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What Colors Should OrchidInteractive be?

Discussion in 'Forum News' started by Brent W, May 10, 2012.

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  1. May 10, 2012 #1
    Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Wanted to see if all of you had some input on what kind of colors you would like to see in the new design of the forum?
     
  2. May 10, 2012 #2
    Reyna

    Reyna Orchid Obsessed Supporting Member

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    Black or other dark colors -- they set off the photographs very well. I realize that may not work completely, but subtlety in the design. :) We want the photographs of the orchids to be the standout attention grabbers. :)

    And thanks for asking. We realize it isn't technically "our" forum, but we feel like it is "ours" nonetheless. :)
     
  3. May 10, 2012 #3
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I like the blue in the header, but really hope we can stay with neutral colors that are going to be anywhere near the images. I really object to white text on a black background since it is very hard to read. My vote would be for white overall with and grey or shades of grey instead of the light blue and tan/peach for enclosing areas and things like the "New" icon. It won't draw the eye from images nor color shift them. Also, I have would love to see a slightly larger rule line between the posts since it is barely perceptible.

    Not exactly color related, but I find the large icons and small font for the names unhelpful. The icon's colors do sometimes conflict with the images for me and many of us have a question mark for an icon which makes them irrelevant. I have to struggle to read the name.
     
  4. May 10, 2012 #4
    msaar

    msaar Member

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    More contrast between text and background-the gray text on light blue and white are just too subtle and hard to read.
     
  5. May 11, 2012 #5
    MiKa

    MiKa Active Member Supporting Member

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    I agree fully with Marni. Both in terms of colors and the avatar details.
     
  6. May 11, 2012 #6
    Alexey

    Alexey Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    I am third for Marni’s notes. Also, “conversation clouds” icons on the main page are too big/bold and distracting from content.
    Thanks for asking this, Brent!
     
  7. May 11, 2012 #7
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I puzzled over what those were. Now I find they even have a name. I wouldn't be sad to see them go altogether. But perhaps they have significance that is over my head.
     
  8. May 13, 2012 #8
    Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Thanks for all the feedback. I will try to see what we can do to help you all enjoy the site more visually :)
     
  9. May 13, 2012 #9
    Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    I am about to give a test run a go for a different look. Just trying to get a feel for what you guys think and what we need to do.
     
  10. May 13, 2012 #10
    Boytjie

    Boytjie Out hiking Supporting Member

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    I worked in publishing for several years, and still do freelance writing and editing. I can tell you that white on black will get very tiring on the eyes in a short period. -Stephen
     
  11. May 13, 2012 #11
    Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Thanks. Just trying out new things right now to see what may or may not work. I don't think this is going to. Will revert back.
     
  12. May 13, 2012 #12
    Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    I'd love to see examples of other websites whose color combinations fit into what everyone would like to see here. I am not a designer so to have examples would be great. Then I can pass it along to someone who can make it happen.
     
  13. May 13, 2012 #13
    Boytjie

    Boytjie Out hiking Supporting Member

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    Light neutral colors, like off-white, gray, tan, or beige, typically work best for a background with black text. -Stephen
     
  14. May 13, 2012 #14
    msaar

    msaar Member

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    The green/grey scheme was a definite improvement.
     
  15. May 14, 2012 #15
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I did spend some time last night trying to find something that seemed appropriate, but I was looking in the "orchid world" and didn't find anything I would recommend. I'll keep looking.
     
  16. May 14, 2012 #16
    MiKa

    MiKa Active Member Supporting Member

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  17. May 14, 2012 #17
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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  18. May 14, 2012 #18
    Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    I am actively looking for something as well.
     
  19. May 14, 2012 #19
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I decided to look at some forums for graphic design. So here are two that have elements I appreciated. Any thoughts?

    I like this for the blocks of white floated on a neutral background, also the fact that when an icon is not used it doesn't show a question mark. Also, the names are above the icon. I would prefer a neutral light grey background rather than tan and would prefer blue or blue grey for link color.. It is clean, easy to see when a new member is adding a reply. http://webprocafe.com/just-starting-out/3435-browser-issues.html

    Here is one that is a bit more blocky layout and is still easy to understand what is going on. It has a good sized rule line between posts which is one of the problems I have with our current layout. http://www.allgraphicdesign.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=15979

    I've also been taking screen shots of shade of grey, but have to go back to work so will keep these for later.
     
  20. May 15, 2012 #20
    Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    I have a style I just bought that I am going to give a go here. I think, at the very least, you guys will like it more than our current one, until I can get a designer to really make this place stand out and spend some time on a perfect color scheme.
     
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