During the GazetteOnline.com redesign project, we began with intense research sessions on both the end user and corporate goals. We identified the goals for each through several information-gathering meetings. Utilizing this information, we worked to create a precedence map of the homepage and navigation structure. At the same time, we were utilizing our proprietary site mapping exercise to identify each page within the site, and it's relationship to all other pages. We then presented the precedence map and the site map to upper management at the Gazette. Their collective feedback was used to fine tune the precedence map before a wire frame was developed. Once the wire frame of the site was developed, a series of wire frames were user tested and a tremendous amount of feedback (both positive and negative) was gathered. The user testing feedback was extremely valuable in fine-tuning the wire frames to meet end user goals.

Our next steps in the redesign process were branding and color theories. The print version of the newspaper had recently been redesigned with a very traditional look, which utilized mostly black type hierarchies, the newsprint page for a background color and photos for coloration. We implemented very similar color theories into the design of the GazetteOnline.com user interface. The end result is a very clean and easy to read design, due to both the proper layout of information and the careful branding and color decisions.

The final version of the site was published live to the world in early 2005. The response from the Cedar Rapids citizens has been very favorable. Since then, the Gazette Online has been redesigned by their in-house team.