Template for ROOP Audio Labs LLC - $400

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

(Admin code added by Palmer - D2100612)

UPDATE: CONTEST IS NOW $400 :)
Hey all,

Well, thanks to designoutpost we have a wonderful logo, and now we're back for the template ;).

NOTE: We might up the ante for the website, as this is a very content driven site I have planned. Feedback is welcome. We'd like the best fitting website possible, and we're not trying to be unfair in the form of payment. The final winner will have to work with us a bit after the contest is over, regarding tweaking, font types, etc.

ROOP Audio Labs is a hi end audio dealer, as well as systems design consult. We represent various manufacturers in New York City, and also design systems. Our systems design include hi end audio, home theatre, systems for clubs, lounges, bars, restaurants.

We're looking for professional, and clean, but sophisticated. Here are some websites I really like:

www.dwr.com
www.redrosemusic.com (this is a competitor)


Our focus is the components, here are the list of companies we represent:

NHT speakers (www.nhthifi.com)
NAD electronics (www.nad.co.uk)
VMPS speakers (www.vmpseurope.com)
Balanced Power Technologies (www.b-p-t.com ; terrible website)
deHavilland Electric Amplifier company (www.dehavillandhifi.com ; another poor website)
IXOS (www.ixos.co.uk)
Eighth Nerve (www.eighthnerve.com)
Empirical Audio (www.empiricalaudio.com)
TBI Subwoofers (www.subwoofersolutions.com)
Sim2 Seleco (www.sim2.co.uk)
Da-Lite (www.dalite.com)
Spectron (www.spectronav.com)
Triad In-Wall (www.triadspeakers.com)

Contest designers have permission to take graphics from any of the above websites without penalty.

We have a private studio available by appointment only in SoHo, Manhattan. This studio is for clients to come audition a system.

Our target audience is the affluent audiophile community.

I have most of the content written per manufacturer - I need two sets of two main menus. Each menu button, when clicked on, will open a new page within the main template with a new submenu (make sense?).

First Menu: Amplifiers, Speakers, Cables, Home Theatre, Display, Power Regulation, Systems, Accessories

Second Menu: Showroom, Specialized Design, Manufacturers, About ROOP, etc


Well, I'm looking for a clean, sophisitcated design. Below is a copy of our logo.

I can resize and provide component photos, but I need template graphics, menus, and layout for the skeleton. Flash would be nice, but it's optional.

We needed this template yesterday, so the sooner we find something we like the better. Ultimate deadline is a September 24

Thanks

Rup

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

We've now increased the contest value to $400.

Thanks

Rup

[Liz]

Hi,

This is a great business to design a template for. I've started on an entry but just had a quick question for you -

Do you have any photos available of your studio, either interior or exterior? It sounds like the studio experience is one of the elements that sets you apart from your competitors, it might be nice to emphasis that by including some shots in the website.

Thanks,
Liz.

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Hi Liz,

Thanks for taking note of the contest. I do have capabilities to take photos, but unfortunately our studio is undergoing renovation and setup. Now wouldn't be the best time to show photos of it :).

I'm looking forward to your work.

Kind Regards,

Rup

[ant1832]

I'm also working on an entry...should have it ready by tomorrow.

[Liz]

Hi there.

Please see below for my design concept. I spent most of the time developing the top half of the design and the outer template. The area below the header space can easily be re-arranged to fit your content. The footer would include navigation links and copyright information.

[ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/roop.jpg)

I hope this design accurately reflects the look and feel you were after.

Looking forward to your feedback. Thanks,
Liz.

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Liz,

Thanks for the quick turnaround, and excellent design work. I like that main graphic, with the mix and match of components. That grid overlay is also a very nice touch. I'm not sure about the ROOP Audio at the bottom though. I think maybe just the graphic equalizer part of the logo embedded in a corner instead? Also, is there any way to make that into a flash piece?

