Easy Money - Redesign my site $175 [Archive]

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tls

11-08-2003, 02:03 PM

(Admin code added by Palmer - 2670730D)

I finally got the cash to give you guys a shot at my site. (Promise not to laugh too hard when you look at it) You'll see it's obvious you guys are way better than me at the graphical end of things. Which is why I'm bringing this to you.

the current site is: http://www.nresults.com

It's got most of the info I want to convey. Just want to eliminate the Help Desk Button, add a Clients button (which will list our satisfied clients and have a client login area - just so you know what I plan to include there)

I'm fine with my logo - if you have suggestions I'll listen, but the current one works for me. The font we use for the company name is Julius Black. Examples of both can be found at http://www.nresults.com/contest

This contest is only for a template home page that I can use for the rest of the site. The winner will need to give me all the images all sliced up into an html document that I can use as a template for the rest of the site.

I think the site I have now does a decent job at describing what I do, it just looks lousy when compared with the stuff you guys come up with.

So, it's $175 to the winner. Good Luck. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Happy to answer any questions and since this one is for me, I can provide feedback pretty quickly.

Tim

tls

11-08-2003, 02:14 PM

Oh - yeah forgot to mention, the look I'm going for is professional - yet not too stuffy. Want people to think this is a company I can trust my technology needs to. (We want to be a one stop shop for small companies that have no technology people - we want to assist the technology staff at medium sized companies, and maybe do some project work at larger companies) No need to put those words in the site, but knowing that might help you come up with a look.

jonmulk

11-08-2003, 02:18 PM

Sounds cool. I'll hopefully give it a go sometime over the next couple days.

Jon

jonmulk

11-08-2003, 02:29 PM

Just one question - any chance we could tone down the blue from the logo a bit? Make it into a more versatile blue, perhaps...?

tls

11-08-2003, 03:11 PM

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (jonmulk @ Nov 8 2003, 04:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Just one question - any chance we could tone down the blue from the logo a bit? Make it into a more versatile blue, perhaps...? [/b][/quote]
Absolutely - have at it.

tls

11-09-2003, 08:02 AM

And another thing......

Forgot to mention that all the photos on the site are not anything special - just "clip art". So don't feel compelled to include those. It's basically an open canvas, like I said earlier - I like the logo, but only the shape of it. Colors, anything else is wide open.

I'm looking to you to provide the creative inspiration.

Tim

V + E + R + T

11-09-2003, 11:05 AM

Hello,

Is there a deadline to this contest?

Luc

11-09-2003, 05:53 PM

Hi! Expect an entry from me :)
Wohoo lots of contests! Good thing I've 2 days off from school :D

tls

11-09-2003, 06:32 PM

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (V + E + R + T @ Nov 9 2003, 01:05 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Hello,

Is there a deadline to this contest? [/b][/quote]
Guess I hadn't thought about that. I'd like something sooner than later, but then again there is no huge hurry. Question to whoever wants to answer - is there a generally accepted "standard" or "preferred" contest length?

Tim

Palmer

11-09-2003, 07:10 PM

For template contests 14 days is usually enough but depends on how many are currently going on.

tls

11-09-2003, 09:43 PM

OK, Let's target a deadline of Nov 22 and see how it goes.

Tim

pod

11-12-2003, 07:47 AM

Hi Tim,
I will make my entry soon

hheine

11-13-2003, 08:49 PM

I´m back...

marengo

11-19-2003, 01:01 AM

I'll show you my design today evening.
Thanks,
Nat

Luc

11-19-2003, 03:21 AM

<img src='http://www.ei-corp.net/mockups/nresults.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

Let me know what you think.

elements

11-19-2003, 05:11 AM

Just a heads up, I'll have something ready for you later on today.

Thanks.

tls

11-19-2003, 07:26 AM

Since it sounds like a few people will be posting today, I'll wait to get a couple more designs before I comment. Thanks for the entry Luc, look forward to the rest.

Tim

1on1

11-19-2003, 10:49 AM

I hope to have something for you soon :)

marengo

11-20-2003, 03:16 AM

Hello,
I'm sorry for delay. Voilà my idea, let me know if you like something here :)

Thanks,
Nat

1on1

11-20-2003, 06:43 AM

Ok I finally came up with something for you. This design was made in Fireworks
and features a drop-down menu (see pic 2) The menu would come as a seperate
java script file which is fairly easy to alter should you wish to remove or add any
links later on.

Let me know what you think?

Pic 1 :-

1on1

11-20-2003, 06:45 AM

And here is the template with the menu down. I forgot to mention I did design a new logo with this template, but I can place yours their if you don't like it.

Pic 2 :-

elements

11-20-2003, 11:17 AM

Hi, sorry for the delay.
I've been extremely busy the last couple days.
I hope to have something up later today, if not then tomorrow for sure.

