OC ReMix Design Revision Notes & Feedback

[djpretzel]

I recently implemented a design overhaul intended to streamline the site's navigation and reduce redundant/duplicated links. This is something I've been working a LOT on over the last year and which required a lot of effort, nevertheless design seems to be a subject everyone is convinced of their own expertise on, and many are adverse to change of ANY kind, so we always expect a certain amount of kickback.

There will no doubt be some questions and hopefully some (as constructive as possible, please!) suggestions, but let me address some likely issues AND provide some (hopefully helpful) notes:


Firstly, this is a purely cosmetic overhaul and is *not* the project we've been working on for the last several years. In fact, no new features or content have been added, it's purely visual.
At the moment, only 50 of the site mascots have been converted. I'm now doing alpha-transparent PNGs, which means that plenty of folks will probably rip them off and use them elsewhere, but hey, who cares. Credit for the oft-tedious Photoshop masking involved would be nice...
Yes, the sidebar is gone. Depending on the effects on advertising revenue and the features introduced in vBulletin 4 some time in 2010, I can't promise that some form of sidebar won't be reintroduced on the forums, or elsewhere, but for now the mega-dropdowns are serving our navigation needs nicely.
The alpha navigation is gone as well, though individual alpha pages still work. As the database has grown, it just seems like this feature has made less and less sense. Why browse 5 pages of mixes or scan 90 games beginning with "S" when you can simply search? We'll monitor site analytics to see how this removal affects traffic; I've already seen a couple people complain so it *might* be something we reinstate, but only if we feel we HAVE to.
While it's been worked on and refined significantly up to this point, we're still making some tweaks. In some sense, every web design is a work-in-progress, and based on feedback and our own experience using the site there will likely be changes.

That's it. Please let us know what you think. Actually, one LAST thing... everyone has kneejerk reactions when a site they visit frequently changes. We've seen it so many times, and it even caused the Great Sidebar Ban Hammer Massacre of 2006... so please, try using the site for a couple hours, preferably a day or two, before providing too much feedback. Seriously, it's the type of thing where something that doesn't make sense the first 20 seconds you're using it becomes convenient & natural after only a few minutes, in some instances.

[Gollgagh]

I give it three thumbs up

[SoulinEther]

Sexy, but my earlier comment about the highlighting rows still applies. I really like how thread titles look within the thread...

[Gollgagh]

also this might have been from an old update, but it's really nice to see the return of the title screen thumbnails

[Thin Crust]

Just know that there are people (ME) that don't have a preference. I'll take any design so long as it works.

[JadeAuto]

/feedback

The darker main colors are nice. Especially when you can compare it to the unmodified toons in the corner - the colors "pop" out at you better. The sidebar being gone dosen't bother me at all - in fact, I like having more horizontal space devoted to... everything else.

The mega drop-downs sometimes get hidden behind the site logo (especially if you're in a smaller resolution) but to be honest, if you aren't running at at least 1280x1024 these days, you may need to think of upgrading your monitor. **Edit: seems like this is only for the old avatars. the converted ones don't have this issue - when they're all converted, this will be a non-issue**

Will leave more later. Initial reaction: I like it.

/end feedback

[LuigiFan]

I say meh. Aesthetically I'm not impressed (and I know you're working on this but the characters that haven't been changed yet really bug). I personally like the sidebar, but I think it's okay without it. It just doesn't "wow" me I guess is what I'm trying to say.

[Abadoss]

I haven't yet adjusted, but I'm not too concerned about that. I'm sure that I will soon enough. One thing that does concern me, though, is that the mega-dropdowns are still blocking the other dropdown links in IE8. So, when I hover above "Forums", the dropdown blocks "Forums", "Games", "Music", and "People". I think this might have been mentioned before, but I don't remember if a solution was ever devised or a solution had been deemed unnecessary or ruled out. Thoughts?

[Gollgagh]

(and I know you're working on this but the characters that haven't been changed yet really bug)

clear your cache

[DrumUltimA]

where the hell is the sidebar! That sidebar was the only thing this site had going for it and now it's gone! That's it, I'm leaving and starting my own video game music remix website.


