The first MSN redesign in over ten years is fresh and easier on the eyes. It features white background, half the links, Bing integration, and social feeds from Twitter, Facebook, and Windows Live.
Microsoft unveiled a preview of a redesigned MSN homepage Tuesday. The software maker said it revamped MSN to be the “best homepage on the web,” providing easy access to Bing search, favorite social networks, more relevant local content, and the latest news and entertainment information from trusted sources.
The new MSN starts out with a tweaked logo that combines round, elegant typeface with a signature multi-colored butterfly. Layout-wise, there’s a large Bing search box sitting atop the homepage, but it’s not just a box – Bing is deeply integrated as the core search service throughout the home page, via key areas such as shopping, travel and local, and as a way of highlighting hot topics, trends or people.
Below the search box sit horizontally aligned navigation links that provide access to the top five information areas: news, entertainment, sports, money, and lifestyle. Microsoft hailed premium content partners like MSNBC, FOX Sports, Hearst, Rodale, Meredith, and Mayo Clinic, in addition to bloggers and social media sites.
Silverlight-streamed video is embedded inline from more than 300 sources including Hulu, National Geographic and FOX Entertainment Group.
White background, half the number of links as the old MSN page, a larger spacing, and crisp images all result in less clutter. A senior MSN director Lisa Gurry acknowledged that the team listened to customers’ suggestions:
More than half of people online start their sessions on sites like MSN and they told us they want simplicity – yet still want the latest information and their favorite services delivered together.
Erik Jorgensen, Microsoft’s corporate vice president, said that “now is the time to clean up the mess on the web,” adding that Microsoft’s deep involvement in search, media experiences, and technical innovation all helped create integrated MSN experience. For instance, the righthand column provides the latest social feeds from your Facebook, Twitter, and Windows Live accounts.
Simply sign in via Facebook Connect, Twitter, and Windows Live and MSN pulls your Twitter timeline and updates from your Facebook or Windows Live friends. You can also update your Facebook and Windows Live status or send a tweet without leaving MSN. The new MSN Local Edition taps the Bing technology to discover your IP address in order to collect local news and information, map with traffic, detailed weather, and other local services tailored for your location.
As many as 100 million people in the US visit MSN.com each month, Microsoft said (more than 600 million worldwide). The new design will gradually roll out beginning Thursday until it’s widely available by the New Year’s timeframe.
