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Designing A New Template

Joined: 11/28/2008

Most of my designs have been fixed width and quite minimalistic (usually at the clients request) so I have been in a bit of a rut and thought I'd try something somewhat different. I would like your thoughts on the following 3 designs please, they are essentially the same with just some minor variations and I can't decide which one I like or if I even like any of them /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />
axxcent.com/sandbox/templates/new/new.html
axxcent.com/sandbox/templates/new/new1.html
axxcent.com/sandbox/templates/new/new2.html

There is only a single page and I know the code isn't tidy and the css is in the head section (these item will be "fixed" if and when I decide to use the design)

What I'm wanting is your thoughts on the general layout - color scheme - font sizes etc and which one(s) you like or dislike and why, as well as any ideas for improving or changing.

TIA

Joined: 11/28/2008
Of the three, I like the 3rd.

Of the three, I like the 3rd. However. /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

I think the layout needs more balance. With the two halves both nearly the same, the center of the page is the line between them. I'm not sure whether I should be looking left or right first.

I like the 3rd one but the header has too many elements in it, I think. The little tag line below seems lost, but has a nice ring to it. It also shouldn't be in a serif font when the rest of the design is not. I would try it in place of the header2, but moved up a bit more, and small enough that it doesn't dwarf the logo, but more readable than it is now.

I also think I'd put the menu tabs over the mainn content, and move the light background boxes to the sidebar, maybe.

One last: I like the way mirrored text looks, but it's been done a lot. I am not sure what to suggest off-hand, but the effects on the logo text make it actually recede visually, and if the theme is "Axxcent" you would want the name to stand out a bit more.

CWM Post with Helpful Links for Web Design Newbies<

Joined: 11/28/2008
WeBBy;Just for you, I've

WeBBy;
Just for you, I've added a new version /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />
axxcent.com/sandbox/templates/new/new3.html

Joined: 11/28/2008
well, I like it!I recently

well, I like it!

I recently read a design article and have been looking at my own with new eyes at the aspect of progression... how does the design lead the viewer's eyes to what is important? and I think this one does... logo to strapline to menu to main content.

It IS the same old layout, left sidebar, etc. but same old, same old occurs often because it works. Since you were trying to get out of a rut, I'm not sure I helped you? /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

CWM Post with Helpful Links for Web Design Newbies<

Joined: 11/28/2008
I really like the first one.

I really like the first one. It's very fitting and simple. It flows well.

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"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of Lord our God" Psalm 20:7