CMS Design Required

MSO.net

MSO.net was founded 1997, initially delivering innovative web design combined with advanced technical skills, the Company has since evolved into a full service web agency.

CMS Users which includes all sorts of users from novice to expert users.

The existing CMS we have is functionally good however the design a old and looking it's age. The CMS is split into multiple different functional section with the initial screen after login being a “dashboard” of thing for that users, like pages into progress, pages submitted for editing, pages submitted for publishing, requests (e.g. from an editor for new pages or to re-work existing pages), etc...

The main functional sections in the CMS are the Page Manager, Asset Manager, Shop Manager, etc... There are currently 16 main sections and some of these have sub options, however I think this should be grouped into categories of similar functions, so it might require three level navigation (groups, sections, sub items). Most of the sections in the CMS have a folder tree on the left side and a list of items right side. Once an item has been selected to be edited the area is replaced with the appropriate page to edit the item.

The navigation should be easy to understand, very clear and the use of icons would be a plus.

We will require a design for the initial “dashboard” page and a second level page (showing the folder tree).

Like the styling of Apple Mac OS X and Google Analytics.

Designer should be available for ongoing minor changes/updates.

Design to fit 1024 wide screen.

Don't want complex designs with overuse of colours, 3D effects, gradients, etc... Less is more