How to evolve your webpage designs over time

As much as we’d like to think so, a beautifully designed webpage at launch doesn’t always stay that way.

As your organisation evolves, so will your content. Whether it’s campaign updates, new initiatives, impact stories, or strategy changes, these all create a need to revisit and adjust what’s on your site. 

Thankfully, modular design systems are fantastic for making content changes when the need arises. They provide flexible, scalable and consistent components that can make updating content easy and adaptable. However, to ensure these changes are made in a way that aligns with the webpage’s existing content and objectives, they need to be approached with a wider view. Stepping back and looking at the page as a whole can allow for changes that enable webpage designs to evolve successfully and prevent them from feeling messy and disconnected.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of simply inserting a new block into a page and calling it a day. But, every time you do, you risk chipping away at the page’s clarity, purpose, and flow. For charities, this is especially important to consider in order to maintain engagement with existing supporters and inspire new.

So, how do we make sure we update webpages with intent and keep the designs fresh and focused? Keep reading to find out how small tweaks can create a big impact.

What are ‘module relationships’?

Let’s start with the basics. In digital design, a ‘module’ is a reusable content block. Think of the image and text blocks, testimonials, statistics sections, or card grids.

‘Module relationships’ are how these blocks work together visually, logically, and narratively. It’s less about what’s inside each block and more about what happens in between them.

You can think of it like a playlist: each song (module) matters, but so does the order, energy, and transition from one to the next. Done right, the experience feels seamless. Done carelessly, and the user feels confused or disengaged.

For charity websites, this matters as we want users to feel engaged, inspired and ultimately, support the cause. This could be through donating, volunteering, fundraising, attending an event, subscribing to a mailing list, or signing a petition. But, if the webpage doesn’t make sense, users may turn their attention (and support!) elsewhere. 

So, when content needs updating, it’s critical to consider the module relationships so they don’t lose balance, flow or clarity.

Common pitfalls when updating a page design

When the time comes to update webpages after launch, these are some of the most common pitfalls we see that affect module relationships:

• Dropping in a new block without adjusting others. This could be removing some content or adding a new module midway through the page without considering the wider webpage. As a result, you may end up with two call-to-action modules stacked back-to-back or the natural flow of content has been broken.

• Repeating the same module type. For example, using the same image-text combo five times in a row creates fatigue and makes it harder for users to focus.

• Disrupting the visual balance. When we design webpages, we use alternating background colours or module variations to create contrast and movement. This keeps the user engaged and creates a positive experience when accessing the content. When a new block disrupts that rhythm, the page can start to feel flat or disjointed.

• Shifting the page’s purpose. Sometimes, new content isn’t actually aligned with the original goal of the page. This can make the page feel confusing or leave the user feeling unsure of what action they need to take. In this case, it’s often better to create a new page or rework the structure entirely.

If it feels awkward when you scroll through your update, trust that instinct! A good flow should feel effortless.

How to update pages with intention

Now we’ve looked at some of the common issues when updating a page design, let’s look at how we can update with intent. By understanding how to add, remove or change content in a way that complements the webpage’s design, you can ensure your website maintains focus, engagement and has maximum impact. Here are some key ways to update successfully:

• Start with the big picture. Before you make any changes, pause and zoom out. Consider questions like: What is this page trying to do? Has the audience or messaging changed? Will this new content enhance the page’s goal or dilute it? By keeping this in mind, you can keep focus and ensure that it is reflected in the changes.
• Preview the whole page first. Use preview mode in your CMS and scroll through the page in full. This will allow you to see how this new block will affect the layout and if the page still feels cohesive and logical.
• Don’t be afraid to reorder. Sometimes, a new piece of content works better near the top, or reshuffling modules gives the page a more natural progression. Changing the order of the page can help it feel more logical and intuitive, rather than just adding the new content to the end and hoping for the best. Modular systems are designed to allow flexibility, so use that freedom! Keep in mind that a good flow often follows natural reading patterns too, such as a Z-pattern (left-to-right, top-to-bottom).
• Use module variations strategically. If your module list includes variations like different background colours, image positions, or layouts, use them to maintain contrast and break repetition. A repeated module can feel fresh again with a new colour scheme or reversed layout.

Final thoughts: small tweaks, big impact!

Your website should evolve with your mission, but evolution doesn’t mean chaos.

Modular systems give you tools, but these need to be used with intention. Every time you update a page, you have the chance to tell a more engaging story with clarity and purpose. By thinking  in terms of relationships, you can ensure your webpage’s design evolves successfully and in harmony.

To recap:

• Preview, scroll, then publish.
• Reorder, don’t just add.
• Avoid repetition.
• Think in story arcs, not just sections.

If you would like support with updating your charity website’s layouts or finding out more about how we can help with design updates, get in touch today for a chat with our team.