for the contest Web design for Washers, Inc.
Submitted design #52
Hi Luke,
Here's my entry for your contest. I tried to aim for web 1.5 as you requested; I hope it's what you had in mind. If it's not, I'm always open to suggestions.
Some specific notes:
- You mentioned to other designers they should use the image of the mouse and the wrenches. I plan to use these on the "Services" page if that's ok.
- While I know that the font used for the logo is garamond, I decided to use Times new roman for the page titles. This because garamond itself can't be used on the web without some less than optimal workarounds and because they are similarly serifed.
Kudos on the detailed comments on each entry by the way. Us designers really appreciate that.
regards,
Simon
Side note to Dod's: Sorry for having a similar header image. I don't like the copycatting that sometimes goes on in contests either, but I actually completed it before you submitted your entry. Hope there's no hard feelings.
Ok... Wow... AWESOME FIRST DESIGN!!! You are the closest one to getting five stars on a first try! Four will have to do for now! You designers are making this REALLY difficult!
#52: We really like this design. The header is probably the only item that we need to improve on this design! All of the other elements are well place and sharp looking.
I've had another designer try this and it looked pretty good. Let's try taking the logo and making it two levels. Put the words to the right of the logo, make the logo bigger (and the words) and bring the menu bar further to the left until it hits the logo. The "Washers, Inc." will then be sitting above the menu bar. Let's see the search bar moved to the menu bar (if it will fit, it may not and we may move it back) And I'd like to see you try to put the blue DNA image in the header with the words tastefully. Faded or something. (Or even pick your own image from istockphoto.com!!)
I don't know about the elements of the logo in the header... I'm still deciding. On the next design, let's see what you can do with the header without them.
Let's reduce the padding vertically in the design. (It may just be how the jpg displays in the window. I just want to have a good design where the fold falls. Just let me know if you've already taken that into account)
The bottom banner definitely has too much padding, also.
This design is great. I really like how you laid it out and your choice in colors and design. This is one of our top designs right now and I can't wait to see the redesigns!
Submitted design #77
Glad you like it! I've improved the design per your suggestions:
- Overall I've reduced the padding and vertical size of the page so there's more content above the fold. In fact, most of the page's content should be visible for visitors with a 1024x768 resolution (which is the most prevalent these days).
There's less whitespace now, but still enough so that the design can breathe.
- I moved the logo's text to the right and played around with its size a bit
- Good call on extending the menu bar and including the search box in it. I like how the home button touches the left side of the bar and now the search button touches the right side.
- The header image has been changed and I took the opportunity to make it more contrasting. This does the whole design good and I particularly like how the green "More info" button stands out now.
Simon.