Web Design Forums

Soffe · 16-01-2006, 18:36

I am an A-level student currently Studying at Chesterfield High School In Liverpool, and as part of the A-level course i produced a website for my uncles block paving company. Please could you take a look at the site and make some comments on its aesthetic apperance, layout, colours, and navigation aids. Thank You

S. Brine Paving - http://tsoffe.chs-ict.net

Red Cap · 16-01-2006, 21:31

heres a few comments..
Theres no real need to use Flash
Theres no real need for the splash navigation page
Without trying to be too harsh visually it looks a little dated.
The logo is a little ugly
The flash navbar is annoying

However, it probably surpasses what i could do at a-level stage - so i commend you fo that.

jk5corral · 16-01-2006, 22:20

Nice work for a high school student.
Flash in a website can make it "fun" but reduces the ability of search engines to index it, and you limit, (or eliminate) the ability for people with older or text browsers to navigate your site. If you must keep it, reduce the frames per second in your navbar to speed it up, as it is a little slow.

A splash page is now considered "passé". If your client insists on it, be sure to keep the page resolution to fit within 800x600 without having to scroll.

HEY Red Cap!
If what you wrote is "trying not to be too harsh", I'd hate to hear you when you're pissed... : )

Red Cap · 16-01-2006, 23:15

Apologies - it is indeed nice work for a high school student. Is it a graphic design project? or an IT project?

pgo · 16-01-2006, 23:49

Don't forget jk5corral - there are more reasons that Flash causes problems - some people might not have it installed. Granted, the vast majority of people have Flash installed, but it really depends on the intended audience, purpose of the site, and functionality requirements.

For instance, some sites don't work for me at my job because the admins are too lazy to install Flash Player 8. And with people making Flash 8 websites, I'm up shit's creek.

i3lance · 17-01-2006, 05:27

Well done soffe on your site. For a A-Level student be proud of yourself. Do take note though of pgo's comments (and the rest). Most companies and SME's do not have Flash 8 installed so always offer an alternative if possible (i.e, a none-flash version or a valid download link or something).

If you really want to crank up your coding a notch then your talking CSS, DIV TAGS and ASP or PHP etc. With dynamic sites (ASP etc...) you can easily offer none-flash alternatives without having to build a mirror site, but thats something for the future if your really interested in web design/development.

One last thing, always check out web design best practice websites (some of the guys on here know some good sites) - this can save you a lot of time.

datahound · 17-01-2006, 05:35

Hello, I would say start again. Leave out the flash.

When I started learning design I would redo sites over and over for practice until I had something I was happy with. This is the only way to learn. Frankly this site looks dated.

Have you looked at other sites for similar companies?

Which one looked most modern and best?

Why?

Perhaps try to copy it?

There is nothing wrong with copying when starting out, you learn how the designer has achieved the favourable effect and get closer to what makes the design work.

Good luck.

Flash is best kept for graphic effects to add a little excitement to a page like this simple fade in fade out. http://www.issee.co.uk/

datahound · 17-01-2006, 05:43

If you want to learn more about web design certainly hang out here, people are always throwing up new inspiring sites, tips and tricks. I am always learning new stuff here, this place is on the edge. You may even learn a few new swear words!

Remember with web design you never stop learning, fashions change and you have to move with them.

In my opinion white backgrounds work best for business sites unless that business is selling to children who like bright colours.

emil · 17-01-2006, 06:15

Sorry, I had to vote for the last option.

You have to remember that design comes second to information.

Try to think of your website as a frame to display the work. An embelished frame works fine for Rubens, while a simple one values Mondrian.

You have to provide your visitor with a look and feel that best express the purpose of the respective business. Details are what give unity and uniqueness.
While paving may not be such an inspirational field, you can find, I'm sure, patterns to incorporate in your website, that would subtly compliment your overall design.

Think before designing something. "Is there an actual need for a clock?", "Should I emphasize the coldness of the stone by making the whole site blue?" etc., etc.

Emil

mx · 17-01-2006, 07:03

First off. it's pretty good for a-level so well done.

I agree with most of what has been said above, but here's my take on it.

Get rid of the splash page, and go with one layout for the whole site.
if you must keep the splash, kill the 'broken links' text.

The logo needs work, it's readability is low and extruded 3D is very old. At the very least you need to improve it's quality, but a re-think would be best.

I have no particular issue with the flash on the splash page, as it's isn't intrinsic to the functioning of the site. I'd keep it. The buttons are cheap and nasty, but they certainly wouldn't be a priority.

