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Nicole
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NixDesign - 2/2/2005 22:13:25
I'm looking to change my website to make it look a little more professional and also to get rid of the frames site.
So, i'd appreciate as much feedback as possible.
First Draft
I really, really like the colours i've used in this first draft, but i'm afraid they may appear too dark to some viewers. I'd also appreciate some feedback on the banner, as it is i just like the picture, it has no meaning or slogan to go with it, do you think it needs one?
Thanks
Nicole
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jeepless
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RE: NixDesign - 2/2/2005 23:05:49
Nicole,
While I don't consider myself a "professional" designer, and my artistic talents don't exceed being able to draw a straight line with a ruler, I will say that I do like the site. A good layout with thoughtful organization. The colors you used are a nice blend, but I agree they may be a bit on the dark side. I would either use a lighter color combination inside your main table or perhaps a lighter background. The combination of the two just make the page a little too dark, IMHO. I like the banner but it could be a little lighter as well.
As for a tagline (slogan), I wouldn't bother unless you have a good one to use, and then I'd probably add it at the bottom of the page in a footer. The title "NixDesign" stands out well (which you want) and adding a tagline next to it might only serve to distract the viewer or unecessarily clutter up the clean look of your banner.
Overall, a nice looking page and a great start!
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Nicole
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RE: NixDesign - 2/3/2005 0:28:24
Hi Jeepless,
Thanks for your comments. I tried some lighter shades of grey after you commented and i'm afraid i was less happy with it than before. The major problem i can see with designing a site using such dark colours is that i really have no idea just how bright or dull people have their screens set to. Trust me to come up with this idea in the middle of the night, it looked great then, but in the light of day it's just a bit too dark.
I've created an opening page here, but now it only proves that a slogan, or an explanation of what NixDesign is, is necessary.
The other problem is, this isn't my photo, it's taken from the Microsoft Clipart & Photo Gallery, though i have added a huge amount of grey clouds to the top of the image. Any ideas whether i can use this pic?
Nicole
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dpf
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RE: NixDesign - 2/3/2005 7:15:00
Nicole: the page isnt too dark for my tastes - I like it but I would suggest a little more color - it may be a tad drab. the square on the left that says"website solutions for..", its a bluish grey...try adjusting the color a little more into the blue range to perk it up
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labs123
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RE: NixDesign - 2/3/2005 7:27:38
Hi Nicole
As im not a pro designer at all i can only give my opinion as a surfer I think the site looks well presented and the grey gives it more of a professional look.
If I was to look for a web designer, the main thing i would like to see is examples of their work everyone will say that they are the best. I would like to see all different designs from very snazzy to simple just to give me an idea of their ability and what its going to cost me.
The homepage is nice i like it alot!!!!
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piquet
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RE: NixDesign - 2/3/2005 13:15:19
Like the architect who asks a client what he wants...and doesn't have a clue, I think most people using a design service do it because you can do it better than they can and from that point of view your site is professional looking....BUUUUUUUUUT ( this is an old hobby-horse of mine!) I believe that an text bigger than about 12pts should be on a graphic, as typed text of this size has a pixellated look...on your site, "web solutions for..." & "About us..".
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dpf
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RE: NixDesign - 2/3/2005 13:18:58
quote:
I believe that an text bigger than about 12pts should be on a graphic, as typed text of this size has a pixellated look...on your site, "web solutions for..." & "About us..". sorry but i strongly disagree - first of all, i stared closely after reading your post and cant see any annoying pixalation. even if there was, consider:
1. in order to avoid pixilation of graphicsin an image, you have to optimize towards less compression/larger file (re: download) size.
2. more importantly, text in graphics isnt read by SE spiders and you are hurting your ranking appreciably.
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piquet
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RE: NixDesign - 2/3/2005 13:32:22
quote:
1. in order to avoid pixilation of graphicsin an image, you have to optimize towards less compression/larger file (re: download) size.
2. more importantly, text in graphics isnt read by SE spiders and you are hurting your ranking appreciably.
1. Maybe my use of terms is incorrect, maybe I mean "anti-aliasing".
I use PSP which have anti.aliasing for text (I am not familiar with other graphics editors). For this size of text, the image will be a matter of 10's of KB, not too big.
2. I agree "website solutions" is significant in a search for a web designer, but this can be repeated somewhere in the text.