(also, I like the redesign so far)

[Nekofrog]

Does this mean the people that were originally opposed to the sidebar will be unbanned?

[Kaleb.G]

I honestly thought half of the page wasn't loading for me. The banner area looks incomplete.

But I'm a believer in keeping things simple, so I don't mind streamlining things at all.

[abg]

oshi

I like it! Never was a fan of the sidebar anyways. The more subdued color scheme brings out the colours in the mascots and other graphical content more.

One thing though, the log in for the forums is appearing behind the main menu... here's a screenshot http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6307/forumlogin.jpg

[Neo Samus]

Haven't been here in a couple weeks. The redisign was a big surprise to me, but I really like the streamline feel. I notice one error with the characters on the top right corner showing a gray background, but that might be because I'm viewing the site at work and it's filter is weird where it breaks image. But I'll have to check the site when I get home.

All in all awesome look DJP.

[Rozovian]

I like the new, thinner skin, altho the contrast between them is a little on the strong side.

Also, teh sidebar is teh missing! :( What happen? Somebody set up us teh drama?

I suggest a thin, discrete icon-based sidebar or something as a later addition, one that scrolls down with the page (if done smoothly and is tab-clickable). No need then to page-up or scrollwheel-up or something just to get to the nav.

[Liontamer]

Half of these issue posts, just clear your cache. Mascots should be fine, menus should be fine. ABG's issue is happening though, so that text may need to take up more than 1 line or be moved entirely.

Already suggested to Dave, but for posterity's sake:

* Home / Interviews / Links / Shirts / Torrents should turn orange when hovered over
* Add "Contact Us" and or "Donate" to that row
* Headband of the headphones logo lightened to not blend with the background
* Donate/Shirts/Store/aStore ("Support" section) in "About" mega-dropdown, either above or below "OverClocked ReMix" section
* Alex Brandon pic in People dropdown
* Darker (not dark, just darker)/Off-white color for forum/writeup background. Similar to the grey used for the list pages, maybe lighter

Looks good!

[kitty]

Looks terrible at my resolution (1920x1200) on a 24" monitor. The dark grey background is right in the middle of a good contrast (or lack of.) Something that's closer to the light grey at the bottom would work a bit better near the top. The logo in particular is hard to see against the dark grey. Forums are ok because the page is almost full even at this resolution.

And yes, I know you wanted us to use the site for a couple days but my opinions here are not going to change; I'm not going to be able to see the logo any better tomorrow or a week from now, and I've always hated empty space on the sides of webpages.

[1337 1]

I thought something looked a bit odd.

Even more so considering my browser had loaded half of the new theme and half of the old one. Huzzah for cached sites...

[Liontamer]

Looks terrible at my resolution (1920x1200) on a 24" monitor. The dark grey background is right in the middle of a good contrast (or lack of.) Something that's closer to the light grey at the bottom would work a bit better near the top. The logo in particular is hard to see against the dark grey. Forums are ok because the page is almost full even at this resolution.

And yes, I know you wanted us to use the site for a couple days but my opinions here are not going to change; I'm not going to be able to see the logo any better tomorrow or a week from now, and I've always hated empty space on the sides of webpages.

Upload an actual screenshot. I wanna see.

[Neo Samus]

I'm experiencing AGB's issue as well. and I cleared my cache and still having the same issue. I'll try and post a pic of it but I might not be able to becase, as I said before, I'm at work and our network does this to other sites as well.

EDIT: just as I thought I can't upload it to my Photobucket account, won't allow the upload. Sorry Larry.

[Gollgagh]

there's always http://www.imageshack.us/

[Neo Samus]

there's always http://www.imageshack.us/


I'm pretty sure my network blocks all uploads and downloads. I can try Imageshack or even tinypic but I'd still have to wait till I get home because I don't have a work email (yet) to set up a new account.

[Abadoss]

Half of these issue posts, just clear your cache. Mascots should be fine, menus should be fine.

I cleared my cache twice and, while the menus do appear correctly on the front page, they are still displaying how I described earlier in the forums for IE 8.

