It's as if they were so proud of that moment, they decided they would go out on a high note. It seems like the reasoning is, "It can't get any better, so let's not even try."
If the world had not changed since 2002, especially with regard to online activities and advances, I would have no problem with an institution that made minor or even no adjustments to a website. But we all know that is not the case. 2002 was six (nearly seven) years ago! Even within the last two years we have seen incredible change in the online world. Look back over the last six years and the changes are astounding.
One of the major, non-technical changes with regard to the online world has to do with design. I was in New York City over the weekend and came across an interesting book that reflected on the transition in web designer skills. It used to be that the majority of web designers had print design training, and they had to adapt their skills to the unusual world of online design and layout as requests for web sites came in from clients. Now, there are professionals trained directly in online design who have never had the challenge of adapting skill sets from one medium to another.
My point is that website design, as much as the functional elements of financial institution web sites, has changed greatly over the last few years. Especially since 2002. Any website that holds on to designs favored more than five years ago is jarring to look at, as it stands out starkly against other more updated sites. Were this a branch I was talking about, it would be similar to a credit union holding on to its look from 1975. Lots of strange color combinations, shag carpeting, etc.
No successful credit union, to my knowledge, still has 1975 decor proudly displayed throughout its branches. Why? Because to date ourselves in such a way shows those that might open accounts with us that we are not up-to-date with the latest in financial services and professionalism. Yet when it comes to the online world, many still hold the mistaken belief that just having a web presence, whether well-designed by today's standards or not, is enough. It isn't. Design is important in the online world.
Let's take pride in our appearance - online as well as in the real world. Our members deserve no less than that because as owners, the way we look is really a reflection on them!