We're trying to build identity and icon recognition; for this reason we'd like our fonts and colors consistent with the logo without looking tacky. I don't think you did anything to the point of "tacky" here at all, but if there's some way you might be able to modify to accent the logo more via color scheme, I'd appreciate ideas. Along these lines, I'd like references to the company to be either simply 'ROOP', or fully 'ROOP Audio Labs.'

The 'ROOP' is in Arial Black, and the 'Audio Labs' is in Weezer, downloadable from dafont.com.

I like the shadow for the actual template curve, but I'm not sure I like the grey horizontal fade along the top. Is there any way to keep the outside all white, with the shadow extending all the way across and down? Can I see a version with and without the shadow extending fully across? Also, can I see a version with the top left corner rectangular as opposed to round?

The above are minor nitpicks - but this is definitely an excellent start. You've impressed me. Please feel free to make variations though if you'd like - I'm the type of person that cannot easily describe what I'm looking for, but will know as soon as I see it B) .

Wonderful work.

Rup

[BrianDove]

ill post my entry soon :)
Brian

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Brian,

Thanks - I'm looking forward to it.

Rup

[Hypnosis]

Allez Maurice!!! , euh it's a little bit late isn't it?

[ant1832]

Here's the entry I've been working on...let me know if it was the style you were looking for. If not, I can probably create another entry before the deadline.


*Click image for full size preview
<img src='https://www.quickbase.com/up/8yqz5cte/g/r4/ep/va/roop_thumb.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /> (https://www.quickbase.com/up/8yqz5cte/g/r4/en/va/roop.jpg)

[marengo]

I'll enter in 2 days too :)

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

First off, I shortened the deadline to Sept 24th; meaning roughly a week from today.

Hypnosis - ? :huh:


ant1832 - Thanks for the entry - your template is clearly well-designed. While professional and clean, the look doesn't work for me. I think the top might be a little too busy, and I think the curves of the site don't agree with the straight lines of the components and the logo. I think your template is well designed, but I'm more of a minimalist. I also have plans to eventually add a shopping cart based system in about a year, and I don't readily see where I can add it. If you're willing, I'd like to see a different style of entry.


marengo - I'm looking forward to your entry as well. I don't mean to rush you, but we're looking to close the contest A.S.A.P...unless you've something up your sleeve. B)


Thanks everyone

Rup

[marengo]

First off, I shortened the deadline to Sept 24th; meaning roughly a week from today.

I'm looking forward to your entry as well. I don't mean to rush you, but we're looking to close the contest A.S.A.P...unless you've something up your sleeve.

hmm, but today is Sept 16, so if I'll post my entry Sept 18 (as I've said before) it's ok? :unsure:

Nat

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Nat,

Of course it is - I'm just a little impatient ;). I'm also itching to end this contest so I can get working on the content fitting. Also, the sooner the submission the more time if there might be revisions to make, etc.

Rup

[ant1832]

Alright...thanks for the feedback. It helps out quite a bit....I'll see what else I can come up with.

[Liz]

Hi.

I've gone ahead and set up a directory for you with various versions of the layout to reflect your requests.

http://clients.snapfire.com/roop/

I've swapped out the fonts so almost all of them are either arial black (arial in some cases) or weezer. There are a few instances were I've used other, complimentary fonts.

I think I got all the instances of your company name changed to one of the two variants you prefer - if I missed any, it would certainly be something that could be corrected in a final version.

The large image could easily be transformed into a flash movie. I can picture something subtle but dynamic. Unfortunately - the last time I tackled flash was over two years ago. I'd be willing to have a go at creating something, if you decided on my template, but I can't promise that it would be of the same quality.

I hope that won't have a (huge) bearing on your decision.

Lookin' forward to your feedback,

Thanks,

Liz.

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Liz,

Thanks for the directory. I like roop-3 the best. I have some minor requests, but I can picture this site working. I don't want to bother you with the modifications until I see the other entries, since it's easy for me to visualize how I want your version of the template to be ideally.

About the flash, hold off on it as well. I like the template, and am willing to be without the flash if the final outcome isn't to the quality of the rest of your work.

Thanks again - well done.

Rup

[V + E + R + T]

I'll have an entry soon as well.

