I want to share with you a brilliant article and highly recommended read regarding site redesign. The lessons and ideas here can apply to so many different instances, redesigns, initial designs, dealing with clients etc. It brings to the forefront some of the major points you should be focusing on when redesigning or designing a site for that matter. Look past the fancy visuals and really answer the question, why is it necessary. What am I redesigning for and how is the addition of this or that element going to enhance the user experience? Does it make sense and accomplish the goals of my site? Far to often we tend to see redesigns based on the current trends in the CSS galleries without any real thought as to why.
Definitely food for though. Read the article and take note of the guidlines followed. The Golden Rules of Site Redesign on Somerandomdude.com