Re Launched

[h0ster]

Hello, nearly ready for re-launch. Please give your opinions on the Brand-spanking new design. Please notice the AJAX lightboxes on the images, there are some other bits and bobs too.

http://www.valve-hosting.com

Thanks :beer:

Edit:Forgot to add it's 95% done.

[AvailNetworks]

new look isn't bad but here are a few notes


the header image area is VERY oversized and naked. I would shrink it down by at least half height and give it a nice crisp image and some good color. The font and colors used for valve-hosting text looks outdated and stock.

I would get rid of the flock and roundcube sections, it makes the page too long. If you want to feature them I would give it their own page.

The lightbox idea is neat but it is slow and not needed for the few pictures. simple is better.

the background for the pages/content boxes/accents need to be standardized sizes, or removed in some spots. It just looks like there are too many sizes of /////// looking background marks and it tends to be like one of those weird pictures you use to stare into at the mall and it reveals a boat or something.

other than that the site is easy on the eyes color wise, fairly straightforward and doesn't look like everyone else.

[h0ster]

Thanks. I'm keeping the bottom section, I think it adds warmth to the site and shows a bit of personality. That Font was recently featured in 'Computer Arts' magazine uk too :S

The AJAX isn't slow :S It's only needed, if the user wants to view the pictures in a larger size and is needed so they can view close up screenshots of CPanel etc

I do agree with your comments on the space in the header. It may suprise you to know that large headers are prominent in the new wave of CSS based design as is the long footer section.

But thanks for taking the time, i'm not arguing, just stating my reasons for choices etc ;)

BTW, didn't you have a more CSS based website recently? :s

[iBrightDev]

not bad, but the logo/text, is very unprofessional looking and doesnt fit the site at all.

[h0ster]

I was just talking to someone else about doing it in Cinema 4D, i'll probably change it. I always spend hours in Cinema 4D fiddling around though, warping spheres and wasting my life away. Thanks for taking the time to check it out.

[Abush]

HUGE header image. I don't wana scroll up and down to look at stuff. Shrink every thing and make it fit in half the space it takes right now.

[AvailNetworks]

the site I had being designed for avail had to put on the back burner for a few minutes due to another project that needs my attention. The designer is working on several projects of ours

the large header just looks too large and very empty, and the other stuff below while making it "have personality" it just makes the page too long and has to scroll too much

[James]

We are also known for not 'overselling' space on our servers.This ensures high levels of both reliability to you and you customers.

You say on your home page you are known for not overselling, the link on 'overselling' is a 404.

Personally, the design is a bit dull and there's a lot of blank spaces. It's not bad though.

[h0ster]

Thanks. like I said in the first post. The site isn't finished 100%. If you check out the iFrame pop-ups on the hosting plan pages you'll find each term has a 'laymans' terms explanantion and a valid link to wikipidea.

Quite obviously, the block middle bottom, is empty (ta da!) i'm not sure what to put it. I have some very cool stuff that could go there but it's flash and flash and xhtml don't mix too well.

I thought it better to keep some kind of reserve, it's an ecommerce site after all, webhosting isn't full of colour. Now this is a dull site

http://www.fasthosts.co.uk/

Thanks for taking the time to take a look.

[James]

I don't know, but the fasthosts site is good, it's simple, professional, easy to navigate.

Right, but the word "dull" is different when applied to different stuff. What I found a little dull on your site was the colours used, it's not very inviting - you want to make your potential clients feeling positive and bright. You can do this with a simple layout without fancy artwork.

Imagine those with 800X600 screens :D (there are!) They will just see the words "Valve-Hosting", which doesn't mean very much to them.

Tighten up a few loose valves and you're ready to roll.

[h0ster]

HUGE header image. I don't wana scroll up and down to look at stuff. Shrink every thing and make it fit in half the space it takes right now.

Hmmm :idea: :lol:

Yeah, i'm going to render a 3D image instead of the flat logo. I'm sorry guys but you're just going to have to use your middle mouse buttons, it's a tough world.

[iBrightDev]

dont waste your time making one in Cinema 4D. just make a clean simple logo in photoshop. if you go overboard, it wont look right.

[BSmith]

I actually like the font and logo.

I don't care for how "New Look!" is cut off or the font on "Instant Set Up".
And while the header is a bit empty and large, I don't think all sites have to fit a certain mold.

I like it.

[h0ster]

I actually like the font and logo.

I don't care for how "New Look!" is cut off or the font on "Instant Set Up".
And while the header is a bit empty and large, I don't think all sites have to fit a certain mold.

I like it.

Thanks,
I don't think all sites have to fit a certain mold. ;)
Yeah i'm aware of that, it needs re-doing.

[iBrightDev]

not saying the font and logo are bad, would be good for a different kind of site is all i am saying. just doesnt seem to fit the site is all.

[Nug]

I like the big icons, but it needs a bit of work:)
The buttons need to be nicer..