[marengo]

Hello,

I've started to work today, and want to show you my idea of layout which I'll develop if you like it. Picture for header is not final here. Icons for top menu: with rollovers, left menu: CSS.


Thanks,
Nat

Edit: pic removed. See new version below

[BrianDove]

Here's my entry:
AS usual, text, rolloevers effects, scroll bar color, controlled by CSS Style Sheet.
Nav bar contain mouse-overs effects, and an animation can be integrated in the header. Colors can be changed, as well as the fonts ( I'm not sure for the fonts, i personnaly like it :tup: ). Content-driven template, very easy to add/remove content.
Tell me your feedback !
Brian

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Nat - Thanks for the entry. Another solid design; clean lines and minimalist. I think the icons at the top of the page are a creative and playful touch; they work very well. I'd like the tone of the website to be a little more corporate minded; for that reason I'm not sure this is an ideal fit. Regardless, thank for the high quality entry.


brian - Unfortunately I can't change the logo font. It is printed on business cards, letterheads, brochures, etc. This style doesn't work for me - I think the top is a little imbalanced with the stepped color red, and I think the font is too contemporary to the point where it will look quickly outdated. It's nice the site is easily upgradable and expandable, but the style isn't the look we're going for. Thanks for the entry.


Is anybody else posting an entry soon? I know we're waiting on V+E+R+T

Thanks everybody

Rup

[marengo]

Thanks for feedback. I'll try another concept tomorrow. :)
Edit: another concept? I mean "more corporate" :ninja:

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

More professionally toned. I believe your current layout is visually laid-back. I need something with more professional lines, to add weight and authority to my name. There's quite a bit of brand identity needing to be done.

Kind Regards,

Rup

[V + E + R + T]

Hello!

Thanks for letting me have the chance to submit my entry. I tried to go for the clean and simplistic look while still maintaining a professional outlook, so here it is in full glory:

Click here to view the template! (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/mspan5/roop/roop.html) B)

Let me know what you think, as well as any modifications you may require (color theme changes, etc.). Thanks!

[BrianDove]

I'll post another entry :)
But unfortunatly, I wont be able to do so before monday. I hope it won't be too late..
:unsure:

Brian

[marengo]

:wizard: New version attached. Every section of your site will have abit different header (another photo + text) What do you think? :)

Main page


---------------
Subpage sample


---------------

Edit***
Small flash animation is added. :) Can be modified.

Thanks,
Nat

[Raja]

<!--QuoteBegin-rkapadia@roopaudio+Sep 18 2003, 05:25 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rkapadia@roopaudio @ Sep 18 2003, 05:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> More professionally toned. I believe your current layout is visually laid-back. I need something with more professional lines, to add weight and authority to my name. There's quite a bit of brand identity needing to be done.

Kind Regards,

Rup [/b][/quote]
what is a professional line?

[ant1832]

Ok here is my 2nd version...only fonts used are arial, arial black and weezer per your request. Again feedback is appreciated.:tup:


***click image for full size preview

<img src='https://www.quickbase.com/up/8yqz5cte/g/r6/ep/va/roop2_thumb.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /> (https://www.quickbase.com/up/8yqz5cte/g/r6/en/va/roop2.jpg)

[Shap]

man, I've liked every single entry to far! Great work!

[Zoe]

I am working on an entry today - should have something posted later today. :)

[Zoe]

Here is my entry. :)

Main Page: I could also add news or a content area below the main picture here though I was not sure what you would like to add at this stage.

The main image is my own creation incorporating different products. :)

<img src='http://www.demexdesign.com/DO/roop_layout.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

This design shows the product selection area:

<img src='http://www.demexdesign.com/DO/roop_layout2.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

This design shows the product details area:

<img src='http://www.demexdesign.com/DO/roop_layout3.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[lang]

Opening Photoshop right now... entry on the way.