Overall, IMHO, large text is a no-no, and should be avoided.
Of course, we can agree to disagree!! 
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Nicole
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RE: NixDesign - 2/3/2005 16:57:31
Furthermore,
Does anyone know if the following statement from the Microstoft Office Online End User Licence Agreement means i can use this image on my website?
quote:
1.2 License Grant for Media Elements. The Software may include certain photographs, clip art, shapes, animations, sounds, music and video clips that are identified in the Software for your use (together "Media Elements"). You may copy and modify the Media Elements, and license, display and distribute them, along with your modifications as part of your software products and services, including your web sites, but you are not licensed to do any of the following:
You may not sell, license or distribute copies of the Media Elements by themselves or as part of any collection, product or service if the primary value of the product or service is in the Media Elements.
You may not grant customers of your product or service any rights to license or distribute the Media Elements.
You may not license or distribute any of the Media Elements that include representations of identifiable individuals, governments, logos, initials, emblems, trademarks, or entities for any commercial purposes or to express or imply any endorsement or association with any product, service, entity, or activity.
You may not create obscene or scandalous works, as defined by federal law at the time the work is created, using the Media Elements.
In addition, you must (a) indemnify and defend Microsoft from and against any claims or lawsuits, including attorneys' fees that arise from or result from the licensing, use or distribution of Media Elements as modified by you, and (b) include a valid copyright notice on your products and services that include the Media Elements.
Another question, Does it appear to anyone that this image being used on the opening page in such a large format, gives the impression that it's my photo?
Nicole
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piquet
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RE: NixDesign - 2/3/2005 20:49:55
quote:
Thanks for your feedback. The fonts seem to be okay on my screen, but i've just looked using 800 x 600 and it doesn't look too great. Were you viewing the page at that resolution?
Yes.
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kevin3442
Posts: 197
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 2:49:23
Hi Nicole,
MHOs:
I like the layout. I'm a fan of clean and to the point, and I think you've nailed that! The color scheme seems good, but I would also suggest lightening it up a bit, or throwing in one or two more colorful elements.
quote:
ORIGINAL: piquet
I believe that an text bigger than about 12pts should be on a graphic, as typed text of this size has a pixellated look...on your site, "web solutions for..." & "About us..".
I'll also disagree with this (just an opinion). I suppose it depends on your target audience and what resolutions are being used most frequenty by your site visitors. Do you have stats from your current site that you could check to help you decide whether this is an issue for you?
quote:
ORIGINAL: Nicoleoz
I've created an opening page here, but now it only proves that a slogan, or an explanation of what NixDesign is, is necessary.
FWIW, I'm not a big fan of opening pages. I think they just slow the site visitor down. Suppose a visitor finds your site through a search. Even if your ranking is high in the results, the visitor has already gone to some trouble to get to your site. Having an opening page puts another layer between the visitor and what your really want him or her to see: your main content. The first page may well be the only page some visitors takes the time to view. That first page is your first and best (maybe only) opportunity to present what you most want them to see. Just MHO. 
quote:
ORIGINAL: Nicoleoz
Another question, Does it appear to anyone that this image being used on the opening page in such a large format, gives the impression that it's my photo?
I don't think the size gives that impression, but the following phrase that you used on your test page might: "From clean, effective photography and other imagery..." Do you think there's a chance that a potential customer might recognize the photo from the Microsoft Clipart & Photo Gallery? I suppose it's unlikely, but -- call me paranoid -- I might try to find an original photo that I could use to illustrate the point about photography.
Last point, and I hope I don't come off sounding like a jerk making it... You have the following phrase on your test "About Us.." page: "From clean, effective photography and other imagery to correct spelling, grammar and easily navigable websites." I wouldn't normally think that there was anything wrong with that. But in this case, you're making a point of mentionig correct grammar in a phrase that looks like a sentence but isn't. Again... not trying to be a jerk. But since I ain't always the brightest bulb in the room, I figure that if I could spot it, then others could too! Wouldn't want that to turn a potential client away (then again, maybe you don't want a client like that!)
It's easy to point out things one thinks could stand improving. Sort of gives short shrift to the things that are good. I'm no professional designer, but I think the overall effect is nice!
Cheers,
Kevin
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Nicole
Posts: 2843
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 4:27:13
Hi Kevin,
Welcome to Outfront, and thanks also for a pretty comprehensive review!
