Single page console design

[Dan Morgan]

(Admin code added by Palmer- 10004163)

Hello Designers,

I have taken the long walk of shame over from SP to give DO a whirl and see what you guys ‘n’ gals can do. Of course I know what you can do, I have seen it for myself and I am impressed, but that’s beside the point.

Anyway, my employers are developing a new pilot project and we want to test it on the masses to see how it shapes up. For this we need a template & accompanying logo for the ‘console’.

The console consists of ten 120x60 buttons in two vertical rows of 5, either side 2 vertical columns of text links categories. At the foot of all of this is a single 468x60 banner. This content will be dynamically generated, and although the buttons and banner sizes are set provision should be allowed for the text links categories to be sparse as well as plentiful (although there will never be as many to make scrollbars necessary).

An image can explain this much better than I can so please see the attached screenshot (scaled).

The maximum size of the console will be 760x550 not including any browser elements.

What we need is someway of elegantly presenting them rather than how it is now (I.e. the example). What we would like is something similar in style to the following examples I have just seen. Not pixel identical but, this sort of contemporary look (as the focus should be on the banner, buttons and links rather than the console design ;))

The subtle layout graphics complimenting the winner of this contest (Link Here (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=1370)) is what we are looking to achieve, and we especially like the way standard system/browser fonts work so well with it (which I feel can make or break the design). Although it kind of has a TM feel to it, I think when used in little amounts it works well.

Colours used should compliment each other, like the above design (I apologize if I am singling out one guy/gal and his/her design but I have to post this before I leave work and the time is coming up on me fast so I do not have much time to research properly), and maybe a very slightly faded red/blue/green combo would work too.

There should be a simple logo used somewhere in the header area. Nothing fancy, simplicity and a nice font with maybe a nice motif.

Unfortunately we only have $150 available, which is why if need be I am willing to code the winning design myself and do any CSS required (just supply me with font families and sizes). I have a limited budget as my boss is skeptical at this “untraditional” medium of sourcing designers! But we have various other projects in the pipeline which would come here if I can impress him (honest truth – I am a man of my word). I would need the PSD for this (saved for 6), especially if, for example the Keyword Category headers are graphics, so I could change them prior to launching the test.

I cannot think of anything else right now, but will be back first thing tomorrow (UK time) incase I have missed out anything obvious, so feel free to shout at me so I have something to fix on my return.

Regards,

Dan (glenplake) Morgan

[Bill]

Are you going to show us the screenshot?

[Palmer]

He's going to edit his post. When he previewed the reply it lost the attachment.

[Dan Morgan]

There you go, not sure what happened there! :)

Walking home last night and I realised that I did not give you the name for the logo :blush: Its e1Shopping.com (with or without the suffix, your choice).

Thanks

Dan

[marengo]

I hope I'll post my entry in 2 days.

Thanks, :)

Nat

[Dan Morgan]

Thanks Nat,

Looking forward to it! :)

[Luc]

When is the deadline?

[Dan Morgan]

Hi Luc,

I was sure I posted the deadline in the original, it is in the word doc I drafted my opening post in but it did not make it across :huh:

Deadline will be 6pm UK time 22nd October, but this may be extended pending the contests activity.

Thanks,

Dan

[elements]

Here's a little piece I put together for ya'.
I went for a clean, professional and trustworthy look.

Let me know what you think :)

Thanks.

[Dan Morgan]

Now that IS nice! Very much like the clean look, subtle use of graphics, use of standard text is nice, the tahoma works really well for the text links.

Could I see it with a slightly darker font for the links, as the light grey does not standout so well? Also the sponsors' graphic should be mirrored on the opposite side. I am wondering what a medium shade of blue used as the background would look like with white text?

Will there be a similarly styled logo with this as per the original post. Nothing fancy, just something to complete the look.

Many thanks for your entry! :tup:

[dusan]

hi,

maybe something like this?
dusan

[dusan]

2nd

[dusan]

3rd

[dusan]

4th

[dusan]

5th

[Dan Morgan]

Hi Dusan,

Thanks for your entries. They are certainly nice and colourful, however, they seem a little too bright and dare I say a bit 'involved' I.e. they are quite in your face. I think quite subtle use of colour is the way to go here, like elements' and the design I linked to in the first post. See the winning design of this contest (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=1582) for more of what I like. Also the logos used are too big and bold, I would prefer something more subtle and it should not be the focus of the design & left or right aligned rather than centred aligned.

