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Sorry I'm not sure which is A and B, so I'll use the file names:
concept1gridview_feedback3.jpg:
The background gradient isn't great, the dark makes the orange 'dirty', I think it's good to tune the it down but to keep some of the yellow tones through it... not sure...
are the pictures of products or of categories ? I guess I'd need more guidance to understand what the site is selling
- because the search criterias are on the right I'd be more tempted to first click on a product to explore than use them. The likelyhood of one product out of 8 on the homepage to be exactly what I like isn't high though, hence the question about whether the photos are of an individual product or representative of categories...(?)
concept1gridview_nologos.jpg:
even though I like the background of that one better, I think it would quickly get tiresome, which isn't great if you want to keep your user shopping...
the description of the product divided into 2 cols under the photo is nicer
I like the search tools being at the top, they feel more accessible.
- still the issue of not understanding what the shop is about, 'great stuff' doesn't give me any clue so I don't feel tempted, though maybe it's personal, into browsing through the products for the sake of it...
concept1_grid_view_feedback3.jpg
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1
background
looks dirty and drab. Either use something cooler and inviting or liven it up to a more orange/yellow color.
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2
logo
The logo is pushed so far from the left side of the site it's creating a huge left-side padding that makes the site look awkward. Also, this may or may not be your control, but the logo is very boring and static. The font choice is not good. It should be stronger and a little more dynamic. Sans Serif is probably the way to go though.
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3
main header
This is much too close to the header, drop it down to even it out with the "popular" header. Not a fan of the font you are using, it doesn't fit well with the script.
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4
right side alignment
The right side of the site doesn't particularly align at all. The sidebar appears to be sticking out past the edge of the site. Either drop to 3 columns for products extend the header area more to the right.
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5
the backgrounds
Are these just part of a rough concept? The backgrounds behind all this text look awful. No reason not to just use the white text on the dark background. If this is just a rough copy/paste result then ignore...
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6
store list
Make these two columns and tighten it up, there is tons of empty space
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7
right column alignment
the "popular" stuff is aligned with all the other headings, but the other sub-sections are indented a few pixels. Keep it consistent. The overall alignment is a little goofy as well. The zoom images and list view/grid view don't look like they have much thought behind them.
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8
shadows
You have a lot of shadows in the design that should not be there. The ones in the header are distracting, as are the ones below each product. Also the line next to the search area.
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9
typography and alignment
The text descriptions don't really engage much. The font is boring and stale (Arial perhaps?). Everything is center justified and looks a little bit amateur as well.
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10
search
Make the search a button (match it to your drop down button in "sort by" and the "list view/grid view"
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11
input fields
This one's white with a yellow/orange glow around it, and the ones in the right sidebar are yellow. I like the orange glow and would keep the sidebars consistent with the search one. This is ok though, as the search input does stand out better. I just think the other input fields would look better if done in this style.
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12
Difficult to see words
Change of Colour
Carole, thank you for your excellent comments! Especially that the site purpose is missing.
How about these taglines? “Shop eBay, Amazon, Bonanzle, Zappos and Oodle with one click” or "Shop popular products from top stores"
Background color - I'll ask the designer to shift the bright orange background to a darker, burnt orange but avoid dirty brown. It will be easier on the eyes as you stated.
Search controls on the top vs right. – We’ll keep the search controls at the top for the release. We can test moving the controls to the right later. Thefind.com (#2 shopping comparison site) has their controls on the right so there must be something to it.