Posts: 107
Name: Roy Dixon
Location: Iowa, same as Kirk
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Personally, I don't think a designer needs to worry about being trendy or up to date so much. You want to make sure that the technical aspects are up to date and the code is right, but think of web design as art. Everyone has an opinion on what looks good and what doesn't and everyone is right.
There are things that I like and dislike so I will break it down for you.
On the first design I like the overall look. This is my opinion, so take it for what it's worth. I don't think it looks dated, I think it looks clean.
I really like the effect I get when I click on the template designs. It's dynamic and makes the site interactive.
You have a problem with your logo ( the "T" does not have the same visual weight as the rest of the text in the name) so at first glance it looks like it says "araweb". However, you fix this problem with the big and bold heading below it "Welcome to Tarawebdesigns". The viewer is not confused and can easily see the artistic "T" in the logo after they know it's there.
I also like the "we have only one goal" statement. It's powerful and gives the site a sense of authority and purpose. After that, though, the text gets a bit sloppy. "listen to our customer wishes" should read "listen to our customer's wishes" or listen to our customers' wishes" - customize is misspelled - wallet is misspelled - "for those who doesn't want to spend any money" should read "for those who don't want to spend any money" - "we offer full refund for three days" should read "we offer a full refund within three days of purchase"
I like the splash of color from the guarantee seal. I think that most people are used to seeing "30 days" on such things and probably won't even notice that it says 3 days. I would, however, make it clickable and link it to an explanatory page to make the terms clear.
I also like the simple, tabbed, navigation. It's intuitive and everyone knows what to do and where to go.
The colors also work for me.
Now, the new version. To me, it's confusing. Your logo problem becomes evident here. Nothing on the page let's me know where I am. I would swear that I am on the Joomla! homepage. "Welcome to Joomla!"..."About Joomla!" ..."More About Joomla!"..."Joomla! Overview"..."joomla! facts"... Joomla! Joomla! Joomla! Joooooooomla!
Tarawebdesigns doesn't even appear until you get to the footer and even then it's the smallest text on the page!
The new look may indeed be fresher, but that's a matter of opinion. Don't worry so much about that stuff. Web design really is an art form and art is always subjective. Do you think DaVinci should have gone back before he died and changed the dress on the Mona Lisa? "My God, Leonardo, that dress is so 1506"
Everyone in these forums is offering you their honest opinion in an effort to try and help. Take our comments for what they are worth and then use your own judgement. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.
For my money, I would go back to the first design and make a few changes, but if you personally think it looks outdated then, by all means, try something else. Make a decision and stand by it, then take the comments and suggestions that you like and try them. Just remember, you will never be able to appeal 100% to everyone in these forums.
Good Luck!
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