Rivisto Website $170 are the spoils

[jetson77]

Hi everyone. (Admin code added by Palmer - G430012S)

Looking forward to working on this. This contest finishes on the 25th of April.

The winner recieves $170

Ok I need a really nice website template designed that is for a product that promotes a package website development package that uses a content management system.

I am not sold yet on the naming. I think I am going to call it Rivisto (www.rivisto.com) however if you guys can come up with a better name with a suitable domain name then great!

Now this content management system is totally dynamic, so that means that there will be text links for the main menu. So that will be a restriction of the template. However it can have a home, and a contact link built into the template.

The other things that need to be built into the template are the following.

1) An appropriate tagline. Something like "Take control of your website!"
2) A logo. I don't have one yet, so if you can do something with that then great. Probably use Rivisto as the headline graphics.
3) A search box for the built in search engine
4) The text link menu system which is generated dynamically. You can just put some dummy ones in there if you want. But it must be controlled via .css files.
5) A newsletter signup box.

The look and feel I am after is very pro, sophisticated, yet small business still. Not IBM corporate.

I will post some text for the front page in the next day or so that might help you with the design.

I really like the template that QSDA did on the after market extremes site.

I like a white background. Colours are completely open. Perhaps white, red and black? It is up to you though.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers

Jay

[jetson77]

Oh just for some extra info.

You can see a very basic application of the content manager at work at www.mbcoaching.com.au

You will see the links on the left are all dynamic. You can change these links to look however you like with .css. For example putting arrows beside each link, layout, size, color etc.

[QSDA]

Originally posted by jetson77@Apr 9 2003, 01:45 AM
I really like the template that QSDA did on the after market extremes site.


Coool! :D
I'm almost sure I'll have an entry for you.

[Palmer]

Do you have a link to a demo site that the script uses?

[jetson77]

Originally posted by jetson77@Apr 9 2003, 02:07 AM
Oh just for some extra info.

You can see a very basic application of the content manager at work at www.mbcoaching.com.au (http://www.mbcoaching.com.au)

Here ya go.

[Palmer]

sorry just read the first post :oops:

[jetson77]

Originally posted by Palmer@Apr 12 2003, 03:14 PM
sorry just read the first post :oops:
No problems! :tup:

[Palmer]

I need some filler :)

You mentioned some text to use for the template. If you could post that it would be great. Also, what do you want the links to say? I'm almost done with my entry.

[jetson77]

Sorry I meant to provide this before. Here you go.



==============================
Front page content
==============================

Do you want a website that is professionally designed, fully featured and where you are in total control of the content?

How about one that will save you money, not only in development costs, but also in ongoing costs?

Well we have the answer. We specialise in providing stunning self-managed websites for businesses who want to maintain control over their online presence.

Introducing the ultimate website package by Rivisto.

Rivisto provides the perfect website. Here how:

- We build you a beautiful website that is fully customized to your look and feel using your logos, and photos by specialized graphic designers. No template sites here!
- We give you the power to control virtually every aspect of your site using our Impulse website management system. You can add, modify and delete all the content on your site with the click of a button instantly. It is no more difficult than using a simple word processor! No knowledge of HTML required.
- Each site has advanced features like a built in site search engine, a contact us form, a print friendly page link, search engine friendly HTML code, and so much more!
- We save you money by give you control over the website, rather than having to pay a web designer for every minute of update time.
- Instant Edits! Your edits are instantly seen on the site. No more waiting around for your web developer to update your site.
- Fully featured robust web hosting using your own domain name so your site will always be available and ready for access.

Sounds great doesn’t it! Explore the site to discover all the benefits of getting your website developed by Rivisto. If you have any further questions that aren’t answered on the site, head on over to our sales support section.


=================================
Dummy Text links
=================================

Welcome
Benefits
Features
Design Quality
The Process
Case Studies
Pricing
Demo
Technical Support
Sales Support
Order Now!
Contact Us

[jetson77]

Just to give you an idea about look and feel I have put down some random thoughts.

I would like it to be clean, and fresh. Nice use of whitespace.

While I really like the aftermarket extreme site as I mentioned above, I am looking for something a bit more business like. I know that site is for a business, but it appeals for a different demographic. This one is pretty much selling to other business people.

I think this one (rivisto) should use photos more prevalantly to convey meaning etc.

I hope that helps. SOrry for the disjointed posts. I am just posting as I think more about it. :P

[beetle]

What's the CMS? (the programmer in me is curious)

If you don't wish to say at this time, don't sweat it.

