I may be working on this page - - creating a search function so people can type in keywords to find products. I've been trying to figure out what else can be done to improve the functionality and appearance of the site. For example, is there a better way for simple click-through navigation of the different categories and examples than the large image map on the front page?
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What does this site need?
- Thread starter lucasm
- Start date
The first thing that stands out is how slow it load because of all the images.
The next worst thing is that fact that the main navigation (all those buttons ) is gone on all the sub-pages (that I looked at). Personally I want a navigation scheme that remains the same throughout the site so I can use it to go wherever I want. I wont use a site where I have to go back before I can go forward. I know there are text links at the bottom of each page but you have to scroll down to get to them. Nasty, just plain nasty. Maybe it’s just me, but if a site does not make navigation easy for me I won’t use it unless forced to.
-pete
The next worst thing is that fact that the main navigation (all those buttons ) is gone on all the sub-pages (that I looked at). Personally I want a navigation scheme that remains the same throughout the site so I can use it to go wherever I want. I wont use a site where I have to go back before I can go forward. I know there are text links at the bottom of each page but you have to scroll down to get to them. Nasty, just plain nasty. Maybe it’s just me, but if a site does not make navigation easy for me I won’t use it unless forced to.
-pete
lucasm, took a look at your site. And i'd have to agree somewhat with palbano, about the navigation menu being, well, there on subsequent pages...
You seem to have a lot of space available on the left-side, conslidate the menu system there. If you want a nice JS or DHTML type of menu, look at or create your own from Flash, Fireworks, etc.
On some pages like "sportswear", "posters", and "novelities" you have some kind of a background image, which seems to be missing on the other pages, try to keep the site consistant. Don't try to change the layout of the site on every page...
I'd look into a adding a few light colors into the layout scheme. The deep red and white kinda hurts the eyes after a while.
Look into the validation of the "Get Our Catalogs" portion. It doesn't check to see if the user entered an actual number for the phone-number and zip fileds.
That's it for now.
I have this little thing, Advanced Delusionary Schizophrenia with Involuntary Narcissistic Rage.
It's no big deal really...
You seem to have a lot of space available on the left-side, conslidate the menu system there. If you want a nice JS or DHTML type of menu, look at or create your own from Flash, Fireworks, etc.
On some pages like "sportswear", "posters", and "novelities" you have some kind of a background image, which seems to be missing on the other pages, try to keep the site consistant. Don't try to change the layout of the site on every page...
I'd look into a adding a few light colors into the layout scheme. The deep red and white kinda hurts the eyes after a while.
Look into the validation of the "Get Our Catalogs" portion. It doesn't check to see if the user entered an actual number for the phone-number and zip fileds.
That's it for now.
I have this little thing, Advanced Delusionary Schizophrenia with Involuntary Narcissistic Rage.
It's no big deal really...
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks for the tips, I know the navigation is a serious problem, so I've been trying to visualize a better system of displaying the categories of items. Maybe just a dropdown box in the left frame, below the search box. About the color scheme, I was told that this page was put together by a graphic designer, but I always thought there were way too many colors and images.
Does anyone know of a site with a good layout that manages to do what should be done with this site? My web programming background is mainly with ASP intranet pages, where design was not a major priority.
Does anyone know of a site with a good layout that manages to do what should be done with this site? My web programming background is mainly with ASP intranet pages, where design was not a major priority.
lucasm, it's not really your site if you look at other people's layout and accomidate for yourself. For a more personal touch, imagine how you want the site to look like and go from there. Try using a color scheme that you like, for a clear idea on what color's to choose from: About the navigation menu, take a look at Dynamic Drive and see what they offer. You have a lot of menu choices so try to pick a menu system that works the best. My suggestion, maybe a collapsing tree menu.
I have this little thing, Advanced Delusionary Schizophrenia with Involuntary Narcissistic Rage.
It's no big deal really...
I have this little thing, Advanced Delusionary Schizophrenia with Involuntary Narcissistic Rage.
It's no big deal really...
cian
Technical User
- Oct 11, 2001
- 1,383
Hi,
Oh yeah gotta agree, way too many images and too many colours in my opinion. Also the category images are not very clear.
One of the images is missing (comedy - the rollover image appears) and this makes it look very unprofessional.
the base layout and use of colour is very good, personally i'd stick with that but you'd really need to cut down on the number of images used.
On the sub pages, before you have the product images I think you need some links such as "order now" "more examples" or "request information", something like that. Same at the bottom. The sub-pages give the appearance of coming to a dead-end in the site.
I noticed on the Sportsware page (sportswear_frameset.html) it took a long time for everything to resize and fit into place. make sure for ALL images that you specify height and width, this will help.
I'd also suggest you upgrade your code to xhtml/css, it's not difficult to do, it won't take you long and your site will really benefit from it.
And more navigation options required as already mentioned.
It's a good foundation for a great site though
- É -
Oh yeah gotta agree, way too many images and too many colours in my opinion. Also the category images are not very clear.
One of the images is missing (comedy - the rollover image appears) and this makes it look very unprofessional.
the base layout and use of colour is very good, personally i'd stick with that but you'd really need to cut down on the number of images used.
On the sub pages, before you have the product images I think you need some links such as "order now" "more examples" or "request information", something like that. Same at the bottom. The sub-pages give the appearance of coming to a dead-end in the site.
I noticed on the Sportsware page (sportswear_frameset.html) it took a long time for everything to resize and fit into place. make sure for ALL images that you specify height and width, this will help.
I'd also suggest you upgrade your code to xhtml/css, it's not difficult to do, it won't take you long and your site will really benefit from it.
And more navigation options required as already mentioned.
It's a good foundation for a great site though
- É -
- Thread starter
- #7
lucasm, all CSS can do for a site is help make it more clean and smooth. You can format the site better and easier. For an indepth look at what CSS can and can't do do a google.com search on CSS and see what it offers.
I have this little thing, Advanced Delusionary Schizophrenia with Involuntary Narcissistic Rage.
It's no big deal really...
I have this little thing, Advanced Delusionary Schizophrenia with Involuntary Narcissistic Rage.
It's no big deal really...
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