Open Designs

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1. Len
   Member

   I am redesigning a site and am stuck in a rut. Here is the original site http://aspenremodelers.com/

   the new site will have pretty much the same content, other than adding a few subject specific pages.
   The current site does pretty well converting visitors but the client wants to keep pushing forward.
   Here are 2 examples of what I'm currently working with.
   http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/41218/layout-2-preview.jpg
   http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/41218/layout-1-preview.jpg

   I would like opinions on which style is better (bring more business) and why you think so.
   Customers will be spending $20k + keep that in mind if you think it's relevant.

   Thanks,
   Len
   (was user SquirrelNmoose - finally able to update my info - yeah for the new site)

   Posted 2 years ago #

2. Sean
   Founding Member

   I personally like layout preview #1. It seems a lot more current and up-to-date looking. It's fresh and a giant step up from their current design.

   As for design preview #2, it looks dated to me, so if it was up to me, go with design preview #1.

   Posted 2 years ago #

3. NickyD
   Moderator

   Same here Len.....like layout 1 better.

   Posted 2 years ago #

4. uberlemurguy
   Moderator

   i like #1 too, but I don't like the white to brown gradient. Try a gradient from the brown at the bottom to a darker brown.

   I find that using a glow instead of a drop shadow usally gives a better looking result for shadows. I like using a glow color #333, opacity: 40%-50%.

   I also don't get the cars in the header, is that a big aspect of their company?

   Also, you should be more consistent on the fonts, you use a very modern font combined with a very script font. I you are better off sticking with a modern font (but not Arial or Verdana) like Aller Light, Delicious or District Thin (google those, they are popular fonts).

   Posted 2 years ago #

5. Len
   Member

   I appreciate the feedback, thanks.

   but I don't like the white to brown gradient. Try a gradient from the brown at the bottom to a darker brown.

   I'll try that. I was trying to keep if from becoming too dark.

   I also don't get the cars in the header, is that a big aspect of their company?

   Yes they want it for branding/image. They are a local company, so people do recognize their cars driving around town. I originally had that area as text, kind of a page header. But they didn't seem to like any of those.

   I'll play with the fonts too. They want something classy/upscale looking, I want to ensure it's readable for everyone. I'm not familiar with the ones suggested, I'll check them out.

   I'm meeting with the clients tomorrow. So keep up the feedback.

   Posted 2 years ago #

6. uberlemurguy
   Moderator

   I also don't get the cars in the header, is that a big aspect of their company?

   Yes they want it for branding/image. They are a local company, so people do recognize their cars driving around town. I originally had that area as text, kind of a page header. But they didn't seem to like any of those.

   ah I see. That makes sense.

   Here are some nice font stacks:
   http://www.sitepoint.com/article/eight-definitive-font-stacks/2/
   I would recommend the Garamond one for the headings and a Helvetica/Arial one for the content.

   I'll try that. I was trying to keep if from becoming too dark.

   You could do a lighter brown to that brown but in my experience light browns don't work well.

   Also, on large screen, the content and sidebar just aren't contained. Try giving them either white or or dark blue (maybe slightly lighter) background. It is a known fact that most people like black/gray on white much better than white/light gray on dark.

   I like to justify sidebar and content text, but that's more of a personal preference. Also a personal preference is a line-height on paragraphs of 1.75em. It is good for readability.

   If you think I am being harsh, trust me it is better for people to give you honest feedback then for you to think you have created a killer design that will become the most used design on the internet and then release/promote/offer it and have negative respone.

   Posted 2 years ago #

7. Len
   Member

   The feedback negative or positive is good. I don't take it personally. I like to hear other ideas or thought process.
   As for as the white on dark background, I am limited to the dark blue and brown. I've stressed the readability, but they are requiring that color scheme.

   Posted 2 years ago #

8. Len
   Member

   This was the original direction I was heading, until the first revision meeting.
   I may clean this up and release it as a template.
   http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/41218/layout-v9.jpg

   Posted 2 years ago #

9. bluecafe
   Member

   I too think that layout 1 is the better one but I think the car is too prominent. The first visual impression is that is has something to do with cars and not remodelling.

   Posted 2 years ago #

10. Len
    Member

    I agree about the car. It doesn't look like I'm going to be able to change that without doing some live testing though.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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