All due respect to those other guys ( see http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4352290 http://

Now this is how you go about redesigning a project like Wikipedia. All due respect to those other guys ( see http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4352290 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4352290), but Wikipedia doesn't need a branding makeover. Everyone knows Wikipedia, but not everyone contributes. Why? It's a pain in the ass to do. A better Wikipedia starts with streamlining the editing process (although something can be said in favour of a healthy barrier to keep the trolls out). Making Wikipedia look prettier is a nice extra to have in the process.

briandear 14y ago
That branding makeover wasn't designed to be actually used. It was, as companies are prone to do, a case study/exercise with the intent of showing clients their though processes with a recognizable product. I wouldn't criticize those gents to strongly because they are a branding company and they were using Wikipedia to demonstrate the thought processes that go into a project. It's essentially useful as similar exercises that we got in college -- it isn't about actually implementing the changes, its an academic exercise. In the case of the design firm that did the Wiki remaining, it serves a similar purpose. I think HN was especially hard on those guys despite the fact that it achieved its intended purpose: to start a conversation. Even bad ideas have a purpose in the design process (although I have to admit, I actually liked their work.) I'd love to see them do a similar case study on Craigslist or the Drudge Report, if just to see what they came up with.