I think I can cook something up for this one. CSS-design is a specialty of mine B)

[jetson77]

Originally posted by beetle@Apr 14 2003, 12:41 AM
What's the CMS? (the programmer in me is curious)

If you don't wish to say at this time, don't sweat it.

I think I can cook something up for this one.  CSS-design is a specialty of mine  B)
I kinda want to keep the CMS under wraps for the moment.

I have however attached a generic template and css. In a zipped - rarred (.exe) file. Don't worry too much about it. Dont' get freaked out. Just for those who are interested.

Also, don't use the site template php tag.

[QSDA]

Hey hey!
I had started on it like 2 days ago but just haven't been able to finish it untill now. As you can see it's still not completely finished but is very close. Let me know what you think.
http://portfolio.iu.edu/otseren/rivistoBYqsda.gif

[Palmer]

Here is my entry in your contest. Hope you like it :) Comments are appreciated, thanks.
<img src='http://www.yourwebbuddy.com/templates/riv/1.png[/img]

[jetson77]

Hey QSDA,

Thanks for being first cab off the rank! Nice design, but not exactly what I am looking for. I think it might be easiest if for each design I write what I like about it, and then what I would like to see differertly.

What I like

- The logo is a good start. Perhaps the font could be a little bolder.
- I like the notion of including a computer in the picture.
- I like the words written with alot of transperancy on the blue section

What I would like to see differently

- As was detailed in the brief, I need text links as the content management system uses these. In particularly vertically. The links are given in another post above.
- I also need a newsletter text box. This could have been in the unfinished part of the design.
- I am not a fan of the grey areas. Generally not a fan of too much grey. It tends to dull out a design like this.
- I would like to see the use of more metorphorical photos if possible.
- I would like to see a lot more white on the screen I have mentioned.

I have found some more sites for you to have a look at might give you a feel for the kinds of designs I like.

http://www.savitr.com/ (I like the feel, but the layout wouldn't work exactly)
http://www.edesignstudio.biz/index.html (Again I like the feel, but layout won't work exactly)
http://www.edesignstudio.biz/Enlarged/Cons...onsultants.html (http://www.edesignstudio.biz/Enlarged/Consultants_vajraconsultants.html) (I really like the layout, but not the colours.)
http://www.deananddeluca.com/ (nice use of whitespace)

I will post more when I find them.

I guess the kind of look and feel is one that you could expect from a consultants company, or a car company, or something like that.

Ok maybe I am after a corporate look :rolleyes:

[jetson77]

Hi Palmer,

Thanks also for your design. Looks nice, however with the clarifications to QSDA's design, I think I would like to see it a bit differently.

If you read QSDA's info, a lot of this will apply. I make some notes in a similar fashion.

What I like.

- I like the fact that you have included all the design elements that I asked for.
- I like the notion of the use of photos heavily.
- It was good to see the words in action.

What I would like to see differently

- I would like to see the menu in just text links, instead of the button format.
- I would like to see more of a white base. So a lot of whitespace .
- Not totally sold on the logo. I was hoping for something simple, yet corporate. For example a logo like is seen here http://www.jupitercomm.com/bin/home.pl
- I would prefer the text not to be broken up in a criss cross way like that. I would like to see very straight clean lines.

I think the keywords that is coming strongly through is clean

Here are some more sites I like

http://www.fusionone.com/
http://www.traffion.com/
http://www.tiffany.com/ (a bit too clean)
http://www.ki-inc.com/ (I like this one. Don't need the flash though)
http://www.audiusa.com/ (I really like this layout, again it can be still instead of flash)
http://www.customcurb.com/
http://www.liquidmedium.com/
http://www.pergo.com/Pergo/US_Home/ (not a fan of the colours)
http://www.ucla.edu/
http://www.polo.com/cgi-bin/polo/polo/home..._UseBVCookie=no (http://www.polo.com/cgi-bin/polo/polo/homepage.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=no)
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/

I hope that helps for everyone! :)

[Palmer]

Originally posted by jetson77@Apr 14 2003, 07:02 PM
What I would like to see differently

- I would like to see the menu in just text links, instead of the button format.
- I would like to see more of a white base. So a lot of whitespace .
- Not totally sold on the logo. I was hoping for something simple, yet corporate. For example a logo like is seen here http://www.jupitercomm.com/bin/home.pl
- I would prefer the text not to be broken up in a criss cross way like that. I would like to see very straight clean lines.

I think the keywords that is coming strongly through is clean
- I would like to see the menu in just text links, instead of the button format.

