MySpace Gets a Facelift

June 17, 2008

Let’s face it. MySpace is not really known for it’s great design.

In fact, they constantly get bashed for it. Just the other day, I found this on Digg. It’s a Firefox add-on, called AmIOnMySpace, that saves you if you “accidentally” navigate to MySpace, and takes you back to the website you just came from. You can download it here.

But it looks like MySpace is finally starting to listen. Next week they will be launching a pretty substantial redesign. Most notably, their top navigation will be significantly reduced. The top links will be brought down to just five main links (Home, Mail, Profile, Music and MySpaceTV). The other lesser used navigation links will still be accessible, just under a drop down menu.

Here’s a screenshot of their soon-to-be revamped homepage:

MySpace Homepage Redesign

[View larger version here.]

There are also some more screenshots of the other redesigned pages here.

MySpace is mainly using this redesign to fight back with the hope to get more users and to boost usage.

We’ll have to wait and see if these changes really accomplish that. But in the meantime, I think this latest batch of redesigns is a big improvement from a usability standpoint.

Furthermore, I am very impressed with MySpace for the timing. The move comes just as Facebook is planning to launch their own redesign. They’re supposed to begin rolling out these changes starting tomorrow.

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    Although this new MySpace feature allows for a bit more customization and control, these designs are better suited for social networks that are not geared towards networking and promoting yourself and your talent. I believe MySpace has undergone a metamorphisis in the past year. It is becoming more what its ultimate fate is, a social promoting and networking community for those with talent. Specifically musical talent. With the trend in the music industry shifting to an artist succeeding without the backing of a money hungry label, MySpace has proven artist can rise to fame and recognition within the social network and beyond. Thus making this new design effort on MySpace dated before it even catches on. Most of the untalented, just looking for love crowd has moved on to facebook where no talent or creativity is required. A community of apps and stalker drama, facebook has helped weed out the trash. If an artist wants to be recognised they need to stand out. talent cannot be showcased on platforms that are cookie cut for millions. Hiring a professional MySpace designer to customize your profile layout is a small investment for a potential big payoff. Professional MySpace designers like Sketchfirm.com deliver high quality work without breaking the bank.
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    • v
    Although this new MySpace feature allows for a bit more customization and control, these designs are better suited for social networks that are not geared towards networking and promoting yourself and your talent. I believe MySpace has undergone a metamorphisis in the past year. It is becoming more what its ultimate fate is, a social promoting and networking community for those with talent. Specifically musical talent. With the trend in the music industry shifting to an artist succeeding without the backing of a money hungry label, MySpace has proven artist can rise to fame and recognition within the social network and beyond. Thus making this new design effort on MySpace dated before it even catches on. Most of the untalented, just looking for love crowd has moved on to facebook where no talent or creativity is required. A community of apps and stalker drama, facebook has helped weed out the trash. If an artist wants to be recognised they need to stand out. talent cannot be showcased on platforms that are cookie cut for millions. Hiring a professional MySpace designer to customize your profile layout is a small investment for a potential big payoff. Professional MySpace designers like Sketchfirm.com deliver high quality work without breaking the bank.
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