Looking for some feedback on a new directory design

Discussion in 'Graphics & Multimedia' started by jg123, Mar 18, 2007.

  1. #1
    I started designing a theme for a new directory I am launching and am having trouble figuring out how to complete it. Any constructive critisism is appreciated. I wanted something simple but attractive, I have been playing around with those four images and can't really figure out what to do with them or if I should even keep them. I would like an area for Site News but can't really figure out where it should go.

    thanks in advance for any help :)
     
    jg123, Mar 18, 2007 IP
  2. Poxicator

    Poxicator Peon

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    #2
    Legal Resource
    I think you should read up on the accessibility laws as this will help guide you into the legal requirements of such a site. But to make some points, all text should be clear and easy to read, therefore your footer certainly needs to be improved, perhaps make that text white.
    Your nav bar looks more like breadcrumbs so I'd suggest removing the arrows to help stop the confusion. They're also very large on a page size that seems quite small. The 4 images don't suggest a common theme and therefore confuse, infact I have no idea what the 4th image is but the studious person (3rd image) is very on-topic. As the top banner is rather low quality and not very recognisable I'd ditch that and perhaps use the 3rd image in the banner instead.
    If this is to work as a resource site it needs to direct the visitor very quickly to the content and tbh I'd suggest spending less time on graphically making it look appealing and more concentrated to easy legibility: black content type on a white background with good use of typography. You definitely need to get a good search feature in there too.
     
    Poxicator, Mar 18, 2007 IP
    jg123 likes this.
  3. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #3
    It is going to be a commercial directory of lawyers and law related businesses. I will be using phpld script which has a good search featured incorporated.

    -I changed two of the images (still not really sure how to use them or if I should).
    -Changed the text color in the footer as per your advice.
    -Faded the background image in the header to make it less 'important' (I tried with no image but it looked rather boring).
    -Took away arrows.
    -Not sure if I want to go simple black and white, it would be too plain.

    thanks
     
    jg123, Mar 18, 2007 IP
  4. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #4
    Made some more changes, moved the four pictures to the header background. There will be screenshots of the last 5 featured listings above the footer anyways. I guess a 'simple', 'clean' look will serve its purpose here, let me know what you think.
     
    jg123, Mar 18, 2007 IP
  5. freshdesigners

    freshdesigners Banned

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    #5
    can i ask, is this your first design ever :)

    (dont take this the wrong way)
     
    freshdesigners, Mar 18, 2007 IP
  6. 8everything

    8everything Peon

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    #6
    It could use some improvements, maybe try some new layer effects on your layout.. you can look up a bunch of tutorials at good-tutorials.com that'll help you design a nice template. good luck.
     
    8everything, Mar 18, 2007 IP
  7. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #7
    jg123, Mar 18, 2007 IP
  8. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #8
    Ok, I revamped it....what do you think?
     
    jg123, Mar 19, 2007 IP
  9. bobby9101

    bobby9101 Peon

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    #9
    looks too 1998 too me ;)
    I like bright flashy clean stuff
     
    bobby9101, Mar 19, 2007 IP
  10. jg123

    jg123 Notable Member

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    #10
    jg123, Mar 19, 2007 IP