It's a trick ;), they are text links but with a button background. I did the same thing with the sites below...
http://www.outposthosting.com/~bestauto/
http://www.salesappliance.com/

- I would like to see more of a white base. So a lot of whitespace .
I saw you mentioned that in a later post after I was about 90% done with the entry so I went ahead with the way it was.

Regarding the other points, I'll try to get an update posted soon.

Thanks for the comments,
Palmer

[beetle]

Okay, here's my submission. I'm not 100% finished, but I wanted to get some early impressions.

comp_01
http://www.peterbailey.net/clients/do/rivisto/comp_01.gif

What I like
The symbolism. The colors. The cleanliness.

What I dislike
The height. The Nav is cutoff at 800x600

What can be done?
- Well, the Nav can be moved up into the yellow area and the mailing list-signup can take it's place. A problem with this approach, however, is that the Nav will be built from HTML, and text-resizing can cause layout disruption.
- Internal pages (past the homepage) can have a shorter header, allowing more room for content and allow the nav to be fully visible.

Personal notes
I really like the inverted-triangular symbolism provided here. It makes a great 'V' for your logo, it's a natural symbol for "coming together" or "coming to a point", and has a neat synergy with the photograph, which obviously symbolises "managing the unmanageable". However, I've saved a copy without this theme pushed as heavily

comp_02
http://www.peterbailey.net/clients/do/rivisto/comp_02.gif

Misc notes
- Most of this layout can be accomplished with HTML. Very few graphics are needed.
- Can be done with XHTML compliancy and a table-less layout
- The Hoover Dam photograph is copyrighted, and the owner will need to be contacted for commercial use.
- Photoshop's text renders slighty differenty than HTML-text in a browser.
- Other phrases come to mind from this imagery, such as "Harness the power of your content" or similar

[jetson77]

Originally posted by Palmer@Apr 15 2003, 12:55 PM

It's a trick ;), they are text links but with a button background. I did the same thing with the sites below...
http://www.outposthosting.com/~bestauto/
http://www.salesappliance.com/

Thanks Palmer. That is a good trick. Can you do this with .css?

Thanks for your entry. I look forward to seeing your next one.

[jetson77]

Beetle,

Very nice template. Thanks for your hard work.

What I like

THe clean simple design.
The use of photos
THe logo is getting there!
I love the idea of a tableless layout

What I think might need changing


I would like to see some stronger colours. Not the green colour. perhaps more primary.
I think we need to personalize the photo with a person/people.
I am not sure if it is possible to do the menu like you have it. Perhaps using palmers method, I am not sure. Probably not with the arrow.
I would like to see the front page text included in there.

Cheers

Jay

[Palmer]

Originally posted by jetson77@Apr 15 2003, 05:25 PM
Originally posted by Palmer@Apr 15 2003, 12:55 PM

It's a trick ;), they are text links but with a button background. I did the same thing with the sites below...
http://www.outposthosting.com/~bestauto/
http://www.salesappliance.com/

Thanks Palmer. That is a good trick. Can you do this with .css?

Thanks for your entry. I look forward to seeing your next one.
Yes, it's in the style sheet and done with css and small images. On the Best Auto site, the hover buttons are preloaded so they don't have a lag while they fetch the hover button from the server. The Sales Appliance site doesn't use a hover button.

[beetle]

Thanks for the positive feedback, jetson =)

Changing the photo is something I can consider. However, the dam photo (pun?) was really the crux of this whole thing. Think about it a bit and let me know. Obviously, if the photo was changed, it would be more like comp_02 than comp_01, unless that particular photo could also be used with the triangle motif, which may prove hard to find.

Yes, the navigation can be done completely with CSS, even the arrow.

I will think about colors. I'm not sure what your monitor is showing you, but that "green" is actually a shaded, desaturated yellow which I think looks great with the red. I can go a bit brighter, which will make it feel brighter. In fact, I'll include a comp with a brighter yellow

comp_03
http://www.peterbailey.net/clients/do/rivisto/comp_03.gif

I'll think about what other colors can work

Also, the newsletter signup form could be placed under the navigation area.

[beetle]

Slight variation

comp_04
http://www.peterbailey.net/clients/do/rivisto/comp_04.gif

[aplusmedia]

please consider my entry :)

[admin edit- Only members of the Design Team are permitted to enter contests, please follow the site guidelines (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=35&s=). Thanks :)]

[beetle]

Hey jetson, just wanted to let you know, I did a bit of research into the Hoover Dam photo I'm using, and found this at the guy's websiteCommercial Web use of photos

If you would like to use my pictures on a commercial page, then please do the following:
register the URL with me (sending email is fine)
add the hyperlinked credit as above (on every page where a photo appears)
You do not need to pay for usage, either, though I reserve the right to deny usage on sites that I find to be truly poisonous. So, basically as long as we let him know where it's being used and it's in good taste, it's free :tup:

Futher information: I've secured preliminary approval to use the photo and NOT have to link to his website on EVERY page, but rather list him on a acknowledgements page of some sort.