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Wow - look at all of these quality entries over the past couple days. You have again exceeded my expectations. In order of submissions:


Kim - I'd like to make the following changes to the ROOP-3.gif example;
Can you shift the top border of the frame such that there's more whitespace at the top? The logo can stay where it is, but I'd like to be able to add a shopping cart across the top. Also, there's a grey border along the right and top margin; I'd like that removed. I'd like the main graphic to be recatangular (as opposed to the rounded corner and cut corner at opposite corners of the graphic). Finally, I'm not sure I like the style of the vertical menu on the left. Can you try variations, with graphical buttons (same RED used throughout, Weezer font, white buttons, all caps Arial, Arial black font, no lines, ect). I think the left menus looks a little too "loose", for not being able to phrase more properly. Additionally "HIGH END AUDIO" should read "HI END AUDIO". Also, would be able to implement the "mailing list" function, or is this my responsibility? This is still one of my favorite design templates.



V+E+R+T - Very, very clean, minmialistic design. I still can't decide how I feel about the white/off white contrast; sometimes I feel like my eyes are playing tricks on me :). Also, can you implement the "search" function, or is this something I'll need to plug in? There's a second menu also missing, about Showroom, About, etc information. Can you please add this in? I think I wouldn't mind seeing a version with a bit more emphasis on the top menu. Also, I don't easily see how to integrate products pages into this design. If you can show an example to give me a better idea, I'd appreciate it. Still - very effective for being so understated.


marengo - I like your second entry more. We'll have to see as to if this is the style we're going for, but thank you for updating the entry.

ant1832- Again, much more favorable impression of this second entry. I feel these changes are very positive versus the first version. I'll have to speak with our marketing director to discuss.

coredesign - great entry! I'm liking the original spin of this one. Your subpage is especially effective. Is there any way you can show a product subpage, for example a specific component subpage? Additionally, I'm not sure I appreciate the blue of the color theme - I think it contrasts the red of the logo. Any way to make variations? For the front page, I'd also appreciate a different graphic, and maybe a little less of a graphic giving more room for text and "latest news". Finally, is there any way you can see to incorporate a shopping cart, email list, or search engine without cluttering? The way of incorporating the Weezer font into the subpages is especially effective. This is a great design.

Demex - Another fantastic entry. That main graphic is beautiful. I don't like the blues and greys in the design, and how they don't extend with the logo. Can you replace all the blue and grey with white? Or maybe try a color scheme with more highlights of colors, less boxes of colors, and more white space? Also, I'd like the "MORE" integrated into picture frames/headings differently. I think your product details subpage is excellent, allowing plenty of room for specs/photos in a clean layout. Another top entry.


Wow - all of you, thank you. I'm looking forward to the revisions. This isn't going to be as easy to pick a winner as I originally thought.

Kind Regards,

Rup

[ant1832]

I would be happy to post a revised entry, just let me know hat your marketing director thinks or anything you would like to see changed.

I'm glad you liked the entry.

Thanks
Anthony

[Zoe]

Hi Rup,

Just wanted to let you know I am working on these changes.

Did you want a search feature and latest news feature added to the design?

[sean]

Heres something I'm working on..

http://www.pur3visuals.com/roop/template.jpg

[Liz]

<!--QuoteBegin-rkapadia@roopaudio+Sep 21 2003, 12:15 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rkapadia@roopaudio @ Sep 21 2003, 12:15 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Kim - I'd like to make the following changes to the ROOP-3.gif example;
Can you shift the top border of the frame such that there's more whitespace at the top?&nbsp; The logo can stay where it is, but I'd like to be able to add a shopping cart across the top.&nbsp; Also, there's a grey border along the right and top margin; I'd like that removed.&nbsp; I'd like the main graphic to be recatangular (as opposed to the rounded corner and cut corner at opposite corners of the graphic).&nbsp; Finally, I'm not sure I like the style of the vertical menu on the left.&nbsp; Can you try variations, with graphical buttons (same RED used throughout, Weezer font, white buttons, all caps Arial, Arial black font, no lines, ect). I think the left menus looks a little too "loose", for not being able to phrase more properly.&nbsp; Additionally "HIGH END AUDIO" should read "HI END AUDIO".&nbsp; Also, would be able to implement the "mailing list" function, or is this my responsibility?&nbsp; This is still one of my favorite design templates. [/b][/quote]
Kim? :blink: :lol2:

I'll go ahead and make those change today and post shortly. If your server has support for a server side language like php, asp, or perl, a mailing list could easily be set up. If needed, I'd be happy to install a pre-existing script for you - I can recommend some excellent php ones.

