Web Site Redesign

[rossable]

then i wish you the best for your click-through and ROI.

different and original are great. however users have become accustomed to certain common elements among websites and if you change that on them they will be confused and leave. it those things (like navigation) aren't instinctual and easy to grasp and understand then the page has failed regardless of how original and eye catching it is.

to be more specific in my review:

1.)your main navigation is unnoticeable, the links to the rest of your site look like adds and even though they are clickable there is not a clear reason why the user should.

2.) your site looks and works more like you tried to design an interactive brochure than a website. nothing wrong with that... but the web has emerged with it's own, though ambiguous at times, style of elements and layouts that are not as flexible as then seem.

3.) it seems like a "child's toy" because your colors are bright, the elements are bold, and everything seems to be on a scale that is just a little over sized.

4.) it does not work for clients because it does not serve them. your site is more of a showcase and a business card than a tool they can use to request your service. it's not straightforward and simple like most clients are used to. web usability is dependent on a logical flow of information, ease of use to the point of not helping but to complete an ordering process or request more info, and intellectually being able to navigate through the site like a fish in water. you really need to focus on your target demographic and try to build a site that gives them everything they want right away in a clear and concise manner. then pretty pictures and other eye-candy.

5.) you seem to be focused more on multimedia and print marketing than web design. you are advertising for a "web ninja" above the fold which says to potential customers that you can't do web pages because you aren't staffed for it and that you are unprofessional because you are behaving childishly about your services and careers. most clients aren't aware that web guru's refer to themselves and each other as ninjas, jedi, goddesses, etc. so you need to be sensitive to the fact that such lingo might dissuade potential customers before they ever see any of your work.

[jontywagener]

quite, dont like the gaps thow

[SuperSmash]

Just as a note, James, it is a bad idea to ask for comments and criticism and then to become overly defensive when you get it. We're trying to help, and you're telling us we're looking at your site wrong. There is no way of knowing which way your potential customers will see it, and they might be looking at it just the way some of us have. You need to cater to that, not tell test-drivers that they are testing-driving wrong. That defeats the purpose. ;-) Take our help as a way of improving. If you wanted purely compliments, look at the title and subtitles of this board... see the problem?

As you said, it is original and different, which is good. Truely. You just need to accept criticism in order to improve the site. Perhaps you can keep it different, while making it more usability-focused. Just my two cents!

[weejames]

Originally Posted by SuperSmash

As you said, it is original and different, which is good. Truely. You just need to accept criticism in order to improve the site. Perhaps you can keep it different, while making it more usability-focused. Just my two cents!

Apologies if thats how i came across but it wasn't intentional.

I'm more than happy to accept valid criticism and was only stating that the usage habits of those who just have a quick buzz through the home page and actual real visitors are completely different. I want to optimise the site for all types of users hence posting it to a forum such as this.

I've posted the site to a few forums i frequent and i know to take some of the comments (both good and bad) with a pinch of salt.

[tommylogic]

Originally Posted by weejames

i know to take some of the comments (both good and bad) with a pinch of salt.

And a dash of lime with a shot of tequilla

[Toon]

and lesbian nurses!

[strev]

I'll see the tequila & lime and raise you 2 hetero nurses

Site works for me. Cheers.

[rossable]

Originally Posted by weejames

the usage habits of those who just have a quick buzz through the home page and actual real visitors are completely different.

i'm having difficulty seeing the difference. statistically the majority of your visitors will just buzz the site and if it doesn't grab them or show them something they are interested in within the first 3 to 5 seconds they are gone!

having extra content for those that want to experience the site at a slower rate is fine... but most your business is from those that are in a hurry to find what will work for them the best. unless you want to exclude those users and purposefully narrow your client base. is that what you want to be doing?

[rowlesmedia]

Like the design, colour scheme, and aslong as you make it obvious that you want users to click to scroll, and I mean really obvious then I think you're on to a winner. It is something a bit different, and you are a design company so thats what I'd expect. It makes you stand out from the crowd.