Webpage - Critics Please :)

[Sean]

Hey Guys,

I've been working away on this template today. I'm planning to set up a fansite for the 'Mass Effect' trilogy. This is the homepage. Comments?



Looking at the side 'Nav' like bar on the right I think I am going to trim it a little.Ã,  :roll:

[Corey]

looks really pro, nice work 

[Akumayo]

I don't think you should really do anything more with it, it looks fine to me.

[Nikolas]

hi sean!

the design is perfect as it is! I love it!

Some questions for you:

Have you thought what is going to be on the two boxes underneath the logo that say more? Why two? Do you need more?

You're doing this for fun or you actually want to make a fansite for mass? Cause if you really want to do it, you must have the info to put in. Do you have enough stuff conserning mass?

But anyway the page looks very neat.

Well done...

[ManicMatt]

Looking good, but the font to me looks really outdated.

[Darth Mandarb]

As a professional web developer looking at this I have a question.

Is this a "mockup" or have you actually put this in HTML yet?  Because, as a standard webpage, that would be VERY complex.  If you aren't familiar with complex tables, nesting tables, rowspan, colspan, etc. this could prove an impractical layout.  Even using a WYSIWYG editor.

Some Crits:
Are the "tab" areas (with the 'more...' buttons) just a homepage feature?  Because, personally, I hate have to scroll a small area to read.  I've found it much more pleasing to have larger areas for readable text.

The "bar" thing on the right (that goes under the nav buttons).  I would take out the part where it extends above into the logo graphic.  It pulls the eye up to that corner and there's nothing there.  And the bottom of the bar is kind of distracting too.  I'm all for a little bit of "techno flair" down there, but it's a little overdone.

I would suggest moving the text "MASS EFFECT" and move it up to where the "bar" now extends over the nav area, center the buttons and add a little more contrast to them.

I have a very definite style to my layouts/designs.  And who is to say my way is right?  So I'm not saying that you NEED to follow my suggestions!  I'd just thought I'd offer up the advice

[Sean]

Thanks for all your comments.

@Corey - I'm glad it has a 'Professional' feel to it, thats good to hear

@Glacies - Fine is good but jaw-dropping is better

@Nikolas - The two boxes are for 'News/Updates'. I am really going to 'do it' as you put it. I haven't the required information at the moment to launch the site. I will however be amassing a wide array of information concerning both Mass Effect and Bioware(Developers). I'll also be makeing a few exclusive Signatures,Avatars,Desktops etc. Thanks

@Matt - That font will be changed before launch. It's just temporary so I can structure everything correctly. Once I've done that then I'll start the refinement process.

@Darth - This is indeed just a mock-up and I have very little experience with website codeing. However, I am hoping to secure the services of a friend that creates websites as part of his job. Is there anything in specific that you think overcomplicates the layout? Any advice on how to simplify the page without makeing it look boring?

The sidebar on the right is something I've been looking at and pondering upon. I agree with all of what you said about it. I'm not quite sure about how I should go about simplifying it though. Advice would be welcomed

Thanks again for all your comments. Very helpful criticism.

[Cirtheru]

Some suggestions:
Maximize the useful space, buttons don't need to be big. You can Try to combine decoration and title. Also the angular shape from the left can hinder the block of text.

[Igor]

Like it.. though it's a bit too complicated for my taste. But i guess, that's the look you are going for.

My suggestions:
-Make "Information", "Features" and "Media" buttons smaller (or better, slimmer).. that will give more elegant look.
-i'm not very fond of all those gradients.. since you are clearly going for high-tech metal console look, i'd suggest to add depth to "plates" (or whatever they are). Right now you are trying to achieve that with gradients, but i think especially the ones on right side (white gradient) doesn't really work.. it would look much better if you'd really add depth instead of glowing effect.

Hope this makes any sense

[Sean]

Thanks for the comments, I'm going to make this again from scratch when I've found an approiate web platform to build upon. I'll keep what you've said in mind. I'm a fairly talented photoshop user when it comes to Sigs,Splashes and that sort of thing and I know my way around. However, webdesign is something I've not really dabbled in before. This was my way of dipping my toe into the water. When/if I get a finished website online I'll be sure to link you all to have a look. I very much agree with the gradient comments and chances are in future I'll make some proper metal textures from scratch or blend together some modified photography.

Thanks for your help