Thanks,
Liz.

[lang]

I may not finish your template in time after all, and I apologize as I have a deskful of work to go through. Please do not wait for me.

Lang

[BrianDove]

I am having severe problems with my pc, and thus, i would like to ask if i can enter tomorrow: 23th...
Will that be ok ?
Im sincerely sorry about that :unsure:
Regards,
Brian

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

brian - I don't mind waiting until tomorrow.

Lang - if you can find the time please feel free to submit an entry tomorrow.


CONTEST HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL SEPT 23.

Thanks

Rup

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

coredesign - there's a mailing list I'd like to maintain, and I'd like there to be room for one on the template.

How much are lifestyle images off gettyimages? Unfortunately I don't have any readily accessible lifestyle images. I will have to pay the royalties, if they're reasonable.

Kind Regards,

Rup

[Raja]

change of mind

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Ryan - is there any way to make the pages in white background? or maybe a taupe? As for the email list, I mean like a box.

Thanks

Rup

[Liz]

Hi there.

I've updated the template per your request (I was a little iffy on what exactly you wanted to have removed from the top right, hopefully I got the right thing).

You can find the changes here: http://clients.snapfire.com/roop/roop4.gif

If you do decide on my template, but think you'd still like to see some different left menu choices, I'd be happy to work with you on coming up with a few options after contest end.

Thanks, and thanks again for your consideration,

Liz.

[Zoe]

Hi,

I have made some changes to the previous entry.

I will be happy to work further with you if you decide to choose this template. :)

<img src='http://www.demexdesign.com/DO/roop_layout.2.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<img src='http://www.demexdesign.com/DO/roop_layout2.2.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Liz, Demex - Thanks for the modifications. These designs are both reflective of your respective talent. If I decide on either of these, I'll need to ask for minor changes, but I won't bother until the contest is over. It's easy for me to visualize how I'd like the final versions of these templates.

Ryan - Thanks again for the modifications. Can I ask you to please make one more set of changes? The color scheme is so integral to the design I can't visualize different colors. Can you please make one more color scheme revision, with the outside border black (keep the white line), and the internal main box white? You could use red/black for the rounded box outlines, and Weezer font. I'd really like more whitespace, but without ruining the effect of your template.

Again, thanks everybody. I'll announce a winner tomorrow.

Kind Regards,

Rup

[motiveX]

I was pondering on entering this; was today the deadline?

:unsure:

[Huhhso]

Hello! Here is my entry for the contest, it will use css and be 100% browser width. will be happy to make any modifications if template is chosen.
Thanks! :D

[motiveX]

*edit again*

game onnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

:tup:

[ant1832]

I kinda like the white against the black ryan...good job.

[motiveX]

I will have a design to show after my 6 hours of class tonight; sorry for the delay.

:( :yuk: :wacko:

[motiveX]

:unsure:

After 5.5 hours of listening to a professor talk about sociology, I am not even sure if I am entering the right contest.

:wacko:

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Hello All - we're trying to come up with winner here, but it's just not easy! We're not accepting any more entries, as it's hard enough to decide already. Will post as soon as we can figure this all out.

Kind Regards,

Rup

[rkapadia@roopaudio]

Well, after a lot of disputing between myself, my partner, and the marketing director, we've chosen a winner.

Congratulations coredesign :tup: - the white on black template is fantastic, though coredesign didn't much care for it ironically enough :lol:

Liz, it was very, very close. I'd still like to commission some work from you, please check your PM.


Thank you to everyone, and DesignOutpost for another successful contest. We are very pleased.

Kind Regards,

Rupesh Kapadia

ROOP Audio Labs LLC

[Liz]

Congrats Ryan, nice job. :tup: