Ok, so this doesn't really belong here, but I just HAVE to ask - what happened to ASTD's website? I find it extremely hard to read with all the black, white, and lime green. I'm at a loss. Is this a permanent change?!

Agree! - what happened ASTD?

Agree 100%! ASTD website is quite unreadable now! I had a tough time locating the eLearning discussion board as well. It will be interesting to know what prompted this "make-over"?

Hold on to your hats! We're going back to 1996!

Ha ha

Sheldon

I asked an independent design firm to take a quick look at the new site to get their take on what's going on. Here is their high level reaction for whoever in ASTD might be listening......

Its kind of a hybrid. There’s lots of javascript tracking for content and menus. There is static HTML that gets linked to by those menus. There is a shopping cart that is cobbled in. There are various outside links that take you away from the site for various types of content
(like FAQ’s). There is probably some sort of back end management interface to add updates and info but it does not appear to be very well integrated.

* Ineffective execution of any sort of aesthetic.

* Too many outside links....you always want your info integrated seamlessly into your site.....this is an example of the opposite of that principle.

* There is no branding!.....I don’t have any emotional connection to ASTD when I get there or when I leave.

* The shopping cart is not seamlessly integrated

* The big picture problem is that whatever Frankenstein CMS they have going on is just that...all the things they are trying to do on the site are not supported by the CMS or the way that the CMS is set up. So they have turned to outside links...shared service websites.....and cobbled together web applications.

* ASTD is such a big deal, this is so out of sync with the actual brand.

They need a solution that is fully integrated, fully and seamlessly supports their info and needs. They also need MAJOR image control and a more pleasing aesthetic and information design. Fortunately they obviously put a great deal of thought into the content they wanted on the site so that big part of the task is done. I would recommend taking all their ideas and content and putting it into a better shell, functionality set, and creating a better aesthetic.

They need to project the high end image that matched their stature and place in the industry...its really important.

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No doubt some smart folks worked on pulling this new site together. They deserve credit for their effort. I hope the feedback helps.