Thought about the design - since the goal of this is to create an really top quality design, with great code underneath, what if contest was split into 2 sections:

1. Design the site (submit graphic mockups, which get voted on)


2. Code the site (the winning design gets coded, best code is chosen)

It would mean waiting a little bit longer until the site had a design, but I think it would also result in a better final design. Out of all the contracts I've ever worked on, I think I've nailed the design on the first try only once. This way, there could be input/changes made to the graphic mockup, without the hassle of having to alter code that's already written.

Another bonus is it would take care of the problem bob brought up since there are probably some great coders out there that wouldn't even get a chance since they can't design as well as others.

I've probably written it elsewhere in the forum, but I'll say it again. I build custom-designed WordPress themes for a living, so if there is some challenge at some point in building/porting/optimizing the theme, just let me know and I'll do my best to help. I will not check the forum at all times, but send me a note or a hint if needed.

Check out these sites for a few example themes of things I've done:

http://jokkmokks-korv.com/ (local sausage manufacturer)
http://www.sameslojdstiftelsen.com/ (sami handicraft and art)
http://jokkmokk.biz/ (local news blog)
http://kostkropp.se/ (fitness and weightlifting blog)
http://jokkmokk.biz/demo/positionjmk/ (rejected customer demo, made for local travel company)

(feel free to peek at the code output and, if possible, steal ideas)

The contest is for a valid xhtml/css layout/design. No wordpress work is necessary, it will be taken care of.

Outsider, I really like that. Good job. Now can you actual code up the html for that wonderful mock up?

OK, i can probably knock it out tomorrow or by Friday morning.

Great designs. But i think the blog links and the recent posts should switch places. puts more emphasis on the forum, than the links

Posted By: JeremyDGreat designs. But i think the blog links and the recent posts should switch places. puts more emphasis on the forum, than the links

The second one I did gives more prominence to the designs and forums. I had the same idea as you :)

I know. I'm lazy and didn't hide the layer that had the other one

It's actually a good place for ads. Gotta think of a revenue stream!
edit: i fixed it for JD

Knock your self out. I'm interested in layout/design input.

I whipped this design up with the little time that I have. I don't think I'll have the time to hammer out the code anytime soon though. I hope this design helps and stirs up others to come up with a design. The preview doesn't show the actual colors used. Trebuchet MS was the font used mostly. The .PSD is fully layered and are neatly seperated in folders. Sorry for the rush job.

OpenDesigns.org Mockup

Colors are suppose to look like the following:

• Green - #CDEB8B


• Dark Gray - #36393D


• Light Gray - #68696A


• Blue - #4096EE

Posted By: gwolfgangWhen is the deadline for design submission??
Maybe I will give it a shot as well, based on the concept of my latest Multiflex, but adapted for the needs of OD.

I believe it is December 28th 12 AM GMT

Posted By: madrock

Posted By: OutsiderI actually think the designs themselves should have their own column and the navigation menu should be horizontal with CSS drop down menus... meh.

You cant make an accessible site if you use css drop-down menu's! the tab feature doesnt work on them, thus if you have no mouse or status bar you have no idea, what you are currently on.

I only raise this point since i also think its an important issue with regards the site; to have it accessible that is... after all its a requirement for current design upload to meet (x)HTML/CSS standards; what are ppl views on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ?

Im not sure about the other part of the world but i know web accessibility is law in the UK and that the EU 'recommends' websites to be of WCAG-AA compliancy.

Hmm good point. I have an idea to solve it that doesn't involve CSS dropdowns.

The site currently rates 10.0 on sitescore for accessibility, so I am compelled to not touch the code for the homepage at all. I will see what I can whip up tonight in terms of just CSS and Images.

Here's one, I can't decide if I like it enough to code it or not. Let me know what you all think, I might scrap it, and start another. btw: when I mock up, I don't worry to musch about detail, because when I code it, I wont use alot of the mockup anyways, just as an outline, and I guess map?

anyways, lemme know...

gwolfgang, downloads are being counted but just are not being displayed yet. We are working on it... like everything else, a little every day gets worked out.

side note, you need to submit more of your designs

by seanroxI think having the deadline being December 28th 2006 @ 12 AM GMT, then a vote after that which will probably take a couple weeks is a long while.

What does everyone think about changing the deadline to December 15, 2006, then start the voting so we can launch the new design for January 1, 2007?

@Christina and Everyone else: i just went with the above comment that sean made....
I think it is a really good idea, especially since the logo designers out there are itching to get the logo done as well, but cant really do much till the site deisgn is done.

very nice Ray! We've seen some quality mock-ups thus far. We're going to have a top notch site....no doubt!

That's pretty cool pogy. I've rethought my design and while I like the layout i think the graphics are too over the top. Sometimes y ou have to let things sink in ;)

outsider - you still have a great design there - very cool.

i think i'm learning that there's a point you reach while designing (and coding) where you just have to stop where you are and let the work sit for a little bit (as long as you don't have a tight deadline ) and then come back to it with a fresh perspective. It really helps and can reduce frustration or "design drag".

wow, there are some nice designs here...I like both Christina's and Ray's a lot.

here's a mock-up I've been working on.....thoughts?
My TODC Site mock-up

I think the contest is going to be a tough one to judge... lots of good ideas so far.

Thanks Karen and Ray.....The more I look at it, the less I like it. If I find the time I may redo it.

Posted By: bakercadIf I find the time I may redo it.

i found the time.... REDONE

that's a keeper Bob - wicked cool