ZoomConcept Reviews
Minor Problem The background image stands out to much and distracts from content. This icons doesn't match with the styleline, seems like grabbed from somewhere else. I'd add a more space underneath the headlines. In general is ok, too muck text for my taste but I guess you can't do much with it. Maybe improving with more design elements? And again, using some other colors than just the corporate ones won't hurt and will make it more attractive. -
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Ezequiel Jaime commented:It looks pretty plain and all that text makes it boring. The text box it's too wide and that's not good for reading. Perhaps you can split it in 2 columns, like a magazine you know? Adding 1 more picture will help to. Capitalize and add some color to the first letter of each paragraph... more design in general.
Serious Problem Brand and navigation are pretty lost, navigation should be easy to find. -
Andy E commented:
How do you suggest I treat the nav? I was trying to stay away from blocking in each nav item and most sites I see have virtually no design treatment so how can it be lost with the logo?
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Ezequiel Jaime commented:
Maybe add a little icon like "home" has for each item.
Green background and black text is not really the best contrast for reading. Maybe white, if it stands out too much decrease opacity a bit. -
Andy E commented:
I'll try it with white.
Would be better if you fit the container to the content, unless you still didn't finish to add stuff to this part. -
Andy E commented:
I left the rest of the area blank for now - I wasn't going to fill in the rest of the completed projects until the client approves the design.
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Ezequiel Jaime commented:
Guessed that :)
New Idea This looks quiet nice, but maybe you can play with some other colors instead of sticking to the corporate ones. Oranges, yellows for example, to make this area pop more. -
Andy E commented:
Good idea. I'll keep the light orange and dark blue, but mix an orange and something else.
Other What's this gray thing? I does not add much from my prespective. -
Andy E commented:
Just a little touch to add to the page.
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Ezequiel Jaime commented:
It's adding nothing from my persepective and the shape looks funny.
Summary:
Hey Andy,
I'm afraid this layout is not working for me, it looks dated and... hate to say this... boring too. Completely the opposite to what you are mentioning in the concept details.
You have structured it quiet well but there's a lot to fix regarding visuals. Please refer to my notes for a more detailed feedback.
I hope this helps to improve your work.
Rock it.
PS: Hopefully I wasn't too harsh when reviewing. If so, was not my intention at all.
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Andy E commented:
Thanks for the review. I appreciate your comments, though I am baffled that you think it's the opposite of fresh and appealing. I've seen a lot of sites like this where a large photo is featured and content is sort of laid out on top. I could confine the photo to the width of the site and use that light green to stretch the rest of the way like I do in the sub page.
I'll reply to the other comments on the side...
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Jamal Jackson commented:Great Review Eze.
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Minor Problem on SD_redesign_2011_v2b_home.jpg 1 These are a little big for no reason, should be brought in a bit and spread out more. Better for breathing room, and visitor impact from the sections. 2 This really doesn't do a footer justice. There is not enough of the right information needed to make a footer here. Also, you shouldn't have big wordy paragraphs either if your design doesn't enable it to look good. Which is a rarity so, we all have that issue from time to time. Keep information short and sweet, and "learn more" links are quite friendly outside of blog posts too. :) -
Andy E commented:
The client is active on facebook so I'll see if they'll want to include 'latest posts' here as well
3 Is this really necessary? If there is only two it should just go on a single line at the bottom with the copoyright info in a single line. -
Andy E commented:
I'm not sure what's highlighted here, but I think it's the phone icon. I'll remove since this info is in the footer.
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Jamal Jackson commented:
Oh, that is the additional resources section.
4 The big background is a very progressive design element, and can be quite effective if done right. However, it isn't done so right here. Here is a link to sites that use big backgrounds like this, http://webdesignerwall.com/trends/80-large-background-websites. It may not be actually how you may want to utilize your background image, but it is great to look at for coming up with ideas. -
Andy E commented:
I guess I don't quite see why you and Ezequiel don't think this is working. What am I missing that makes a large image like this not work here? I'll keep playing, but I went in this direction as opposed to containing an image in a box because the panels aren't really the seller here. It's the frame to which the panel mounts. So, I thought a background image where some of the pic is covered would be ideal. I'll try narrowing it...??
5 Remove the bullets. -
Andy E commented:
Interesting comment. Why remove the bullets? Keep the indents, though?