[aplusmedia]

:( I spent an hour on the design and im not allowed to enter? argh!

[Palmer]

Originally posted by aplusmedia@Apr 16 2003, 09:44 AM
:( I spent an hour on the design and im not allowed to enter? argh!
You could of saved yourself all of that wasted time by reading the big bold message at the top of every contest forum that says

"Designers, before entering a contest...
Please read this"

If you have a problem with the way the site is run you can contact me by private message, I'd appreciate it if you would not interfere with this contest anymore.

[Huhhso]

Hi here's my entry
thanks!
:) <img src='http://www.waila.com/freelance/rivisto.jpg[/img]

[sdollen]

Huhhso -

good job. I like the layout and color.

:tup:

[jetson77]

Originally posted by beetle@Apr 16 2003, 07:35 AM
Hey jetson, just wanted to let you know, I did a bit of research into the Hoover Dam photo I'm using, and found this at the guy's websiteCommercial Web use of photos

If you would like to use my pictures on a commercial page, then please do the following:
register the URL with me (sending email is fine)
add the hyperlinked credit as above (on every page where a photo appears)
You do not need to pay for usage, either, though I reserve the right to deny usage on sites that I find to be truly poisonous. So, basically as long as we let him know where it's being used and it's in good taste, it's free :tup:

Futher information: I've secured preliminary approval to use the photo and NOT have to link to his website on EVERY page, but rather list him on a acknowledgements page of some sort.
Thanks for doing all that for me!

Just wondering if you could add in a picture of a person or something somewhere? Also I would love to see the design with a different colour on the side instead of the greeny colour.

By the way, I like the version that has the V over the dam.

Good work.

[jetson77]

Huhhso,

Awesome design.

Again I will do the what I like etc.

What I like

- I love the notion of the light bulb and the associated text beside it. I think it is great because it is really sales oriented which I guess is what I want to achieve with it.
- The colours are also wonderful. I love the white background with the red as it makes it very striking.
- The logo is great too.

What would need to be changed

- Unfortunately, the text links would need to be changed position. The CMS won't allow you to split the menu into to. It either has to be horizontal, or else vertical. I understand there are too many links to have it all horizontal. Consequently the link placement might need to be changed. Perhaps they can be in the red part and more the bulb over?
- Perhaps the world map might need to be made a little brighter because I had to look closely to actually see what it was.
- Perhaps the image down the bottom should not have a soft feathered edge, but built into the design more. Maybe more angular or something?

Thanks!

[beetle]

jetson

Thanks for the feedback. You'll see a revision in a couple days.

[Huhhso]

Thanks for the positive feedback, Here is a revision.

Cheers!
:)Rivisto Revision (http://www.waila.com/freelance/rivisto2.jpg)

[motiveX]

Originally posted by Huhhso@Apr 17 2003, 05:49 PM
Thanks for the positive feedback, Here is a revision.

Cheers!
:)Rivisto Revision (http://www.waila.com/freelance/rivisto2.jpg)
This is a very good design!!

:tup: :tup:

[jetson77]

Originally posted by Huhhso@Apr 17 2003, 05:49 PM
Thanks for the positive feedback, Here is a revision.

Cheers!
:)Rivisto Revision (http://www.waila.com/freelance/rivisto2.jpg)
Great work! These designs are great guys.

Can't fault this one really?

Maybe some very minor changes that might be needed if it is chosen, but great design.

[QSDA]

Hey Jay, I finally got it finished. But guess what? I forgot to place the tagline in there :tdown:.
<img src='http://portfolio.iu.edu/otseren/rivistoBYqsda2.gif[/img]

[jetson77]

Hey QSDA,

Nice design! I like it. This is going to be tough to decide! :rolleyes:

[beetle]

Okay, I will have my revision towards the middle of the day today (about 4-5 hours from this post)

[beetle]

Here it is

comp_05
http://www.peterbailey.net/clients/do/rivisto/comp_05.gif

I tried lots of different colors, and the yellow is still my first choice, but this green works nicely too, I think. I tried various blues but none of them fit. Orange looked okay, but Huhhso has already (marvelously :tup: ) covered that scheme.