Seems like me and Nat were riding a similiar wavelength when putting something together for this one. :blink: ;)

marengo

11-20-2003, 11:20 AM

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (elements @ Nov 20 2003, 08:17 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> Seems like me and Nat were riding a similiar wavelength when putting something together for this one. :blink: ;) [/b][/quote]
:blink: :lol:

tls

11-20-2003, 03:45 PM

I'll try to go through each design in detail soon. One thing I thought I'd mention right away is that I think everyone missed the new "Clients" button

I do see things I like (and dislike) in all the designs submitted, but it's a good start. When I get a few minutes to think about it more, I'll send some feedback (hopefully tonight)

Tim

tls

11-20-2003, 10:01 PM

Here are some comments on what I've seen so far. First, like I mentioned earlier, nobody included a clients button. Another general comment is - after looking at these designs, I'd like see something that uses a horizontal row of navigation buttons at the top of the page (or even some other location) something other than down the left side of the page.

All were good efforts

Luc - Likes: The general color scheme; the looks of the "Don't know where to start..." box; The page header (in general); the look of the buttons
Dislikes: using the "logo" as the N in the word NetResults - I'd like to have the logo stand on it's own and not be part of the words. It's on the right track, but in my first impression was that the layout, while much better than mine seemed very similar to what I already have.

Marengo - Likes: The images you chose - especially the phone and the person looking at the website on his screen; The color combinations - except maybe a little too much light blue
Dislikes - the way the logo looks like it was just placed atop the image in the header. Just doesn't seem to blend in well. Also the word NetResults on it's own line with nothing else there - seems like it may be a waste of screen real estate. Maybe moving the logo and the company name somewhere else in the header would solve both those concerns; Not sure people will understand what the three buttons on the top right are for.

1on1: Likes - I like how your design was different from the current site. I like the creativity. Like the others I think the colors work well together. I also appreciate the fact that you tried a different logo, but I think I prefer the current one. I also like the text links at the bottom. Not that I have to have that, but I think it works well in this design. Dislikes - Unless there's a good reason do have the dropdown menu, I prefer the navigation buttons to be there all the time. I don't think I have enough content to need the buttons to drop down. I think the images give me a "customer service" feel, which is important, but I also want a "technology" feel to the images too.

I hope these comments help. If anyone would like clarification please let me know. My intention is not to be vague, but I also hate to be so specific that I stifle your creativity. I'm looking for a little creative guidance from you as well. I hope that by telling you what I liked and didn't like, that may spark an idea in someone.

Tim

marengo

11-21-2003, 02:26 AM

Hello Tim,

I've made modifications requested.

Thanks,
Nat

marengo

11-21-2003, 03:12 AM

small modification of the header:

elements

11-21-2003, 04:30 AM

Alright, here it is :o

I tried to follow your comments as best as I could.
It's not fully complete, I just wanted to hear your thoughts and see if I was on the right track.

<img src='http://www.dilicious.ca/outpost/nr_layout_v1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

Looking forward to your feedback,
Thanks :)

Luc

11-21-2003, 04:55 AM

Here's mine. Let me know if there is any more content you want to add.

<img src='http://www.ei-corp.net/mockups/nresults2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

1on1

11-21-2003, 06:17 AM

Thanks for the feedback! - I have made some changes.

tls

11-21-2003, 07:27 AM

Just stopped in to see if anyone had made updates, and I was astonished at how many new designs there are.

I think we're getting there. In all the the updates, I think we're heading in the right direction. Quite honestly, there are things I like about EVERY design, but proabably still a few minor tweaks to be made. I've asked some colleagues for their opinions (even though, I'll ultimately decide - just want some outside perspective)

After I give it some more thought, and hear back from some people I'll post some feedback.

As usual, outstanding work!

Tim

Luc

11-21-2003, 07:31 AM

May I ask who hit the closest? ;)

tls

11-21-2003, 09:05 AM

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Luc @ Nov 21 2003, 09:31 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> May I ask who hit the closest? ;) [/b][/quote]
Good Question - but not sure I have a "good" answer. I can't rule anyone out at this point because I see things in each design that appeal to me.

You are definitely high on the list if that helps.

Tim

marengo

11-22-2003, 05:45 AM

Hello, I play with colors here and as result I've deleted left menu. Feedback is welcome. Thanks, Nat

1on1

11-24-2003, 02:53 AM

Heres another idea from me - let me know what you think.

marengo

11-24-2003, 01:57 PM

I love both, Martin (1on1) ! :)

tls

11-25-2003, 09:14 AM

Sorry - I've been very busy the last few days. I'll be posting results soon.

Tim

tls

11-25-2003, 09:16 AM

PS. Very happy with the designs. Trying to narrow it down from so many good ones is tough.

Luc

11-25-2003, 08:16 PM

Let me know if there is any more revisions to be made.Thanks!

tls

12-01-2003, 09:27 PM

To all who entered... Thank you for making my decision incredibly difficult. I expected to fall in love with one design and have an easy decision. Turns out there are things I like about EVERY design. Unfortunately I need to move forward and make a selection. I'd like to narrow it down to three finalists.

What I'd like each of the finalists to do is make some minor tweaks based on my comments, then I'll make a final decision.

The three I've narrowed down to (in alphabetical order) are the most recent designs submitted by: elements, Luc, and marengo.

