New design looks. - Page 3

I agree with Jan, the proposed new designs are very commercial looking, it's almost as though the site has been sterilized.

I think that you would lose the identity and flavor that you currently have.

If Iit's a matter of procuring more commercial sales to cover costs than I guess you have to do what you have to do.

If that's not an issue I would vote for leaving it alone with the subtle little tweaks you've been adding along the way.

 

Sorry....got a little crazy for a minute there playing with the new editing functions

Oli, I like the original layout of course dating back to the time when the site was called "Gunnarsholts Kennels". I do miss seeing the GSD's standing in the mist near the icy waterfall, but I realize that page space must be made for the advertisements that pay the bills. As does everyone else, I really appreciate having this site available and will acept in in whatever form it takes.

As far as anything new, I guess my only suggestion is for a Help tutorial to assist new or infrequent users with the database, such as looking for a dog or adding/modifying a pedigree. But, this is merely a suggestion on my part and is based on the questions that are often asked here.

I will enjoy whatever form the database takes. The original and the best-Oli's Pedigree Database.

Regards,

Bob-O

I guess if I had to choose, I would go with option 2.  However, I have some concerns about the pedigree layout. 

Bob-O

You are talking about the image of Carlos,  He is a dog from my old breeding program and that is a picture from his owner taken in the East-fjords of Iceland.  Really nice picture.

Oli.

Hi Oli.I must agree with Bob O as far as the gorgeous picture of the GSD (from your breeding)with the waterfall in the background.Why not leave it as it is?I like it as is.

Hi Oli,

I like the second one because it says "know more about dogs". This site isn't about pets (as in the first option). It's about dogs.

I'm not fond of putting so much visual emphasis on the word PEDIGREE because it leads to easy misinterpretation of site ownership, making it appear to be sponsored by the dog food company. The database function of your site is what's important (and, of course, the Forum) and perhaps the word DATABASE should get more impact.

The overall layout of both options is good, easy to follow, intuitive. The colour scheme in Option 2 is better.

I prefer not to see pictures of people on dog related sites. They always leave me with a commercial impression - an advert for dog gear, dog meds, dog food -- that sort of thing. I would go with just a dog image and leave out the people.

I understand why you want to change the HP but in truth, it's fine the way it is now.

I did a blind design request.    In that I said nothing about what I wanted.  I just gave 3 pedigree examples,  GSD, Labrador and a Yorkie and asked for a new design.

I did this to get their creative thinking going without my preconceived ideas interupting them.  Then afterwards when I get all the design ideas,  I can start hammering together my wishes.

For instance ,  they didn't see the importance of breed seperation. (in the designs,  you can't see that your in the Labrador section. ),   They put no emphasis on Pedigrees,,.  Its very generic. 

But thats because they had no idea about the website or what it does.    What I am looking for is an out-of-the-box design approach that is lighter and more easy for the novice. (The novices account for 90% of traffic you know :)..    So I will be keeping all the expert stuff (enhancing them even,) and adding tidbits such as grooming tips, "Raising puppies" etc..  With hopes that people will enter the site looking for general information and leaving with a higher understanding that correct breeding does matter.

But do not worry,  I will do a total redesign,  and it will be usable and goood.  no worries,   (perhaps I can even give the picture of carlos to the designer and ask them to implement it)

Regards
Oli

I vote to Leave the GSD alone, and do what ever you like with the other breeds. I think one of the main reason we all check out other boards and always come back is the layout of this board along with content. I agree with do not fix what is not broke, there could be a reason>>>>>

love the tool bar.