http://www.webdevs4u.com - Good, bad or ugly

Ok i know im going to get slated on this forum as i am posting a webmaster resource website and not much can compare with the might devshed.com network but here goes be brutal.

http://www.webdevs4u.com

If you want a demo try loggin in with


User name :

test


Password:

test

Tell me what you think of the content, layout, design and any other relevant info

Thanks guys

Jon

Any one please?!

i defineatly think your main banner and header area needs work, ALOT of work.

What do you think is wrong with it?

its just way too empty and boring, think about adding more life into it make it more professional.

i dont think its his header that needs work... i like it, its crisp and pro-looking, however your layout is very bland and not very exciting at all. Try changing the format or maybe just not using the same graphic titlebar for every sub-section is all you need.

I _really_ dont like the who is online box. It's taken right from your forum, without proper formatting it for the small box it's in.

Also your Live Help button is in a box, while the image itself is enough. Take it out of the box, it would look a lot nicer imo.

I agree, the header is fine...but there is a lot of white space to the right of the header which makes me feel like something is missing. The header is crisp and professional looking-but the space drags my eye towards it.

Logo balance and colours are great. No problems there. You have nailed all the criteria for good logo design.

Basically, the only problem is header size. Way too fat. Shrink it down and reduce text size on navigation, doesn't need to be that big - even for accessibilty.

Maybe move the sign-in button and re-arrange a little. I think you could probably get loads more - either information or navigation elements up there without compromising your fresh, clean look.

The rest looks nice. I would consider whether you need that many top level links in your left hand bar, (e.g. can Why Join? - really be placed under FAQ). This way you can reduce the text size and go for slightly greater line spacing which will help to more cleanly define your navigation links.

Throw Who Is Online? at the bottom, in the footer.

Remeber not to use two many navigation elements pointing to the same place. Does Downloads take me to a page where I see everything listed on the right? If so, why bother.

Think about this sort of thing. Is it a hub? Would breadcrumb be better. Remember form follows function.

I say this a lot but you should really consider the look AFTER you have decided how to navigate, rather than the comment we are all guilty of 'hhhmmm I don't have enough links in my navigation to make my site look cool - I know I will duplicate a few to fatten my site up'. This is always an issue when starting a new site, but you should try to let the navigation elements grow organically not by forcing the issue, or worse still anticipating your proposed content and placing lots of links to desolate pages.... the worst of all design sins.