a better design .... or not ?

[JWJ]

I know there is always a never-ending stream of requests for comments on web sites and so it bothers me adding to the list. That said, at this stage I am interested in design comments only and my request is very specific. It has not been long since I revamped my web site and I haven't fallen out with it's overall look and feel - yet! However, I had an idea for a new design and it's been bugging me. I will be updating all of my pages soon in order to make better use of some of the 'new tricks' I have learned here on the forum and I need to decide whether to stick with the present format or switch to the new one.

So, my new design is at http://www.projects.jwjonline.net/newhomepage.htm and I would appreciate any comments about the look of the new home page. None of the links work (not even back to the existing site) so there is no navigation to play with. Titles, Descriptions, Meta Tags haven't been considered, and content is a direct copy from my existing page. It really is just a question of design.

Is the new style too drab, too dark, too busy? Does the background make it uncomfortable to read the text? Do you prefer the present design, the new one - or neither ?

Thanks for looking and I promise I won't be back asking you to comment on every page as I put the site together I just need a conscensus of opinion as to which way to go.

[webado]

Hmmmm..... Hard to read, John, the background is too dark and busy.
I personally prefer the current site. I like the textured look of the background on the current site much better than Old World motifs (which I really don't like anywhere, too tired and overused in fake antique home decor).

But that's just me of course

[jonra01]

I like the layout and design ideas, but...

The background is too dark and the text doesn't stand out enough. This is primarily a watercolour site, so why not work a watercolour image into the design?

John

[f1roro]

I prefer the background on the existing site ... much easier to read and seems better suited to the content.

That said, I like the JWJonline.net header on the new site better and I can't quite make up my mind whether I prefer the old or new navigation!!!

The font size on the existing links is very small (limited presumably by the width of the page), so while I generally favour the "top" navigation style, the "left" nav is easier to read.

Sorry ... far too indecisive to be much help

Cheers
Roro

[trackerm]

Dash it all... I have to take the other view... I LIKE the new design better! (The top map fragment took ages to load - but we are just commenting on the design)

If you made the text a little larger it would be much easier to read... keep the same text colour.

I think the new site looks a bit more modern and vital.

Mark <---- ducks head into bunker for incomming arguments for tiny-weeny text

[webado]

You call maps of Old World MODERN????? Or do you mean it is "in style" as in ways to decorate a room?

[trackerm]

If you had a better argument you wouldn't have had to point out that very minor inconsistancy.

[webado]

Pfffft! Now you sound like one of my kids.

[trackerm]

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by JWJ

However, I had an idea for a new design and it's been bugging me. I will be updating all of my pages soon in order to make better use of some of the 'new tricks' I have learned here on the forum...

My friend, GO FOR IT!!!

P.S. Just 2 quick comments: try to give more space between images and paragraphs and try to make the background images a little lighter (in bytes), other than that, excellent design and better usability... oh also, why not to add "My Guestbook" to the navigation bar?

Remember: Who is not forming is deforming...