Microsoft sticks with new MSN homepage
The MSN homepage is changing, with the long-gestating redesign finally being moved out of its trial period and rolled out to all users. Microsoft now just has to hope that the majority of those users actually like the redesign.
Web portals are still popular first ports of call for many people venturing on to the Web. They offer a preview of what is happening on the Web, highlighting the latest news stories and directing people where to head next. There are a few very popular Web portals, of which MSN is one. And it’s currently undergoing a huge redesign which Microsoft hopes will see the homepage better compete with the likes of Yahoo, AOL, and Google.
The MSN homepage redesign began last year, with different layouts being trialled on a localized basis. Once the new layout was decided on, it started being pushed out to users. First to 10 percent, then later to 25 percent. Now, all 100 million users are going to have the redesign foisted upon them, whether they like it or not. And some won’t, guaranteed.
The MSN homepage hasn’t changed much at all since its inception in 1998. And with the Web having changed beyond all recognition since then a redesign was well overdue. There’s a definite feeling of refreshment and renewal at Microsoft at the moment, and the redesign of MSN is part of that.
The homepage has been simplified and given a much cleaner and fresher feel than it used to have. Gone are the endless links and the effort to act as a directory to the whole Web. In its place are large images, user-friendly search options, and personalized and local feeds suited to each individual user.
There will, of course, be some complaints from longtime MSN users who don’t welcome change easily. But Microsoft is convinced that the redesign is strong enough to be welcomed by the majority of users.
The bigger concern for Microsoft, and the reason for the redesign in the first place, is to make MSN more of a driver of Bing searches and advertising dollars.
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