[Layout] Which design?

[Brian Farkas]

Hi all,
I'm working on a new design for my hosting company and we've created a couple concepts that I'd really appreciate feedback on... Which one do you like more and why?

CONCEPT 1:
Main page:
http://www.intersurge.com/newsite/in...71705-gray.jpg
http://www.intersurge.com/newsite/interface_071705.jpg

Sub-page: http://www.intersurge.com/newsite/in...3-3subpage.jpg

CONCEPT 2:
Main page: http://www.intersurge.com/newsite/interface_v3-4.jpg
Sub-page: http://www.intersurge.com/newsite/in...3-4subpage.jpg


Thanks so much for any feedback!

Brian

Main

[CaptainCornflake]

Concept numba 2, definitely. The header looks much cleaner, and isn't bogged down by a cheap looking background. Plus, the shadow effect the main area has on the background looks a lot better than a thick black line.

[OFFMason]

Yeah definitely concept 2. It seems like the first one is just you screwing around with filters on a header.

[smittenbite]

number 2 cause its a much cleaner look and more professional

[Antwawn]

number 2 cause its a much cleaner look and more professional

Completely agree. Number two looks more professional.

[Egor]

Number two.

[WInT3rS]

Im liking the header in #1 but the overall layout is much better in #2, Combine the two and i think it will come out good

[spikeZ]

Number 2 for me as well

[conradical]

Concept 2 is nice. The sub page have like 4 headers, the toll number, the logo and signup, navigation and then a header. Get rid of some of that and try to consolidate them.

[samsoner]

Concept 2 looks very professional and I like the visual style. Rounded edges are IN. Maybe you could lighten up the gray a tad bit because "home" and "contact" are hardly seen. Or you could keep the gray and make those two links white instead of black.

I understand that the "24 hour customer support" button is blue because that is a rollover state, right? I would have the text of this button white as well. At least, when the user rolls over it.

I like that you're sticking with the same color scheme for different elements in the design. Buttons, little advertisements, the logo itself.

Cool, man.

[Jordie]

Concept 1, Main Page, Design #1.
My eyes are drawn to the lined background behind the Intersurge title, and I'm not quite sure if I like it. It doesn't look very nice in juxtaposition with all the smooth detail in your layout. I think it would be OK if you removed the line effect and just had the photograph of the skyscrapers there, coloured blue.

I like the smooth buttons on the right, and the good use of sans-serif fonts. Very professional. Good work. I also like the big circle detail you've used.

Also, this isn't really layout critique, but I can't help but notice your slogan - "hosting so good, it feels wrong." Too be honest, this slogan doesn't exactly fill me with confidence about your hosting company. It just doesn't sound very professional.

Concept 1, Main Page, Design #2.
This is the same design, except it has a bright yellow background instead of a grey background. I definitely don't like that yellow background. Ew.

Concept 1, Subpage.
I like the menu, with its rounded corners and little arrow buttons. I also like the yellow space beside the horizontal navigation. Good contrast. But I still don't like the line detail on the skyscrapers photograph. And what happened to that lovely circle?

Concept 2, Main Page.
I am in love with this design. The coloured tabs, the shadows and the rounded corners all look VERY nice together. And you've gotten rid of that ugly line effect. I can't think of anything to criticise, really. If we bought hosting from companies that had pretty layouts, I'd definitely buy from Intersurge. You have my approval on this one, that's for sure.

Concept 2, Subpage.
This is much the same as the first design, but that horrific line detail is back. I'm telling you, I think it looks much better without the line detail.

Overall, I think it's fair to say that if I had to pick, I'd choose #2. Much nicer than the first concept design on so many levels. With hosting companies, I think you should always aim for that professional feeling.

[Brian Farkas]

Jordie,
Thanks for your detailed critique -- we actually ended up using a modified layout #2 at http://www.intersurge.com ... would love to get your input on what you think of this site.

Thanks,

Brian

[Jordie]

Shweet. A nice balance of space and detail. I'm all jealous. There's only one problem, in Firefox:



Well, at least, that's what I'm seeing on my screen.

[allstar]

I must say that concept #2 is better then concept #1 in respect that #1 has the look the website were looking like about 2 years ago. I am seeing more and more websites going with a less grahpic intense even toned look. I blame it on the ipod and it's sleek design, but that is what users want to see now. So, #2 will give the users exactly what they want to see. I think you did a exacelent job on both of the layouts, but a better job on concept #2. Keep up the good work.

[ebooboy]

I like number 2 better... More profressional

[pbjorge12]

Number 2 looks best to me. It is nice and light rather than dark colored.

[gamerpress]

I like the second one. The top is cleaner and more has a more structured look to it.

[hobulus]

Definitely number 2!
Maybe try adding some content boxes, and building it as an interface... ie, all interlocking together.
Other than that, its very cool, cvalm and professional!
Great work!

[blackbm]

Definitely number 2.

It is the best. Nothing more