I think this is not a general problem, it’s just that it’s very easy to make mistakes when changing a running system. You probably overgeneralize based on the fact that there were so many bad re-design decisions in massively used products lately. Just to name a few:
- YouTube’s failed attempt at improving the comment section
- The new mobile YouTube app entirely covers the video with supersized play/pause button.
- The odd merge of touch and desktop UI elements in Windows 8
I think a huge factor for hate is also whether the re-design was preannounced. I think, ideally the user would have the option to upgrade the page, just as they can decide whether to upgrade their phone or not.
- YouTube’s failed attempt at improving the comment section
- The new mobile YouTube app entirely covers the video with supersized play/pause button.
- The odd merge of touch and desktop UI elements in Windows 8
I think a huge factor for hate is also whether the re-design was preannounced. I think, ideally the user would have the option to upgrade the page, just as they can decide whether to upgrade their phone or not.