ZoomConcept Reviews
Minor Problem on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 Make this into more of a logo. 2 Your alignment and spacing is off here. Make sure the text is all on the same line and that there is the same amount of space between each object. 3 This is belongs in it's own section on the home page. It's too much to include in the header. 4 Great call to action, just make the button a little more exciting and welcoming. Looks very bland and "businessy". 5 Where is the margin spacing on this heading. It's practically sitting on top of the image. Give it room to breath. 6 Align this to the right and give it the same amount of margin/padding as the heading. 7 This could all stand to have some sort of border. I'm thinking a thick 10px border might be the trick... gray? 8 Not only does this section barely have enough content to be a section, I don't think it belongs. It really takes away from the main point of this site, I would lose it. 9 The edge of the page could stand to have something popping it off the background more. Either and image that comes out from behind it, or some sort of fading drop shadow. Serious Problem on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 Take this out in favor of some sort of info graphic that helps better explain what the site is all about. Critical Problem on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 Why is the login button hidden? Make this near or in the navigation. Positive Feature on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 Love your color palette, by the way. It's right on, good work. Summary:
There are a lot of positive elements to this design and I think you're on the right track. While I generally like the direction there are many things that don't look right, are misleading and don't quite work. Below I'll try and outline a few of those things:
Strategy This first thing that really hits me here is that I don't really know what you're pitching. After reading your paragraph description, it's very clear, but most users aren't going to get that far. The point of the site needs to be blatantly obvious from the start. When I first saw it I thought it could I thought it was just a worpress theme. You're heading is very clear after you know what it is, but not until you read the paragraph. Maybe set up a little info graphic, instead of the heading, explaining the steps:
- Pick out a theme that you like
- Take it for a test ride
- Buy it (if you like it)
All of these items would be, of course, accompanied by a picture. I think this would go a long way to explaining the site.
Design Much of your design is spot on, but then there are some nagging little areas that really take it down for me. Design is all in the details. The details show that you spent time, you care and you know what you're doing. From alignment, to spacing, to placement, make sure everything is just right. Take a look at my notes for further information.
Usability Last but not least is Usability. This is what will make or break your site. Sadly, I think there are some big usability faux pas here. Your login button is barely viewable, this should go near or with the navigation. You blog takes away from the purpose of the site and distracts, link maybe, entire section...no.
All in all, I think this site could really go places. Focus on the small things though. This is not a situation where you don't have to sweat the small stuff. Take time and perfect this piece. I hope this helps you in the long run and I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Best of luck!
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Ben Gillbanks commented:Thanks for the feedback Nate. Would you mind checking out the real site - http://wpthemepreview.com? I have already tweaked a few of the bits you commented on.
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Nate Hamilton commented:It is certainly good first step, but I think a lot of my feedback still stand. The blog section still look empty. I do like the shadow you put at the edge of your page though.
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Minor Problem on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 This hosting link seems awkwardly placed, as it doesn't really relate to the core purpose of the website. I would turn the hosting link into an ad, which you could place at the bottom. Alternatively, I would re-title to "need hosting?" That would make it more obvious that it is an extra element rather than a core feature. 2 This layout is much better. Great job! 3 There's a bit of redundant repetition here: "Try before you buy" which is immediately followed by "Try Premium themes". I would amalgamate them into one. It would make the design less cluttered and increase impact. Serious Problem on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 This text is still a little awkward. Part of the problem is that it's hard to pick out the name of the website. (Although you fix that easily by putting it in bold). I would re-write it as follows: Welcome to Wordpress Themes Preview! We let you test out premium Word Press themes, including all their control panels and features, for absolutely free! perfect theme for your site with our Free, No Obligation Service! 2 Have you considered making a logo? Even a simple logo would make it clear that this website is call "Wordpress Theme Preview". At the moment, it's hard to work out the name of the site (As "WordPress Theme Preveiw" sounds more like a technical function than a business name). 3 This area doesn't work as well as it could. I think most people would expect the opening section of a website to have a lead image or a featured theme or some other element to visually convey the purpose of the website. Visually elements convey information instantly, where as textual elements require the user to spend time reading them. The green background in particular doesn't seem to relate to anything and the whole area seems like an afterthought. It's not a major problem, but it seems a shame to waste the potential of this space. New Idea on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 This is the wrong place to put a login link. Most people accept login links to be at the top of the website. Summary:
This is a big improvement over the original. There are still a few areas which you could tighten up. Please see my notes.
The design does have a lot of plus points, such as the bright colours and the clean layout. I think the changes you have made will maximise the potential of the design.
Positive Feature The login button is in a weird place
Typically login buttons are expected on the top right of a site. Try moving it there, this is a usability best practice. If you have to move items that are usability best practices, you better have a damn good reason.Minor Problem Generic theme
The design is too simple, nothing to make it eye catching, seen like 1000 more sites.Minor Problem on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 This area is boring, has no subject in it. 2 The font is not very readable. Serious Problem on http://wpthemepreview.com 1 I like the colors up here, It's special, does it have a connection to the navigation? Summary:
I think the design is very common nothing special or eye catching. Look like a tutorial one.I think you should improve the header and the fonts. Good luck.
Summary:
As a freak for WordPress and its related themes and skins, I think this is a great idea.
I love the idea of being able to try out a theme on my WP site before purchasing it. Sounds like a winner to me.
Is a user able to test how it works with other plug-ins?
Minor Problem Green field feels wrong
The green field with the white box in the middle feels wrong. The green is a bit too harsh a contrast to the white - they feel almost separate. The white seems slapped on top.
Also a lot of real estate gets consumed with out it feeling open.
Also the text in the middle is wordy and redundant.
You could just say
"Test Premium WordPress Themes and control panels for free. The no-risk way to pick the right theme for you.
I like the new rounded button better.
You're right that there's not much content there at the moment, but I plan to make the blog a decent sized part of the site. I want to do theme reviews, competitions, theme round-ups etc