I've changed that sentence, thanks for pointing that out. I don't think you were being pedantic, my fiance works in the legal arena, and i'm always picking up tiny little things in subpoenas and things, missing commas, typos, things not worded well etc.
I'm only playing around with this site at the moment, there's no real rush as i also want to use this revamp to learn CSS properly and some other aspects of web design i'm not sure about.
I've taken your thoughts about opening pages on board and everything else everyone has said so far, but i must say i really like the way it looks now, and don't particularly want to lighten it or introduce any new colours.
Anyway, thanks again for your comments.
Nicole
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golfer
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 4:45:08
I like it. Clean, simple, professional.
Ian
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caz
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 6:45:18
I have to go along with Jaybee's addition of the yellow contrast, it really picks up a what on first glace, looks to be very drab page. You might check on the IE web accessibility toolbar for what it looks like to the visually challenged in terms of contrast.
Also, to add to the pedants quota, I'd suggest the following for your summary sentence:
"Essentially, we have the experience and knowledge to identify your website needs, help design a strategy, integrate the necessary technology, and implement it all for maximum benefit.
( of you, your business or organisation.) repetitive and makes the sentence too long. (Lawyers are not known for their brevity)
Otherwise I agree that it looks and reads very professional and businesslike. Should make excellent fodder for CSS learning
Cheers
Carol
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jeepless
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 9:22:46
quote:
Essentially, we have the experience and knowledge to identify your website needs, help design a strategy, integrate the necessary technology, and implement it all for maximum benefit
Since we're jumping on the "grammar bandwagon", I'll add my tidbit. I've never liked the word "Essentially" or any of its variations. As my high school English teacher always said, "You either have it or you don't." The word "essentially" implies that you may have some of "it", but you don't necessarily have ALL of "it". If you do in fact have all of "it", then the word "essentially" is misleading. If it were me, I'd be more direct and remove that word. Without it your phrase comes across as being more confident (but not cocky) in your abilities, and that's one thing I would look for in a web designer.
Dang it, I knew my high school English class would come in handy some day! LOL
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golfer
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 9:30:33
I know Jaybee (Star of radio).
It's what people call 'class'.
Ian
ps. Let me know when the Gill and Dan show is back on Radio Berks
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dpf
Posts: 7123
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 12:58:08
excellent input, kevin and welcome to outfront. While I generally agree with you about entry pages, I think nicoles is different - why? the entry pages that waste my time are gimmicky with no content - i think nicole uses it to deliver her fundamental business philosophy and, as such, I think it works.
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kevin3442
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 13:43:14
quote:
ORIGINAL: dpf
excellent input, kevin and welcome to outfront. ... i think nicole uses it to deliver her fundamental business philosophy and, as such, I think it works.
Hi Dan,
Thanks for the welcome. After lurking for a while, I get the feeling that this is a fun and informative place to hang out.
Re: Nicole's opening page. I agree with your general point, but I think that we're talking about two different pages. I think that you think that I was referring to this page as the opening page. That's actually what I referred to as the "test page." This is the page that Nicole mentioned as her opening page, which doesn't really have much in the way of content. So, if I'm right, then I think we agree that the first page would serve better as... well.. the first page!
Cheers,
Kevin
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dpf
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 13:47:03
quote:
After lurking for a while, I get the feeling that this is a fun and informative place to hang out. right on both points, kevin-and fun is important. I see what you mean - yes we definitley agree - i find that entry page to be void and doesnt do a thing except slow me down,,,, also, Im not that enamoured with the pic either.
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Minix
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RE: NixDesign - 2/4/2005 21:48:58
I like it. I'm a big fan of grey.
It sounds like you are set on using that banner. It doesn't do it for me.
When I go to a designers site I expect to see a design in the banner as the company identity. A cool logo and color scheme that represents!
A horizontally flipped photo to achieve symmetry doesn't get me excited.
Something in a banner vivid in color and contemporary in design would really set up the greys well.
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smcfarland
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RE: NixDesign - 2/12/2005 18:08:16
Aw... it looks soo purty and professional all at the same time...
My only issue is the gray text. I LOVE gray text, but with the background, it is too straining on my eyes. And I am relatively young. The white looks nice though. It could just be the fact that I have been working 80+ hours a week. lol
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