I regret my website redesign (mtlynch.io)

Article summary

The author of the article spent $46,000 on a website redesign that took eight months to complete, despite initial estimates of four weeks and $7,000. The project was plagued by scope creep, delays, and poor communication with the design agency. The author ultimately terminated the contract and finished the project themselves. The new website has resulted in a significant increase in sales, but the author is unsure if the redesign was the cause.

Main themes

• website redesign
• design agency woes
• project management
• scope creep
• cost overruns
• communication breakdowns

What commenters say

• The new design is an improvement, but the cost and time it took to complete were excessive.
• The old design was better and more effective at conveying the product's purpose.
• The design agency took advantage of the author and intentionally delayed the project to increase their bill.
• The author should have been more involved in the design process and set clearer boundaries with the agency.
• The increase in sales is likely due to the new design, but it's also possible that other factors contributed to the increase.
• The author's experience is a cautionary tale about the dangers of working with design agencies and the importance of carefully managing projects.
• The design agency's business model is flawed and prioritizes their own interests over those of their clients.
• The author should have considered alternative design options, such as using a freelancer or a template, to save time and money.