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New Style Is Live

Discussion in 'Forum News' started by Brent W, May 21, 2012.

  1. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    We have the new style up and live now. Note: The current logo will change. It is the last thing we have left to do.

    Please let me know what you think!
     
  2. xmpraedicta

    xmpraedicta Prairie angraecoid nut Supporting Member

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    Hi Brent, thanks for all the great effort. In my opinion, I like the colours and I like the change from the black background we had.

    Not a fan of the graphic in the top left - the black flowers feel a little too gothic - nor do I like the black flowers as icons for each forum. If we had just the plain background colour (that slightly off-white maroon is nice) and simple icons for the forums, I would be satisfied.

    Thanks again for valuing our input!
     
  3. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Thanks for the feedback. It may look black (all monitors render a bit differently) but they are actually a dark red. I can see how they can come off as black though.
     
  4. Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

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    Hi Brent,

    I really appreciate the enthusiasm, attentiveness and proactive approach you've brought to OI. I can see that with the new style and logo that you did take into consideration that many had requested for dark, neutral and simple colours, however I must say I agree with Calvin in that the graphic at the top left hand corner is quite distracting. From my standpoint, the value and quality of OI is what makes it stand out as a great orchid forum. In that vein, the design of the forum should be simple and spare so as to not distract from the quality photos and information contributed by OI users.

    For some designers, "busier" is better, but I feel the opposite is true. I could do without the graphic altogether. Aesthetically speaking, the dripping portion of the graphic is the part I like the least. Also, the flowers aren't even orchids :( I also agree with Calvin about the topic icons.

    Still, I appreciate your efforts to improve the forum ;)
     
  5. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Thanks, I have removed the large flower portion from the header.
     
  6. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    We will have some new forum icons tomorrow. Hopefully these will be better. :)
     
  7. xmpraedicta

    xmpraedicta Prairie angraecoid nut Supporting Member

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    I like this - and I really like the colour scheme too! Thanks Brent

    PS - I have some design background that's rusty and in the closet, but if you're open to submissions from members, I'd love to think of a few ideas for everyone to toss around! Otherwise, if you have someone working on it already, that's fine too!
     
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  8. Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

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    Thank you so much, Brent. It already looks much better! :D
     
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  9. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    We have some new icons now :) Let me know if those are better.
     
  10. Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

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    The new icons are definitely an improvement. You are so swift!
     
  11. Boytjie

    Boytjie Out hiking Supporting Member

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    I like the colors and the layout. Easy to read, easy on the eyes. But I'm not opposed to a small (non-distracting) graphic border along the top to make it more "pretty." :D Alternatively, you could possibly make the logo a bit more "stylized" and ditch the graphic idea.

    -Stephen
     
  12. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Logo will be replaced with a much better one within a few days.
     
  13. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I liked the dark, but am quite comfortable with the new look. I also appreciate the clearer rule line between posts and the reduced size of the avatars. I even like the drop shadows. And also the format for the quotes, an especially nice touch. Overall, I think we are close to a very straight forward and understated look that is easy to comprehend and doesn't demand attention. I saw the floral logo earlier and am happy to not see it now that I have some time. I'm open to looking at logos, but am very comfortable with text only, just the name in dark text would work for me.

    I have an issue with the balloons on the main page. Better than the flowers this morning, but they seem superfluous. I would be happy with a small bar that echos the header just above it or just a small circle or bullet point. There is something about the balloons that looks very in style today to me (which means it will be out of style soon). They stand out too much because they are the only round/oval thing in the layout.

    All in all, Brent, great job!
     
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  14. Kermie

    Kermie Tadpole Supporting Member

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    I am not sure if anyone else is having this problem or if it is just me/my monitor, but the dark burgundy "headers" if you will feels like it is popping out at me and is very harsh on my eyes. It could also be the contrast between the brown & small grey lettering?

    Otherwise I think things are looking amazing!
     
  15. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    New logo is live :)
     
  16. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Thumbs up on this one!
     
  17. Doc Elly

    Doc Elly Member

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    It's been a long time since I've visited this forum (too much else to do!), but when I got a notification about the new management and design, I had to check it out. I missed seeing the black, dripping non-orchid, but the current format looks simple, clean, and user-friendly. I don't know whether the ads have always been there, but I suppose they're a good way to help support the forum. Thanks, Brent, for taking this on.
     
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  18. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Thank you Doc Elly and glad to see you back :)
     
  19. Boytjie

    Boytjie Out hiking Supporting Member

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    Looks terrific, Brent. Simple, understated, and classy. Thumbs up!

    -Stephen
     
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  20. Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Thanks Stephen. Glad you guys are enjoying it