Check my web site

It doesn't matter if you do all the error checking in the world, or if you have the most beautiful graphics, if your site or application design isn't usable, it's not going to do well. Get input and advice on usability and user interface issues here.

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alex.barylski
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Check my web site

Post by alex.barylski »

http://www.pcspectra.com

It's pretty basic right now...just some static web pages.

I am not really looking for design critque...as beauty is truely subjective (I paid a professional designer 1200 dollars - and he's a friend with an impressive portfolio) however feel free to make good/bad comments as you see fit.

I would like spelling corrections, grammar, etc...

Maybe what could use elaboration or details. What should be reduced, etc...
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feyd
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Post by feyd »

Are you aware of the 2 errors and 43 warnings for the CSS? http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/vali ... tra.com%2F
alex.barylski
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Post by alex.barylski »

Nope. I'll look into it :)

Content make sense? Could it be improved considering the purpose of the web site?

Sales material is not on the site, but instead comes in the form of brochures...so taking that into consideration, anything you can think of which might make sense on the web site?
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feyd
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Post by feyd »

Until the validations pass, I have no reason to look further. :P
nickvd
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Post by nickvd »

It looks good... One suggestion would be to reduce the width of the left column, both the upper "6 Reasons..." and the lower list of them.

On my screen (1280x1024) there is over an inch of whitespace, which could be used by the main content. I would also recommend upping the font size in the main content area. I have decent eyesight for the time being (only one in family without glasses), and I can't quite read the text as easily as I would prefer.

Other than all that minor stuff I say good job!
alex.barylski
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Post by alex.barylski »

Font sizes eh?

I'll consider that for sure...maybe add some JS to allowing increasing/decresing font size dynamically :)

As for everything else, my designer (who comes from a print media background) gave me a much better sounding reason(s) for keeping the sizes, colors, etc...so I think I'll go with his advice on this one ;)

I kinda wanted to avoid design issues, as they are so subjective, especially with programmers because were such natural perfectionists :)

I guess this is the wrong forum to look for business related advice...as a developer, thats the main reason I am looking for advice - I am a developer not a businessman :)

Thanks for everything though nickvd - you da' man (especially with that CSS stuff) :)

Cheers :)
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JayBird
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Post by JayBird »

My initial thought upon seeing the design was "bought template".

Don't know if it is or not!?

And the stock photo of that guy on each page just doesn't add anything to the site. Faaaaaar too cheesy!
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Chris Corbyn
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Post by Chris Corbyn »

I didn't like the stock photo neither. Sites like that always make me feel like they're placing a mask on the company. I don't care if templates are purchased myself though... no harm in that, some people focus more on programming than artistic design :)
alex.barylski
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Post by alex.barylski »

hehe...it certainly was "bought" but you woun't find anything like it on Perfectory, TemplateMonster, etc (except the guy in the Flash). It's not a template it cost me a helluva lot more. :P

Everything else, is 100% custom works by a designer I know. I like that "template" look, so long as it's "unique" hence the reason I hired a professional designer and not a XHTML guru to crack out something simple in color and state. ;)

Interesting, cause I've polled about 1000 people already, using mySpace, businesses, forums, etc...quite the different consensus i'm getting...

It does have a template look, but likely that feeling is being caused by the lack of "anything". I need time to write quality content and I'm already working on 4-5 projects outside of my full time job... :(

Cheers and thanks for the feedback :)
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Luke
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Post by Luke »

the content is far to marketing-y. I hate marketing jibberish.
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mikeq
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Post by mikeq »

I like the overall look of your site. Nice, clean, good colours.

For me the thing that is giving it that template look is the content in the bottom right, it looks "stuck in".

I would suggest using a graphic for your headings (Cost Effective etc) in a font similar to those already used in other parts of the page.

The colour for the heading graphic font and the main text should probably be a dark grey rather than black, it is a subtle difference but can make it look better.

Can you attach images to posts, I did a mock up with different colour text to show you how it looks. If not let me know your email and I'll send to you.

Mike
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Luke
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Post by Luke »

mikeq wrote:I would suggest using a graphic for your headings
EW! That's sooo oldschool. Use sIFR. There's no difference in your markup (other than perhaps adding a class attribute to your heading tags). This way spiders/search engines/mobile browsers? still just see heading tags.
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mikeq
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Post by mikeq »

:lol: , interesting I'll need to give that a try.
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Oren
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Post by Oren »

Nice colors, but make it so when you put your mouse over a link/button something happens (e.g color changes).
As I said, I like the main idea/colors but with that being said ( :D :D :D ), I must say that the guys pointed few things which I must say I agree with and thought by myself the moment I saw the site.
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