Designing a new product or logo can be a tricky task. Often, the end result can disappoint users and leave them feeling more frustrated than ever. While it seems like everyone has an idea of improving popular products or brands, a glance at the "Redesign" tag on Behance might raise the question of why companies don't just adopt these innovative ideas.

The SOLV team believes that redesign is not a one-size-fits-all approach. While it's a part of our job, we also caution that many companies who think they need a redesign are actually squandering valuable resources. Let's dive deeper into why redesign efforts can fail and identify the questions you should ask yourself before diving into the redesign process.

Why redesigns fail: common mistakes to avoid

Redesigns can fail for many reasons, but some common mistakes can be avoided. 

Prioritizing Style Over Substance

When it comes to redesigning a product, it's tempting to focus solely on aesthetics. However, design is not just about looking pretty. Successful brands like Dropbox invest significant amounts in research, design, and iteration to keep their brand fresh and modern. They don't just create numerous designs and pick the best one. Instead, they listen to their users, test, analyze, and improve until they find the ideal solution.

Neglecting User Input and Feedback

One common mistake that companies make when redesigning products is neglecting user input and feedback. It's easy to assume what users need without actually asking them. However, people are often resistant to change, so it's crucial to get their feedback before implementing a redesign. Google Meet is an excellent redesign example that listened to its users. They saved time and resources while making users happier by asking the right questions and avoiding bias.

Skipping Crucial Testing Before Implementation

Honestly, we've seen it all when it comes to clients requesting a redesign. While many requests seem like valid reasons to pursue a redesign, they often indicate that the client doesn't fully understand the process and goals of a redesign. Here's some of them:

• "Our competitor just redesigned their website, so we need to do the same to keep up."
• "We want our landing to look exactly like this one - that's really popular right now."
• "Our sales are down, so a redesign should fix the problem."
• "Our CEO thinks our current design is boring and wants something more flashy."
• "Our investors want us to spend money on a redesign to show that we're making progress."

At SOLV, we take a thoughtful and strategic approach to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients without harming their brands or products. So that is why we always strive to find a compromise that benefits both the client and their brand. We're always eager to work with products that need a redesign, but we take the time to explain the process and objectives of a redesign to ensure that our clients fully understand what they're getting into. 

When redesigns went wrong: The most cringeworthy logo updates of the past year

Learning from the mistakes of others is a luxury that you can afford since last year was full of bad examples. When it comes to logo redesigns, there were some truly embarrassing updates that left designers scratching their heads:

Plastic Surgery Logo: A Design That Will Haunt Your Dreams

One of the most horrifying logo designs we've seen in recent years is for a plastic surgery company. The design features an eye that is large enough to give anyone nightmares and a mouth that looks like a cheap carving knife. The overall lack of symmetry and the different thicknesses in the design create an even more monstrous lopsided feel that makes the design all the more unsettling. It's no wonder that users on Reddit couldn't believe what they were seeing.

The logo fails on so many levels that it's hard to know where to start. The colors are garish and clash, the typography is awkward and unbalanced, and the graphic elements are haphazardly arranged. Everything about this design is just plain wrong. It makes you wonder who signed off on this and why they thought it would be a good idea.

SpaceX's Logo: A Case of Misaligned Branding

Sometimes a logo's execution can be its downfall, as demonstrated by the case of SpaceX's NASA logo. During a mission in October, the rocket's NASA logo was seen to be way off-center. It was an amusing incident, particularly when considering how much SpaceX's Elon Musk loves logos. The incident was all the more entertaining when several people took to Twitter to offer their own takes on the logo, creating homemade versions of the SpaceX logo.

The incident highlights the importance of proper logo usage and the need for extensive logo manuals. Without clear guidelines, a logo can be applied in ways that detract from its impact or even make it appear comical. In the case of SpaceX's NASA logo, it was an unfortunate mishap that, while amusing, could have been avoided with better attention to detail.

Kia's Logo: When a Revamp Goes Wrong

The redesign of the Kia logo in 2022 raised a lot of eyebrows and sparked confusion among consumers. Although the previous logo was outdated and needed an update, the new design didn't seem to hit the mark. The almost unreadable text in the new badge left many people scratching their heads and searching for answers. Instead of reinforcing the brand, the redesign left consumers wondering what the brand actually is, resulting in a missed opportunity for recognition and loyalty.

When it’s the right time for change?

As a business owner or marketer, it's important to consider whether a redesign is the right decision for your product. Before jumping into a costly and time-consuming redesign process, it's worth asking yourself some key questions:

• What are the goals of the redesign? Is it to improve user experience, increase conversions, or keep up with competitors?

• Have we thoroughly analyzed our current product design and identified specific areas that need improvement?

• Have we gathered feedback from our users and considered their needs and preferences?

• Is the current design causing any major problems for our users, or are we simply seeking to update our product's appearance?

• Are we willing to invest the necessary time and resources into research, testing, and iteration to ensure a successful redesign?

Once you've tackled these tough questions, you'll have the confidence to decide if a redesign is the right move for your product. Remember, a successful overhaul is more than just a facelift; it requires a smart, savvy strategy that focuses on substance, not just style. Skipping user input, bypassing critical testing, and relying too heavily on fads can all lead to a design disaster. If you're still grappling with indecision, why not bring in a fresh set of eyes? We're here to help you navigate the redesign process and make sure your product stands out for all the right reasons.

‍

DesignRush, the ultimate destination for uncovering top-notch Digital Agencies (yes, SOLV included), continues to illuminate the ever-evolving industry trends. To access their insightful reports, click here.