Website Review and Suggestions

**mark754** · 05-02-2009, 07:38 PM

Hi guys,

I'm working on a new website and would appreciate your opinions on the design.

It's a first draft and the graphics and content will change, so please comment on the general layout and color scheme, as well as your initial "gut reaction" to the site. Does it convey professionalism and trust? Is it too busy? How can I improve it?

There are two versions: both have a top horizontal navbar, but the second one has a vertical navbar as well (this would make navigation a bit easier).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3798562...96738/sizes/l/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3798562...779929/sizes/l

Don't hold back, I can take it!

Thanks in advance.

**Amylynn** · 07:59 PM

The first one seems very clean, the second one seemed like it was trying to say too much at once, but...on the other hand, the left side navigation was a little more user friendly. Have you thought about maybe putting 3 vertical content section right near the footer to put the semi-important info? Something close to this without all the fancy graphics of course...: http://www.skinyourscreen.com/site/images/325.jpg

Then you can have both navs and limit the overwhelmed feeling...

**victoriaphee** · 05-03-2009, 10:36 AM

At first glance, your homepage seems crowded. Too much is going on. Nevertheless, it looks professional

**montrealphotogr** · 05-03-2009, 10:58 AM

I like the first one!

**LadynRed** · 05-03-2009, 12:40 PM

Of the two, I prefer the first one. However, I have to agree, there is WAY too much crowded into the page. While I understand the desire to have as much presented as possible, you also do not want to overwhelm visitors with too much information at one time. If they feel overwhelmed and/or overloaded, they might just leave rather than explore further.

**mark754** · 06:46 PM

Thanks to all for the useful comments. I agree, the original was overloaded with content.

I trimmed things down and tried to better organize the layout. It's still a bit heavy on content, but hopefully not too bad.

Here are two new versions:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3798562...35794/sizes/l/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3798562...22103/sizes/l/

The two files are the same, except for the following:

In the first one, the page is divided into four quadrants by X and Y axes.
In the second one, the quadrants are a bit staggered, but the layout of the two upper quadrants is better.

I'd like to hear your opinions on whether the staggering in the second one is distracting, or if it's no big deal.

Thanks.