At Dogwood, we frequently talk with clients who are considering redesigning their website. Sometimes the site feels outdated. Sometimes performance is lagging. Other times, the business has simply outgrown what it built years ago. Whatever the reason, one thing is consistent: a redesign is rarely just about making something look better.
I recently sat down with Zoyace Shrestha, our Senior Drupal Developer, to talk through what actually makes a redesign successful. His insights reinforced something we see often: the best redesigns are intentional, balanced, and deeply focused on how real people experience a website.
A Successful Redesign Is About Balance, Not Just Beauty
One of the first things Zo pointed out is the importance of balance between content and design. A common instinct during a redesign is to include everything about your business/company. Every service, every message, every detail. The result is often pages that feel more overwhelming than anything, certainly not helpful.
Attention spans are short, especially online. Sites perform better when content is focused and intentional. That usually means less text per section, not more. Around 50 meaningful words can often communicate value more effectively than long paragraphs that users are unlikely to read.
At Dogwood, we encourage clients to think about what truly needs to be said and where. Branding and creative ideas still matter, but they work best when they support clarity rather than compete for attention.
The Most Common Redesign Mistakes We See
One of the biggest mistakes we see during redesigns is overstimulation. Too many colors, too many elements, and too little white space can quickly make a site feel chaotic.
White space is one of the most powerful tools in design. It gives content room to breathe and helps users understand what matters most. When white space is missing, even strong messaging can get lost.
Another issue we often encounter is a lack of hierarchy in the content design. If everything on a page feels equally important, users do not know where to focus. A strong redesign prioritizes what matters most to the business and clearly guides users through that story.
Search functionality is also frequently overlooked, especially on content-heavy sites. When users cannot easily find what they are looking for, frustration sets in fast. These are all things to consider when undertaking a website redesign.
Simplicity Does Not Mean Less Content
Many of our clients have a lot of information to share, and that’s not a bad thing. The challenge is presenting it in a way that feels manageable instead of overwhelming.
Zo shared that one effective approach is designing with a single focal point per screen or section. That might be a headline, a visual, or a simple animation that draws the eye first. That way, users are seamlessly guided to the most important information. Supporting content can follow once users understand the context.
Simplicity comes from structure and balance, not from stripping away valuable information.
Accessibility Isn’t Optional!
Accessibility is an area that still does not get enough attention, even though it affects a significant portion of users. Zo mentioned that many existing sites do not adequately consider users with ADHD, color blindness, or vision impairments.
The tools and standards exist, but they are often missed because designers are not always aware of them. This is why we treat accessibility as a foundational part of redesign conversations at Dogwood, not an afterthought.
Clear contrast, readable typography, logical layouts, and reduced visual clutter improve usability for everyone, not just users with disabilities.
Using AI in Ways That Actually Help
Regarding AI tools and their contribution to web design, one of the most practical uses Zo highlighted is supporting accessible design decisions. Tools that help evaluate or suggest accessible color contrast, for example, such as coolors.co, remove guesswork and improve usability without complicating the user experience.
At Dogwood, we focus on using AI where it strengthens clarity and inclusion, not just where it looks impressive.
Thoughtful Website Redesign from Professionals
A website redesign is a major investment that deserves thoughtful planning. The most successful redesigns we see focus on balance, hierarchy, accessibility, and user experience rather than trying to do everything at once.
By respecting attention spans, using white space intentionally, prioritizing accessibility, and making smart design choices, businesses can create websites that truly work for their audiences.
Our team at Dogwood works closely across strategy, design, and development to make sure every redesign is purposeful and future-ready. When done right, a redesign becomes more than a visual update. It becomes a better way to connect with the people you serve.