I'm not feeling your tagline at all. sounds like a cheap radio ad. Who would you ask? When you called them?? At least it isn't 'quality, service and value' though.

Explain the clock. why is it there?

The layout of your content pages is very old, not horrible, just old.

Your flash navigation maybe nice to you, but it is unnecessary and bad design. You will do alot better with image or text links.

The blurry background images need sharpening up.

I think you've got all the elements you need there, you just need to get the layout and design improved. There's loads of links on here to use for inspiration, so good luck and keep it up.

pat · 17-01-2006, 08:59

I don't think it's any good, A Level or not, you can do better mate. Look round a bit, surely you've seen websites that are far more aesthetically pleasing than that. I'm an a level student, it's no excuse.

[constructive stuff]

It looks cheap - this is because of the effects you've used and the obvious layout.

If you're going to make the logo typographical, have a go at something classy, rather than illegible. Have a look through these sites: http://www.wladimirmarnich.com , http://www.samdallyn.co.uk. Can't think of more atm, but they might give you some logo ideas.

The site layout is distracting - there's no centre - work out what you want to be the centre of the page, or at least the order which you want people to see things in i.e Logo, What we Are, Navigation, Content or whatever. Here's a few nice, clean corporate sites. They're complex and that but they give you an idea:

http://www.eps.com.au/
http://www.lewisgroup.net/
http://www.ninemilestudio.com/

See how nice and simple they are?
I'm not saying copy these exactly, god knows i could never do anything of that standard, just get ideas about friendly layout.

[/constructive stuff]

i3lance · 17-01-2006, 09:20

lol pat...that's a bit harsh mate...

datahound · 17-01-2006, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by i3lance

lol pat...that's a bit harsh mate...

No pretty fair I'd say, sometimes a kick up the arse can be constructive.

Red Cap · 17-01-2006, 19:00

agreed datahound only way to get better

View Poll Results: Does the apperance of the website suit the purpose?
Yes, It' suits the purpose exactly.	0	0%
Yes, To an extent, but requires changes.	3	15.79%
No, the site would be better re-designed.	9	47.37%
No, The apperance is not suitable.	7	36.84%
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll

16-01-2006, 18:36	#1 (permalink)
Soffe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1	New Website - S.Brine Paving I am an A-level student currently Studying at Chesterfield High School In Liverpool, and as part of the A-level course i produced a website for my uncles block paving company. Please could you take a look at the site and make some comments on its aesthetic apperance, layout, colours, and navigation aids. Thank You S. Brine Paving - http://tsoffe.chs-ict.net

16-01-2006, 21:31	#2 (permalink)
Red Cap senior member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: auckland, nz Posts: 323	heres a few comments.. Theres no real need to use Flash Theres no real need for the splash navigation page Without trying to be too harsh visually it looks a little dated. The logo is a little ugly The flash navbar is annoying However, it probably surpasses what i could do at a-level stage - so i commend you fo that. Last edited by Red Cap : 16-01-2006 at 23:14.

17-01-2006, 05:27	#6 (permalink)
i3lance Read between da lines! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: UK, former Londoner Posts: 849	Well done soffe on your site. For a A-Level student be proud of yourself. Do take note though of pgo's comments (and the rest). Most companies and SME's do not have Flash 8 installed so always offer an alternative if possible (i.e, a none-flash version or a valid download link or something). If you really want to crank up your coding a notch then your talking CSS, DIV TAGS and ASP or PHP etc. With dynamic sites (ASP etc...) you can easily offer none-flash alternatives without having to build a mirror site, but thats something for the future if your really interested in web design/development. One last thing, always check out web design best practice websites (some of the guys on here know some good sites) - this can save you a lot of time. Last edited by i3lance : 17-01-2006 at 09:06.

17-01-2006, 08:59	#11 (permalink)
pat jorge regula Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: B'ham/Leeds Posts: 5,154	I don't think it's any good, A Level or not, you can do better mate. Look round a bit, surely you've seen websites that are far more aesthetically pleasing than that. I'm an a level student, it's no excuse. [constructive stuff] It looks cheap - this is because of the effects you've used and the obvious layout. If you're going to make the logo typographical, have a go at something classy, rather than illegible. Have a look through these sites: http://www.wladimirmarnich.com , http://www.samdallyn.co.uk. Can't think of more atm, but they might give you some logo ideas. The site layout is distracting - there's no centre - work out what you want to be the centre of the page, or at least the order which you want people to see things in i.e Logo, What we Are, Navigation, Content or whatever. Here's a few nice, clean corporate sites. They're complex and that but they give you an idea: http://www.eps.com.au/ http://www.lewisgroup.net/ http://www.ninemilestudio.com/ See how nice and simple they are? I'm not saying copy these exactly, god knows i could never do anything of that standard, just get ideas about friendly layout. [/constructive stuff] __________________ Last edited by pat : 17-01-2006 at 09:51.