Well, I tried putting in a few ancillary ideas. The extra wording, the colored bar at the bottom (as opposed to white), and as you suggested, I removed the mailing list form for the time being. I also modified the logo just slightly, dropping the bottom of the 'V' below the baseline.

All these designs are made from the same Photoshop document, so you can mix'n'match elements from any if you need to.

The extra photo element is just one I chose. I found many great photographs while looking, but this particular one inspired the words I attached to it. This image could also be replaced with relevant sidebar content on pages that so warrant it.

I left your main marketing copy out of the images and in the HTML text so it can be search-engine searchable. That, and I don't think there was any easy way for to me to put it in the images anyway.

Thanks for the consideration :D

[jetson77]

Beetle,

Very nice design. I like these colours. I also like the graphic of the person on the deckchair as well! :tup:

Well this finishes in a few days. It is going to be a tough decision.

Any other designers want to throw their hat into the ring? :D

[Palmer]

Originally posted by aplusmedia@Apr 16 2003, 09:44 AM
:( I spent an hour on the design and im not allowed to enter? argh!
Just a quick note that you now may enter your design :D (if you haven't done so already)

[beetle]

Hey jetson, I have a slightly different idea for my template. I'll try to post it tomorrow. Just an FYI.

[jetson77]

Originally posted by beetle@Apr 23 2003, 11:27 PM
Hey jetson, I have a slightly different idea for my template. I'll try to post it tomorrow. Just an FYI.
Excellent! Looking forward to it :)

[aplusmedia]

here was my entry... http://www.aplusmedia.com/rivisto/rivisto.gif
but give me a few hours, I'll have another one..

[edit] I'm sorry, im afraid I wont be having another design in. :( . Good luck to the others.

[Huhhso]

Slight Revision
:D Element Change (http://www.waila.com/freelance/rivisto2_circle.jpg)

[beetle]

Okay, here it is

comp_06
http://www.peterbailey.net/clients/do/rivisto/comp_06.gif

Reason I made these changes
I always liked the design, but something in it felt a bit unbalanced. I realised it yesterday when I was looking at it and saw that I broke my vertical thirds with the dam pic (I just can't type that w/o smiling). The triangle wasn't in the middle, but it didn't bisect a third either. It was at an odd division, like 4/9ths or something. So, I moved it. I didn't place it there originally because the photo wasn't wide enough, so this time I broke down and painted in extra terrain to widen the shot. It's not exactly a third split, but darn close.

Also, as I'm sure you noticed, I moved the top all the way up. I felt the gap above the triangle was a bit awkward. I initially kept it to maintain the aspect ratio of the 'V', but I felt it's visual interruption was the greater evil, so now it's changed.

I hope you feel as good about these changes as I do.

[jetson77]

Thanks Beetle for your revisions. It is a really nice design. Thanks also to aplusmedia for your design. It looks excellent. This certainly is going to be tough to decide!

Ok I am going to make my decision in 5 hours :)

Cheers

Jay

[Mike]

Just curios, but beetle, wouldn't proper grammar be "Have a lot to manage?"?

:)

[beetle]

Heh, probably. :blush:

What can I say, I speak American, not English :whistle:

[motiveX]

Originally posted by naramation@Apr 24 2003, 07:01 PM
Just curios, but beetle, wouldn't proper grammar be "Have a lot to manage?"?

:)
Wouldn't you rather be curious?

:o :lol2: :whistle2:

[beetle]

xterioermotive: master of the idle comment.

:P

[motiveX]

Originally posted by beetle@Apr 24 2003, 08:26 PM
xterioermotive: master of the idle comment.

:P
It's xteriormotive. xterioermotive is my foreign counterpart.

And he is a master of disguise.

WHAAAAATCHA!!!

:ninja: :santa: :zorro: :cowboy:

[jetson77]

Ok everyone the time has come to announce the winner!

Congratulations goes to Huhhso for the excellent red design. :tup:

With a few small changes I think this design is going to look fantastic!

Thanks so much to everyone else who contributed! The quality was very high, and I hope you all can can use your designs elsewhere.

Thanks again.

Jay :D

[motiveX]

Congrats Huhso!!!

Rockin design!!

:tup: :yes:

[beetle]

Congrats Huhhso! It's beautiful!

[Zoe]

congrats Huhso! Job well done!

:clap:

[Palmer]

Well done Waila, in agreement with the others. Very well done. Excellent work. :tup:

Thanks Jay, job well done on your part as well. Stop by the testimonials forum on your way out if you want :)

[Huhhso]

Thanks guys! :rolleyes: :D