Saying that I am willing to consider designs which use a background colour other than white, but not so much and in variation.

Just a note to all to say that I will be being as honest as I can be in giving critiques. I do not think it is right to say I like something that I do not and waste the designers time in spending more time on something. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks,

Dan

Just to let you all know I do not currently have weekend Internet access so I will be back first thing Monday at the latest after I leave work this evening. Have a good weekend all.

[dusan]

hi,

here I am again (if I understood well).

[Dan Morgan]

Hi Dusan,

The first one of your additions is a lot nicer but I am just not "feeling them" if you know what I mean as they now look too similar to our original design I posted a screenshot of in my first post (plus I cannot see how the text looks as they are scaled). I do like the logo of that one though, simple and not in your face (but it is still centered and not left or right aligned;)).

To all: A logo which could be inverted easily (I.e. it will look good in blue/black aswell as white) would be great.

Definately leaving the building now, see you all monday!

[marengo]

Hello,
this is my entry. Hope you like it :tup:
Thanks,
Nat

**Edit: if you don't like blue color, it can be modified. :)

[elements]

Hi Dan,
glad you liked it :tup:
Here is a revision of the first one with darker text, and a 2nd version with a blue/navy background and white text as you requested.

Let me know what you think :)

[elements]

v2.

[Dan Morgan]

Morning All!

Well I came in this morning expecting to be impressed and I certainly was.

Firstly, Nat:

Firstly the logo is excellent. My boss loves it and so do I. He is also very happy with the way you have broken the mould with your custom images. We would like to see the design with a few changes (not a revision as such, more over as 2 variations for us to debate):

1. The text for Sponsors and e1Shopping Catalogue to be changed to graphical representations, in the same font style as the header and left-navigation in the winning design of yours I posted in my first post.

2. The above change with firstly removing the little guy popping out of the screen, and secondly a version removing both that image and the mini screen shots.

Thanks!

Secondly, Elements:

I had a idea the blue colour change mod would look good and I was not disappointed. There is nothing significant we would like to change at this point. A couple of small requests though, some nitpicky and some just to see how they would look:

1. Capitalise the 'p' in 'please support our sponsors'.
2. Make the '1' in the logo bold (if possible with that typeface).
3. Use a similar typeface to the one I suggested above to Nat for the font in the 'Sponsors' tab (but please keep the existing font for the >> symbols).

(see, I told you they were picky!)

Thanks all!

Dan

[marengo]

Hi,
modifications:


----

[marengo]

------

[marengo]

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[marengo]

As for me I like the 2d version better. Also may be we can try other color schema (see attachment). If you like the plastic/metal I can play around this style too. (I mean something like here: http://marengo.neopages.net/forrevision/index.htm ) Or may be make custom icons for each category... Well, I'm open for any suggestions. :)

Thanks,
Nat

[marengo]

colors :lol:

[Dan Morgan]

Hi Nat,

I have just shown those to my boss and this is the gist of what he feels.

- Again he likes the "break the mould" feel of the images, but I think I confused you in the last post, he wanted to see the miniscreenshots at the top but no guys at the bottom. Basically lose the guy image totally :)

- Definately try the plastic/metal feel for the header bar text. What you did as per my request with the font looks good but the contempory feel is lost as you have added a stroke/border. I had another look at your bookstore design and the header with the bigger font sizes plus the left hand nav graphics look best - well worth trying with a darker shade of blue to eliminate the need for a border, as well as trying them with the plastic metal feel.

- Love the pixel arrow effect for each text link - maybe you could incorporate that?

Basically we cannot judge between elements & yours at the moment. Luckily we will have 6 of our staff voting on this in total (plus whoever walks through the office when we are judging them) to eliminate the chance of being a dead heat. Although this maybe launch ed in other geographical markets so the one which does not win may suit the US etc (in which case we would likely contact the runnerup).

I would like to know from both of you - if your design was the winner - would we be able to have the design in 2 different colour combinations, I.e. elements 2nd and 3rd entries (or is the editable file easy to change the colours). The reason is we would like to make this seasonal as and when the time comes.

Out of interest are you both using PS or FW?

I would like to thank the 3 participants at this stage for making my boss a believer. He has already asked me to prepare a brief for the much needed revamp of our corporate website. Like this project, I should be doing it but I simply have no time, plus the wealth of talent here presents entirely new and unthinkable options.

