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I really like the look and feel of the design, especially the first page (footpaths).
The main thing that needs a lot of work is the typography. The tab indents should go, which actually would take you pretty far to improving the typography already. Some other tips would be to look at your alignment. Make sure all of your text alignment has some purpose. The travel info page, for example, appears to be indented as if it is an outline, but it's really a header, a paragraph and a bulleted list, and there is not really any reason for the appearance of an outline in that situation. Lining the bullets up with the paragraph text, and either the header text or left edge of header would make more sense.
I think the font might be a little too soft as well, try using something a little crisper like a Franklin Gothic or even Arial (or something more exotic and less generic).
The navigation links are extremely close together and need some room to breathe. There should be some way to tell which page you're on in the navigation as well.
The idea of changing colors/background can be great for increasing engagement, but it can also be distracting. I would suggest using a color scheme that is a little bit less dramatic between pages, and keeping the actual content points consistent (i.e. use a dark green for header bars, etc) and then use lighter greens, browns, etc. Keep the scheme earthy as it fits the site purpose well. The yellow/orange on the travel info page seems a little harsh, and the blog might be a little too blue, earthy tones seem to fit this better.
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Patrick Niebrzydowski commented:I do like the idea of having rotating backgrounds, but you just have to be careful when doing that. Using a good color scheme and keeping your content colors consistent is a good way to encourage usability while still getting that engagement as a result of dynamic background. For a more creative subject matter, going from red to blue to green to purple, etc would work ok, but for something with geopark in the title you have to be a little more consistent. I definitely think you can pull it off as long as you keep the rotation fairly subtle using browns, greens, etc.
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Patrick Niebrzydowski commented:
for example, footpaths to safety info is a very smooth transition and not harsh on the eyes. Really the blog and travel info are the only two that I think don't fit well currently. I think keeping the content consistent can be helpful though (not to mention easier on the developer and server).
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Tobias commented:
Thank you! I see what you mean... Making it more subtle I think is a good idea. Maybe we can keep the changing colors but make the color choice somehow connected more. I agree that especially the travel info site is a little too strong..
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http://www.toya-usu-geopark.org/en/footpath
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1
Green
Because Footpaths section has a green background
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2
Dark gray
Safety Information section has dark gray background
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3
Orange
Travel Information section has orange background
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4
Remove this item
Put links in the nice footer
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5
Blue
For Blog section
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6
Different color not green
Just choose another background for this section and don't forget color code this navigation item respectively
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7
Weired space
I have never seen centering in navigation items before. These spaces on the sides look very weired. I recommend aligning them on the left and definitely give some space between them to "breath"
Thank you for your very helpful review...
I agree to quite a lot of detailed points you made, e.g. about the typography. We have to especially think what to do with the background, I agree that have a consistent look might be better for usability. Again, thanks a lot