Looking for some opinions
Can't really ask for a proper critique here, as I'm still in the concept stage. Just wanted some feedback on the layout, color combos and such.
Notes and To-Do list:
My browsers for testing are: FF .9.2, Mozilla 1.7, Opera 7.03, IE 6. IE is the only one throwing a wrench into the gears on the 2 column pages. I prefered the blending effect as on the home page (3 col), but in the other pages, IE overlaps the two columns, which throws off the text in the right column. For now I have the margins set to place a gap between the columns in the other browsers (which doesn't look too bad IMO.)
Yeah yeah, I know, it's fixed width. This is my first attempt at building CSS layout from the ground up. I'll apply a fluid layout as soon as I get a better grasp of the mechanics
The only pages done as of this post: index, recipes and the first four recipe categories. The shopping cart is mostly complete, I have a lot of product photograhy to take and the store front needs text for ordering instructions, shipping policies and such - Place an order at your own risk, the certificate won't be applied until the domain is redirected
The shopping cart could be integrated into the site, but keeping it separate is deliberate. Our business is insane busy in the Fall and, as the shipping manager, I won't have time to tinker with the site. The Miva cart is mostly wizard driven, so the "html-challenged" in the office will be able to make updates.
The directory protection switch hasn't been thrown yet. Clicking the Home button will take you to the root directory listing.
The squirrel on the recipes page needs a make-over. I was thinking about calling in the "Queer Eye" guys.
The testimonial on the home page is one of many. Need to find a rotation script for them. (windows server, blech)
To fill in the white space in the top right, I'll *try* to get a picture of the family on the front steps of the store. May need a lasso for that.
Need to work up a Privacy Policy.
The what-can-you-do-for-me text on the home page will get a re-write.
To be added: page for Fund-raising program.
\\// Robert
The grass is always greener on the other side -- but that's because they use more manure.
Megan posted this at 13:18 — 22nd July 2004.
She has: 11,421 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
I think the problem with this is lack of unity. You have a good logo to work with and yet the site design seems to be working against it. The logo is dark and heavy and old fashioned looking and your design is light and modern. Not working.
Good effort with the CSS though
Megan
Connect with us on Facebook!
AyntRyte posted this at 14:39 — 22nd July 2004.
He has: 145 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
Like McDonald's golden arches, the logo isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so I'll need to look at matching the colors better. I chose the layout colors to match the cart, but I'm looking into some upgrade modules for the cart that will let me change those colors as well. Didn't really see the contrast until I looked at it through a few different monitors.
Thanks,
\\// Robert
The grass is always greener on the other side -- but that's because they use more manure.
Megan posted this at 14:56 — 23rd July 2004.
She has: 11,421 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
Don't get me wrong, that's a GOOD logo you have to work with. You're lucky to have something like that, acutally. Look more closely at it and apply the same design style to your site. It's got dark, heavy lines and dark colours. Sort of an old fashioned feel. Don't just look at the colours, look at the overall style.
Megan
Connect with us on Facebook!
Touchdown posted this at 17:03 — 22nd July 2004.
They have: 9 posts
Joined: Jul 2004
To me that background really takes away from the main page
Dragon of Ice posted this at 00:09 — 23rd July 2004.
He has: 578 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
I don't know if you feel like re-doing the site design, but you could center the logo and extend those leaves into a border around the entire site.
Dragon of Ice posted this at 00:11 — 23rd July 2004.
He has: 578 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
I don't know if you feel like re-doing the site design, but you could center the logo and extend those leaves into a border around the entire site.
I do however, like the current site design. I think it looks very professional. I would just add vertical borders (I'm using AOL, so I don't know what it looks like elsewhere) next to the menu until it reaches the horizontal one.
andy206uk posted this at 14:03 — 23rd July 2004.
He has: 1,758 posts
Joined: Jul 2002
Woaaa! nutty!
The background is really distracting... If you *have* to keep it, at least fade it out a bit more so it doesnt distract people from the main content so much.
Andy
Abhishek Reddy posted this at 00:05 — 24th July 2004.
He has: 3,348 posts
Joined: Jul 2001
I agree with Megan. I can visualise a design in the style of the logo, with nearly the same layout. Experiment with those borders.
The images on the right don't work for me. In fact, I think it's the white background that throws it off. Try filling it up with that tan/brown/orange shade. (What precisely is that colour?)
Even though it's really a simplistic layout -- which is good -- one feels it's very crowded. I can't say why. I think it's the nuts in the background + the varying background colours + all those lines and borders.
Not a bad start.
AyntRyte posted this at 03:32 — 24th July 2004.
He has: 145 posts
Joined: Jun 2004
I have the feeling that you're going to make me work for more
The content background is #ffc. Considering our target audience, I'm trying my best to stay within the 216.
Alrighty folks, I've made some changes (not on all present pages), but I'm still making some faces at it. I think this may be the one that finally forces me to learn some rounded corners. I lightened the logo somewhat to reduce the contasts. I'm just not used to working with such subtle shades
Thanks for the viewpoints so far!
\\// Robert
The grass is always greener on the other side -- but that's because they use more manure.
Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.