need inspiration from you plz.

[bazz]

OK so I've got the site coded OK and the scripting working. Would anyone care to give me some idea for making it lok better. I'm equipped only with a smaller-than-normal arty bit in my brain :)

bazz

[tsguitar2004]

A link would cetainly help me! So help me help you. Help *me* help *you* and SHOW ME THE LINKAGE!

:)
-ts

[bazz]

looks like I've a couple of small cells in my brain :)

link (http://www.thechrissystem.com/codingtips2.htm)


I have just noticed that although it validates, it's way off in IE. So if you would give me a hack if I need it, I would be grateful.

Bazz

[tsguitar2004]

When you click on any of the side links, you're taken to a different page design. I actually like that other design (menu and content aligned to the right, grid background on top and bottom) much more than your main design (the blue and purple, centered content design). Use the design of those secondary pages for the home page design. The menu works much better with that secondary page design as well.

In general, be consistent about how your content is aligned. Some pages have it aligned to the right, others to the left. Your contact pages are centered.

The "CHRIS systems" logo could use some sprucing up. The word "systems" looks pixelated, especially up against that grid background. Also, is it CHRIS system or CHRIS systems? Singular or plural? Your URL and page title is singular, but the logo is plural.

More graphic-oriented comments later...
-ts

[bazz]

Interesting... I had got tired of the green/yellow style and thought I would change it. I do agree that the layout is better on the green/yellow pages.
Suggestions for improving the green/yellow then would be welcome :)

Thanks tsguitar2004 (so far)

bazz

[chilipie]

No offence but...

Comic Sans MS?

I mean, WTF?

[ronaldb66]

I second chilipie on the comic sans: first of all, it's hardly appropriate for the subject of the site; second, it's not very legible on screen and third, you can't really depend on visitors having this font available on their machines.

Although rather boring, you can't miss with verdana for body text; use more elegant fonts on headers if you wish, implemented as images, but steer clear of comic sans.

The reason for your center section to pop down below the sidebars on IE/win is probably a box model issue; the xml prolog throws IE6 back into quirks mode.
I advise losing the xml prolog for that reason and go with XHTML 1.0 (strict, if you wish); XHTML 1.1 doesn't add anything here.
Also, for a three column layout it's advisable to either have the center column stretch to fit (by the looks of it, at present it is fixed width) or give all three columns percentage widths.

[bazz]

:D :D :thumbsup:

I thought verdana was boring. I had it in the css before and changed it just for this incarnation. I'll change it back.... OK??? :)

Ronald, I'll go with the XHTML 1.0 and see how it goes. I had the centre (body text) area set as a percentage but in IE iseemed to take its 100% from the gap between the two side divs, whereas in Firefox the % width was of the browser window.

wot about the color scheme? I am looking for something pleasing to the eye but memorable - a balance of the two. I'm concerned that I'm a bit to far towards memorable. :eek:

bazz

[bazz]

Ok guys; I've taken onboard what you said and in a nutshell, have freshened up (what I thought looked to be) the old site.
Consistent layout,
more co-ordinated coloring
better text!!

I am not happy with the logo. The grey bit was meant to look like a puddle of mercury (to signfiy fluidity) but the guy couldnt do it and I dont have (can't find) how to do it in my limited (ulead) software.

The rest of the site is still lacking that 'something'. It doesnt need to be leading edge design just memorable/familiar for repeat visits and easy to get what you want/see what you're looking for.

suggestions, criticism, comments-in-general, appreciated. The skin is thick enough: it's the hair that's thin :)

bazz

[tsguitar2004]

I still like the layout of the "old" site better. Also, the old navigation looks nicer to me. Gotta go! I'll try for more later.
-ts

[Graft-Creative]

I agree with Todd, the old site looks better, it looks altogether more together! :)

I'd improve on the original design rather that start from scratch on a new one. The original design looks rather unfinished, but it's got some potential.

Also, the metallic blob - good idea, doesn't quite work though. It's not hard to do in PS. If and when i get ten minutes spare I'll have a go at doing he blob for you :)

[bazz]

Hi all,

Thanks for the tips. Graft-Creative that suggestion of yours would be most welcome if it weren't to take up too much of your time.

bazz