16-01-2006, 22:20	#3 (permalink)
jk5corral Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3	Nice work for a high school student. Flash in a website can make it "fun" but reduces the ability of search engines to index it, and you limit, (or eliminate) the ability for people with older or text browsers to navigate your site. If you must keep it, reduce the frames per second in your navbar to speed it up, as it is a little slow. A splash page is now considered "passé". If your client insists on it, be sure to keep the page resolution to fit within 800x600 without having to scroll. HEY Red Cap! If what you wrote is "trying not to be too harsh", I'd hate to hear you when you're pissed... : )

16-01-2006, 23:15	#4 (permalink)
Red Cap senior member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: auckland, nz Posts: 323	Apologies - it is indeed nice work for a high school student. Is it a graphic design project? or an IT project?

16-01-2006, 23:49	#5 (permalink)
pgo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,340	Don't forget jk5corral - there are more reasons that Flash causes problems - some people might not have it installed. Granted, the vast majority of people have Flash installed, but it really depends on the intended audience, purpose of the site, and functionality requirements. For instance, some sites don't work for me at my job because the admins are too lazy to install Flash Player 8. And with people making Flash 8 websites, I'm up shit's creek.

17-01-2006, 05:35	#7 (permalink)
datahound Spare Parts Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bracknell Forest Posts: 5,145	Hello, I would say start again. Leave out the flash. When I started learning design I would redo sites over and over for practice until I had something I was happy with. This is the only way to learn. Frankly this site looks dated. Have you looked at other sites for similar companies? Which one looked most modern and best? Why? Perhaps try to copy it? There is nothing wrong with copying when starting out, you learn how the designer has achieved the favourable effect and get closer to what makes the design work. Good luck. Flash is best kept for graphic effects to add a little excitement to a page like this simple fade in fade out. http://www.issee.co.uk/

17-01-2006, 05:43	#8 (permalink)
datahound Spare Parts Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bracknell Forest Posts: 5,145	If you want to learn more about web design certainly hang out here, people are always throwing up new inspiring sites, tips and tricks. I am always learning new stuff here, this place is on the edge. You may even learn a few new swear words! Remember with web design you never stop learning, fashions change and you have to move with them. In my opinion white backgrounds work best for business sites unless that business is selling to children who like bright colours.

17-01-2006, 06:15	#9 (permalink)
emil dt immigrant Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bucharest - Romania Posts: 7,588	Sorry, I had to vote for the last option. You have to remember that design comes second to information. Try to think of your website as a frame to display the work. An embelished frame works fine for Rubens, while a simple one values Mondrian. You have to provide your visitor with a look and feel that best express the purpose of the respective business. Details are what give unity and uniqueness. While paving may not be such an inspirational field, you can find, I'm sure, patterns to incorporate in your website, that would subtly compliment your overall design. Think before designing something. "Is there an actual need for a clock?", "Should I emphasize the coldness of the stone by making the whole site blue?" etc., etc. Emil

17-01-2006, 07:03	#10 (permalink)
mx fucksocks™ Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: in the boosh Posts: 1,632	First off. it's pretty good for a-level so well done. I agree with most of what has been said above, but here's my take on it. Get rid of the splash page, and go with one layout for the whole site. if you must keep the splash, kill the 'broken links' text. The logo needs work, it's readability is low and extruded 3D is very old. At the very least you need to improve it's quality, but a re-think would be best. I have no particular issue with the flash on the splash page, as it's isn't intrinsic to the functioning of the site. I'd keep it. The buttons are cheap and nasty, but they certainly wouldn't be a priority. I'm not feeling your tagline at all. sounds like a cheap radio ad. Who would you ask? When you called them?? At least it isn't 'quality, service and value' though. Explain the clock. why is it there? The layout of your content pages is very old, not horrible, just old. Your flash navigation maybe nice to you, but it is unnecessary and bad design. You will do alot better with image or text links. The blurry background images need sharpening up. I think you've got all the elements you need there, you just need to get the layout and design improved. There's loads of links on here to use for inspiration, so good luck and keep it up.

17-01-2006, 09:20	#12 (permalink)
i3lance Read between da lines! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: UK, former Londoner Posts: 849	lol pat...that's a bit harsh mate...

17-01-2006, 19:00	#14 (permalink)
Red Cap senior member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: auckland, nz Posts: 323	agreed datahound only way to get better

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