Man.. I talk to much - enough for now! :)

[marengo]

ok , I'll make modifications tomorrow :)
I would like to know from both of you - if your design was the winner - would we be able to have the design in 2 different colour combinations, I.e. elements 2nd and 3rd entries (or is the editable file easy to change the colours). The reason is we would like to make this seasonal as and when the time comes.
Out of interest are you both using PS or FW?
-yes, I can
- PS

top_screenshots_yes + bottom_guy_no :)

[Luc]

Hi! Let me give this a try! Here is my entry :)

[elements]

Hi Dan,
Thanks a lot for the wonderful feedback!
I'm very glad to hear that your boss likes it.

I've made the requested changes as shown below.
If there is anything else you'd like altered or changed, just let me know :)

Oh, and in regards to your question above:
I'm using PS, and it would be very easy to change and play around with colours in the file. If I am the winner I could send both versions and give you the source for further alterations whenever you guys would like.

Look forward to hearing back :)
Thanks,

Adil

[Dan Morgan]

Okay this is going to be difficult. :help: ;)

I think we have seen enough from the 2 designers concerned at this time to make a decision (although we will not yet). Obviously we would be able to request certain minor changes but we can clearly get the gist of the entries so to save your time I am more than happy with both entries as they stand.

I am going to wait until the scheduled deadline to be fair to anyone waiting in the wings so to speak. If anyone else wants to have a go, please do :)

Thanking you!

Dan - 'til tomorrow.

[marengo]

Hello,
plastic? Voilà:
(note: I use these "calm" colors because your visitors can concentrate their attention on banners and content)

Thanks.

[Dan Morgan]

Hey Nat

The bit below the header is nice (grey bar) but as for the rest I much prefer your previous entries in their entirity (*sp).

Dan :)

[LalitB]

Here's my entry -

[Dan Morgan]

Luc!!!!!!!!!!

I am so sorry, when you posted your entry I assumed it was a variation from Marengo and therefore did not comment on it like I would have. I have only just noticed whilst showing my colleagues.

Anyway, a better late than never piece of feedback! I really like the log part of e1, but the shopping text ruins it as it is does not need a border. The rest of it does not look quite clean and sharp enough. Sorry!

Prelude.

I quite like this, a colour I had not considered, and it comes together well. However I feel it looks a bit too tech and sci-fi.

Thanks all,

Will be back later to annouce the winner. Will be showing all designs to our staff at around 2.30 UK time today (sorry to bring the deadline a little closer), and will be announcing the winner soon after.

Thanks,

Dan

[Luc]

<!--QuoteBegin-Dan Morgan+Oct 22 2003, 03:03 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Dan Morgan @ Oct 22 2003, 03:03 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Luc!!!!!!!!!!

I am so sorry, when you posted your entry I assumed it was a variation from Marengo and therefore did not comment on it like I would have. I have only just noticed whilst showing my colleagues.

Anyway, a better late than never piece of feedback! I really like the log part of e1, but the shopping text ruins it as it is does not need a border. The rest of it does not look quite clean and sharp enough. Sorry!

Prelude.

I quite like this, a colour I had not considered, and it comes together well. However I feel it looks a bit too tech and sci-fi.

Thanks all,

Will be back later to annouce the winner. Will be showing all designs to our staff at around 2.30 UK time today (sorry to bring the deadline a little closer), and will be announcing the winner soon after.

Thanks,

Dan [/b][/quote]
That's ok :) I assumed you didn't really like so...;)

[Dan Morgan]

OK voting is underway (including every single entry). Expect a winner to be announced very shortly.

Thanks

Dan

[Dan Morgan]

Hey all,

Well this was really difficult & I hope you appreciate just how much. Some feverish debate has occured and we are now finally (although some here agree through gritted teeth) ready to annouce the winner.

We would like to congratulate elements as the chosen design - Do not spend it all at once ;)

We would like to thank the others designers - its been genuine fun for us here.

Not sure what to do now, I will send you a PM elements.

Thanks all, see you here sooner rather than later.

Dan :)

[marengo]

Congratulations, Elements :tup:
Thanks, Dan, for contest! Hope to see you again here :)

[Dan Morgan]

Thankyou for your entry Nat. You certainly made sure this was not a one horse race! :)

[elements]

Thanks a lot, guys :tup:
There sure were some splendid entries up in here.

Time to get your files ready, Dan :)