Redesigning: Comments please.

[Turblue]

Hey everyone...

As per normal, an upgrade for the forum software has occurred. A major one I believe. So, before I implement it, I thought i would do some redesigning.

I am experimenting with a left hand navigation + links column.

http://furkids.no-ip.info:20102/

Please have a look and tell me what you think. I'm open to ideas and suggestions. If you think it is crap, that's ok. Offer me an idea. I'm not the greatest graphic designer.



Remember this is a test site, so don't post here..!!!!

Warning: This is an Old Thread This discussion is older than 120 days. information contained in it may no longer be current . Please think of the children before resurrecting this ancient thread!

[CateO]

The font doesn't do it for me, or the navigation down the left ...

I'm just used to seeing on most sites the set up we currently have.
Unfortunately I'm a crap designed too so can't suggest a LOT.
Keep up the good job on updating tho Wayne

[Namus]

doesn't seem to 'blend with the rest of the page';

perhaps try across the top with that font?

[Turblue]

I can't say that I am completely happy with it either. I wanted to have your comments and feedback.

Anyone suggest an improvement to what we have now??

[Rhino]

The only thing that I'm not really happy with on this version (vBulletin) is the amount of vertical realestate that the user info takes up (avatar, username, contact details, location etc). On PHP it was on the left of the message and didn't take up as much space.

That is the only reason I'd avoid going to left hand nav. We need that space... unless we can get the user info over there like PHP. There is a LOT more vertical scrolling in this software.

So far as design goes... we know the header definitely needs some work... the UI is fine...

Space... header is way too large. Being a designer in a government department, we unfortunately still have clients using 800 x 600 resolution and sadly it is still standard for new OSs to be set to that res by default. Attached is what this site looks like in 8x6. Pretty much just the header.

All the nav should at least fit into the space of the existing header graphic.

People with large resolutions, anything over 1280 x 1024 expect to see things smaller, you shouldn't increase images so it looks OK for them. Typically, and unfortunately, web design 'should' still aim at an 8x6 audience.

My only real input at this point.

[Turblue]

Valid points mate.

Everything on this can be changed. The template system is fantastic. MUCH better than php. Only thing is I just have to play around until I nut this all out.

Consensus seems to be that the left nav is a 'no go'. (???)

[BassyAstra]

Hopefully the update fixes the PM's omg they are super annoying.

And i wish it was easier to put smilies in messages without having to remember them.

Also i dont understand why there is a 3 picture limit in posts and that includes SMILIES ??

Keep up the good word turbz.

[Turblue]

I have closed the test server. Need to have a looooong play......

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Rhino: I agree with you regarding getting the user details on the left. I have left a "howto" request with the vBulletin Team.

Bassy: Please PM me with your hassles. I'm not sure what they are. Please go to "UserCP/Edit Options" and scroll down to the bottom. There is a drop box for choosing which post editor you want. There should be no need to remember smilies.

[Turblue]

In response to a suggestion, I have changed the post view to have the user details on the left hand side. This mod actually is just a checkbox in the Admin panel, so swapping back is a quick click.

Is this a better look?? Do you all like it??

Remember that we are still looking for a new banner graphic.
http://opelaus.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6268

[btm]

yep - i prefer the user details on the left side