Review

[TomV2.0]

Alright, im not an expert on web design by any means so here it is.

http://www.homes339.com

Its a work in progress, but im trying to get reviews from several community's. Thanks in advance.

[scojo1]

I'll return the favor since you commented on my site.....

the first thing people around here (including me) will notice is that you're using tables for layout, which is not a good thing. Usually you want to separate your content from layout by using CSS. Among other things, this allows you to more easily change the look of your site without changing the content.


Another thing, the red links hurts my eyes. But it might be my preference

[tylivia]

Here are some of my thoughts:

1. Black and Blue, like clothes, should never go together. However, this is just my opinion.

2. Red links on Blue backrgound is actually troublesome for some people since the colors' wavelengths are on the opposite ends of the color spectrum from each other which can cause the rods and cones in the eye (these are the little fibers in the retinal wall which delineate color) to have a touch time adjusting, making it harder to read. Elderly people will find this to be a very tough site to read. In most usability tests I have ran, I never have received good results using red text on blue background.

3. The gray text is hard to read, especially with the copyright text at the bottom of the page.

4. Where you have your "Search for homes" by county, from a usability standpoint, I would list the links rather than cram them in a paragraph. Plus I still like links underlined, as a user. A good alternative is buttons with a beveled edge...just make what is supposed to be clickable...clickable.

5. The links at the bottom of the page are too small and hard to read.

6. The home page, overall is too busy and looks like it was just thrown together without putting enough thought into organizing your links/navigation. The average person may find this page a bit daunting when seeking information. It is also comletely different from the rest of the pages on your site.(please don't take this the wrong way, but I run usability tests and offer seminars on "usability")

7. Some of the links take me to pages where I feel like I left your site...and some pages have a navigation bar on the left (which is a good idea). But nothing tops a consistent navigation structure to allow visitors to feel that they are still at your site.

8. Always, always, always, validate your pages at www.w3c.org.

The premise of the site is great and the content is good. The site's content and subject matter is certainly informative and is a great way for people to search and get prices for homes in your area.

If you would like, I could create a mock-up home page for you to check out with "usability" in mind, for FREE, of course.

Good luck with your "work in progress"

[KDLA]

Ewww... this looks very "retro" -- sort of like a site from the 90's.
The gradient background, chrome dividers, and black background scream "unprofessional" and "novice."

I suggest you look at some sites similar to yours and steal some design ideas. Clean and simple design is your best bet.

You might also look for some free template sites - that'll help if you're wary about coming up with something.

Good Luck -
KDLA

[TomV2.0]

Thank you all for the suggestions!

I've changed the homepage layout and color scheme - working on link colors and tables.

Never having taken any class on web design, never making a website and this being my first attempt I would consider myself a "novice". But im trying to get better, thats why I ask for professional opinions.

Note - I use AA, so it is what it is I guess you could say. I'm still not quite sure why they thought to make it inconsistant, but they did and thiers nothing I can do about it that I know of....yet.

[ChiefNX]

I like the header and the navigation links. However the content section makes it look as if you are using two different colour schemes. Also, I think you should change the style of the tables - something minimal will do, just so it looks neat.

[TomV2.0]

Is it starting to look better? If not I need to change directions.

I'll be working on the color scheme tomorrow, among other things.

[tylivia]

Is it starting to look better? If not I need to change directions.

I'll be working on the color scheme tomorrow, among other things.

Wow...what a good start on improving your site!