First, so you have a better idea of my likes/dislikes, here are my rankings in several different categories:

Favorite Header - (1) Elements (except that the logo needs to blend in better); (2) Marengo (love the protruding network cable); (3) Luc

Favorite Font Selection - (1) Luc; (2) marengo; (3) Elements

Favorite Overall Layout - (1) Elements; (2) Luc; (3) Marengo

Emphasis of important Points (Overall Message of the home page) - (1) Luc; (2) Elements; (3) Marengo

Favorite Photos - (1) Marengo; (2) Luc/elements (tie)

Favorite Color selections - (1) Marengo; (2) Elements; (3) Luc

Specifics for each designer:

Luc - would like Menus to be only below the header image. I think separating it with some buttons above and some below make it easier to overlook some choices. I love the "Dont know where to start dont worry...." graphic. Would like to see the logo in the header including the NetResults text a little bigger (also use mixed case - NetResults instead of NETRESULTS). Client button should be plural (Clients). I think three columns of information would be best on the home page (1) What's New; (2) Main Text (We Deliver results); and (3) Dont know where to start...... with Contact information below that graphic.

Marengo - The only change to the header would be to use the Julius Black font for NetResults. Don't need a Site Map Link, but need a Clients button. Shadowed Font hard to read over the cell phone. My biggest dislike is that the photos stand out more than the message. The message I want the home page to convey is "We Deliver Results" and "If you don't know where to start, Contact Us"

Elements - I can't pinpoint why, but while there are a few things that I don't like, your design caught my eye. I like the graphic you selected and the "We Deliver Results" in the header - although the NetResults Logo doesnt blend well into the header. I don't care for the button font, I like the idea of a one row menu, but not at the expense of leaving off words (like "Management" instead of "Project Management" for example). Another thing I like is how you faded the logo into the yellow column background - however I'm not sure that shade of yellow works. Not enough contrast between the text and the background makes it hard for me to read. I like the contact us column, but don't like the geometric border around the photo. As for the photo, it's ok but I wonder if something else might be better. If you have an alternative photo for the contact us column, I'd like to see it. In general, I think the fonts are a little small. Overall it's got potential and I'd like to see you take it a step further.

For the other designs I reviewed. All were creative, well-done and greatly appreciated. These were just the three that are the closest to what I'm looking for.

I look forward to seeing your revisions. Any questions, let me know. Or if any of the three finalists would rather not submit modifications, please let me know.

Thanks.
Tim

Luc

12-02-2003, 01:08 AM

Thanks Tim. I will do this today.

1on1

12-02-2003, 02:58 AM

I have now taken my entry down since I didn't make your final selections.

Good luck guys/girls :)

elements

12-02-2003, 04:20 AM

Thanks for the wonderful feedback, Tim.
I'm glad the layout appealed to you.

I've made the requested changes, I hope you find it more attractive and eye-catching :)

<img src='http://www.dilicious.ca/outpost/nr_layout_v2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

color combo #2
<img src='http://www.dilicious.ca/outpost/nr_layout_v2.1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

Let me know if you'd like to see anything else changed around.
Thanks!

marengo

12-02-2003, 07:48 AM

Hello,
I'm really sorry, but right now I'm very busy and I can not make last revision quickly. :help: So, don't wait me. Of course, if you will choose my template I'll
make modifications requested.
Thanks,
Nat

tls

12-02-2003, 07:53 AM

No problem, I understand. If I were to choose your design as the winner, how long would you expect it to take before you could make revisions?

Tim

</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (marengo @ Dec 2 2003, 09:48 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>Hello,
I'm really sorry, but right now I'm very busy and I can not make last revision quickly.  :help:  So, don't wait me.  Of course, if you will choose my template I'll
make modifications requested.
Thanks,
Nat[/b][/quote]

marengo

12-02-2003, 07:59 AM

24 hours.
Thanks,
Nat

Luc

12-02-2003, 08:13 AM

I'm having a problem with Istockphoto. It's loading too slow and just gives me an error page.

Luc

12-02-2003, 09:29 AM

I'm also providing you with square boxes for the columns. Please hang on. Let me know what you think of this one though.

Luc

12-02-2003, 09:41 AM

here's the second one

tls

12-03-2003, 11:54 AM

I loved the new designs from Luc and Elements. Yes - both of them. So I asked for the opinion of some others, and there was almost an even split. Some liked Luc's, some liked Elements, most liked both.

Unfortunately I can only select one winner, but both are deserving.

I have decided to go with Elements. Still need a few minor tweaks, but it's very close. Thanks to all who participated - excellent efforts. I'll be back with more contests soon.

elements, I'll contact you with my revisions.

Tim :tup:

Palmer

12-03-2003, 12:23 PM

Congratulations Adil :tup:

Thanks Tim. I didn't envy your decision, it was a tough one. :)

elements

12-03-2003, 03:04 PM

:o
Thank you!
These contests are always so competitive, I'm once again honoured.
Hats of to Luc, Marengo and the other participants with their excellent entries.

I'll have your revisions ready shortly, Tim.

:)