Critique needed

[jkinz]

This is just a mockup, with a live version to follow. I'm just looking for CC on the design itself. What seems out of place? What doesn't fit? Is anything hard to read? What does the design "say" to you about the company?

[tomokeefe]

this site isnt working for me for many reasons.
Layout:
It's top heavy. with no footer. and no form of structure. You should think about designing a site with a grid format. YOu may look at Designing With Grid-Based Approach · My Card. My Work. on my blog i posted a good article you can get more info on designing in a grid.

once you have a solid structure you need to work on the UI.

Placement of all your content. with a clear simple easy direction for the end user to follow. LIke having a clear CTA (Call To Action) "LEARN MORE" "CALL NOW" etc...

Your content should give the potential client viewing your site a reason to want to contact you. What do you have to offer? What benefit do they get from using you? You should also showcase past projects, user quotes (you have a placeholder already). News, Client list, etc...

I dont know if this helps but good luck man.


best,
Tom

[jkinz]

Yes, these are all things that will be in the full working website. I realized after posting that I didn't have a CTA (I will be placing an "Order now" button below each package). I also forgot the footer but that will be added. The past work will be under the portfolio section (along with a "client list").

As far as grid design, perhaps it isn't clear but there is the top "header" area, a left and righ column. the left column will have the sub-menus and other things (such as client login, etc).

thanks for the comments and ideas tom!

What about color scheme? Fonts/type face? Does the photo fit? Suggestion on another photo to use?

[tomokeefe]

i see the header but the type (font) used isnt working.
what does the photo represent? Does it hit your target audience?

the logo living within the top photo sections and the headline jagged the way you have it next to a quote is a lot to take in and makes it feel cluttered. THe color "BLUE" is nice with an orange accent but the background title image doesnt fit.

also I would change the wording. you are over using the word "OUR"

When dealing with navigation I would think of it in different levels.
example: Global navigation (contact us, about us, login) most of the time lives in the upper right of page. Top level navigation L2, L3 etc....

Take a lot at other sites that are in the same market as you and see how they are doing it.

Why not show a HP, L2 and a L3 page layout. That way we can get a better understanding of how your page will look and will interact with the user.


best,
Tom

[SatanicPenguins]

I don't like the hard edge around the header's banner

I have a strong dislike for using gradients the way you're using them
(more my own problem than yours though lol.)

Don't like the way you're handling the "content box", Most likely the combination of no borders what-so-ever and gradients combined.

It overall just seems very template like. Sadly, I can only critique, I cannot give you any solutions.

Overall it gets my thumbs up, i like it ;)

[James Jones]

Try a really dark gray instead of black for the text it softens it a little

[tomokeefe]

take a look at :
Choose Your Preferred Region

only for site structure. not the same content. but you can see how it has a Global Nav Top Level Nav and a Sub Nav. with footer. The site was also broken up into segments.

It's not the same type of company by any means. it's just to show you an example of structure.


-Tom

[jkinz]

Tom:

Thanks again for all of the comments, you're definately helping me out a TON. When you say "background title" which section are you refering to?

As for the image selection, I wanted to convey a youthful yet professional image for the company. I chose that pictures because it shows a young team of professionals working together on what someone may assume is a project of some sort (a website? wink wink). I am not sure if that is the image it conveys, input would be appreciated.

I see what you're saying about the "clutter" effect on the header. I just always am afraid that there would be this giant space that feels empty. I will toy around with this and see if I can get it to work better.

Here are two websites that I particularly like from some other design firms:
LevelTen Web Design | Professional Website, Flash & Graphic Designers + Site Marketing
Professional Website Design Company in Los Angeles, California

SatanicPenguins:

Thanks for the comments. I understand it looks "templatey" but we decided after having a non-templatey looking site that the more professional and easier to navigate template look was the way to go. It also offered us a lot of room to provide information, something we felt was critical for our customers.
I am going to futz with the banner today while I'm working on several other things. Perhaps I can get rid of the hard edges.

As for the gradient, I'm not totally sold on it either. I though it may make a better effect than it has. I am going to test out other options as well.