Header Nav Combo Idea

[ckaspar]

I am redesigning my website and have come up with the attached for a new one component header/navigation system.

The idea is that the main navigation will be in the middle above the bridge, the page specific navigation wil be located under the bridge.

Please let me know what you think.

Thank you

[trc]

Looks cluttered, more like a postcard than a website.
Images are poor quality.

[TannerC]

Hi ckaspar, while your creativity is inspiring, doing something like this with the navigation isn't a very good idea.

People are simple - for the most part, anyway. We are use to navigation being links on the top of a page in-line, or on the left (or even sometimes the right) side of the web page.

Trying something different with your navigation is extremely risky, and practically a guaranteed way to lose a lot of visitors and decrease the overall look of your website.

So, while it is creative, it's not practical in any way.

[ckaspar]

Thank you for your comments. I was concerned about that also and have added text describing what the images "mean" so it would be more evident that they were links. I am also having a rollover so that when the images and text will enlarge a little to make them "pop" out more like a Navigation section instead of a Header alone.

Thanks again for the comments.

Anyone else?

[blacktoned]

Initiating something that isn't "tried and true" is not a risky way to go and is more than likely going to attract than shun away. I do not stay focused on websites that look like every other one in terms of navigation, structure, etc. and this is no different.

However, this navigational endeavor you're trying to pursue isn't quite working for me for the same reasons stated, the main GUI is overwhelming and cluttered as mentioned. I can see these images working but not all at once. Maybe try some fade techniques, and whatnot. Work with CSS.

[mogdesign]

i dont like it at all

here are my reasons:

using images or elements of picture as an navigation is not recommended, most users will not be able to find out where to click...

it does not look like a website, more as an picture collage from vaction...

this design is not modern... it may sound cruel, but I think it...

sorry if sound bad...

[ckaspar]

OK, I have taken some of what you guys have said and put some of it to use. I have decided to stick with the idea as a whole but I have added a fade to the images before being moused-over and other little things.

I understand most of you have said that you don't like it but is this an improvement on your dislike?

http://twintowntreatmentcenters.com/new/Index.shtml

I look forward to your comments.

Thank you.

[JakeJeck]

It's not standard. Don't make people guess where the navigation is. There are reasons why all the major websites use standard left side or top navigation.

It looks more like a brochure than a web page.

[Wilks_eye]

Well its not standard, butits definitely not making me guess wha to do with them. Its pretty clear and straightforward. It sure beats some layouts there where there's too much going on.

I suggest making the text more prominent since the whites blends to the picture. The fontsize is small too. I suggest doing away with the fuzzy borders on the images. I like the way how they highlight when you point.

[Designer001]

i actually like the idea nav will looks great on that and content under that!