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Jamal Jackson commented:
Well regular bullets are never a good idea in web design in my opinion, unless they are some sort of icon or are creatively done. Here they are just too mundane, and no indents. That would ruin alignment.
Critical Problem on SD_redesign_2011_v2b_home.jpg 1 Horrible placement, this type of info should always be in the footer to me. ONLY suitable in the header if incorporated well design wise. -
Andy E commented:
Got it. Will remove, but this header is boring. I'm stuck on how to handle the logo and navigation... Maybe work the photo up into the header and have the logo sit on a white box overlaying the pic?
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Jamal Jackson commented:
The reason your header seems boring is because this is an outdated practice, and the big background you used for the section under it adds on to that ten fold. I would suggest gradient use. And incorporating your buttons into the gradient. Icons can stay.
New Idea on SD_redesign_2011_v2b_home.jpg 1 This would be better in a horizontal section/row. It will improve presence, and this is a section that needs to have a strong presence. Because who wouldn't want to work with a company that has worked with many major corporations? -
Andy E commented:
Yep, good call. I just have to think of a good way to design this. Thanks.
Summary:
Hi Andy,
Let me start off by saying that the main thing that threw me off on your design here is how much it actually does look too much like the websites of yester year. I will better explain where my feelings of this come from later on. Something I like to always keep in mind when going about my projects is progression. I know you are capable of ensuring the same for your own projects, so that is why I am mentioning it here. Anywho, time to review.
Negatives
-The structure and layout. The way this site is laid out is so reminiscent to me of how a lot of websites were structured years ago. Its more so that you have a big all white header, with your logo clearly visible, navigation to the left with nothing special to add, and your contact info at the top. It was quite popular, but as we all know, not all things popular in design are good practices.
-Your mix of old and new. I can see some new/more modern design techniques you have incorporated here. The big background(which is quite popular), drop shadow at bottom ends of sections to add depth, etc. However, those become a negative when used with your layout.
-Your footer. If you follow me even a little, you know I am a real supporter in the notion that your footer is just as important as the rest of your site by itself. This is where visitors come to get direct access to your contact info, short links, and is essential like a quick guide to your site. In actuality, the outdated style of your design is hurting your footer. They actually weren't the best at this time, very much so actually.
Postivies
-From a strictly information wise standing, everything is well organized. Referring to your homepage, you have the right information where it should be and categorized correctly to best enable user interest.
-Your top statement/slogan is quite powerful. The placement of this is good because right off the back it enables a powerful development of power and respect.
Okay, I'll save the rest of my comments for my annotations section. I'm sorry to say this, but you would be better off going back to square one in my opinion and go in fresh. Just remember to stay more progressive with your redesign and you should come up with a great result. Hope you find this informative, and not too harsh. :)
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Jamal Jackson commented:
Oh, and on your sub pages the structure is okay aside from your header. But to make it more interesting it all goes to your background. Your background is really holding you back here. It is too simple, and that is a bad thing here because this is clearly not a minimalist site.
If you would like more suggestions, or just have questions for me, feel free to drop me a line.
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Andy E commented:
Thanks for the review. I have some more specific questions, but I have to run. I'll be in touch later with them. Thanks again.
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Andy E commented:
To follow up, I think what you're saying is that the standard text for 2/3 on the left and some sidebars are outdated and that I should consider a more liberal approach. However, it's a little too complicated for a content management system where the user can manage their main content.
The problem I'm facing now is that I love the tagline 4 marketing boxes and content below so I'm stuck on how to handle a photo, logo, and nav.
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Rebecca Perry commented:Andy - I agree with Jamal & Eze that the overall look & feel is pretty dated. You've got the skills to make it really pop!....looking forward to seeing next version. Have fun & happy coding!!
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Jamal Jackson commented:
No Prob Andy. I think your main problem here is that your over thinking it, and that isn't allowing you to present your best work. Just take a couple deep breaths, start from scratch, and see what happens.
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Summary:
A litlle bit difficulty in reading that too only in teh header part. Over all other things are great
Summary:
the header image is not working for me. maybe something more clean without all that rust.
dont use too many colors, it just hurts my eyes and distract them from what actually is your goal.
the site doesnt actually pop out in terms of design, and a bit outdated too.
This is just placeholder text. What do you mean by 'improve with more design elements'? Any suggestions?