[abg]

Yeah I brought that one up a while ago: http://ocremix.org/forums/showpost.php?p=560625&postcount=748

Staff probably all uses Firefox so it wasn't a huge priority at the time :-)

[Skrypnyk]

I'm sure the design is good and people will enjoy and such, but can we have the option of going back to vb's default template?

[Ninja-san]

I liked having the alphabet category up top. This new system seems more complicated.

I don't know I thought the previous one was great. It's gonna be a while to get use to it...

[Orange Pylon]

Haha, I remember when people got all angry over the sidebar being introduced. Hell, I was probably one of them at the time.

Either way, I like the new design and I still can't begin thank you all for the work you all do. I've been here off-and-on since 2001, and every time I pop by you guys have something up that makes my day a bit more enjoyable.

I love this site! :nicework:

[The Orichalcon]

I like the darker logo, looks nice and sleak. I will say that I miss the sidebar, I'm sure it'll just take a bit of getting used to, but I had my routine search through the site planned out nicely with the sidebar.

I'd love the forums to be converted to a slightly darker greyscale to go with the logo. That's just personal taste though.

Looks great, more professional.

[The UnMod OutKast]

When I started actually using the sidebar, you go and take it away from me.:-x

The darker logo looks cool though. I just wish the whole site could be darker in shade.

[atmuh]

I know you said to give it a few hours of use before I say anything about my opinion of the redesign but after looking at it for about 2 minutes I already like it a ton and I can't see that changing.

Outstanding work man.

[Nekofrog]

asskisser.

[Ray Falling]

Lol, I just thought the site didn't render completely but now I see what is going on. I'll give it a try the coming days.

It always bothered me that there were so many links and texts and I couldn't really find anything which was sort of off putting.

Looks alright now, I guess :)

[WillRock]

I like the new design, but don't like the removal of the sidebar at this point since I used it solely for navigation since I signed up.

Still, i'll give it a few days for myself to adjust :D

[K.B.]

The dark grey background is right in the middle of a good contrast (or lack of.) Something that's closer to the light gray at the bottom would work a bit better near the top. The logo in particular is hard to see against the dark grey.
Seconded, if I understand that comment correctly. The dark gray is too dark when compared to the rest of the screen. It blurs the top of the headphone logo and draws my eyes away from the rest of the page.

Also, the bold, white arial on that dark gray looks bad because of lack of transition. This isn't as noticeable on the megadropdown text because of the wave in the background, but the location text sticks out (in this thread, this text is "OC ReMix Design Revision Notes & Feedback"). If the current shade of gray is kept, I suggest adding some sort of effect to blend the edges a bit.

The front page is unbalanced without the sidebar, so it looks very awkward. Shifting the ads to the left, or even to the bottom or the top, should fix this. This unbalance is only on the front page as far as I can tell.

I liked the sidebar a lot better than these megadropdowns (I knew they were there but didn't like using them), and I liked having less text space in the forums (I can't read as quickly now with so much left-to-right space), but as far as navigability the megadropdowns look like they'll work just as well. But yes, grrrr to no sidebar, at least for the time being.

And if it wasn't clear, I don't have a bone to pick about the changes. Just giving feedback.

[Palpable]

Now that my Chrome cache has finished clearing after eight minutes :roll:, I definitely like the changes. I have mentioned to djp before about how I thought the four different forms of navigation on the front page (sidebar, tabs, alpha, megadropdowns) were very confusing, and this is a huge simplification. I think now it will be easier to control the way the users navigate the site, and it probably means less work for djp. The one thing I think has been lost is the Submission Standards and Instructions page, which used to be one click near the top of the sidebar. I'd recommend adding that to the about dropdown or music dropdown, or both, or the quicklinks under the logo, because of how important that page is to the site.

The color scheme is much higher contrast, which is great. It's been pointed out that the headphones sort of blend in, which should be fixed if possible, and I also notice the top half of "OverClocked ReMix" is not a link like the bottom half is (that's usually how I get to the front page.) I also think that vgbulletin thread titles should be on a different color background, maybe a light gray.

That's all my comments so far, excellent work overall!

Edit: Oh I forgot, but I also think moving the ads or recent remixes column to the left on the frontpage will look more balanced. And it might be cool to have the recent remixes column on every page of the site now that there is more room, I know you had thought about that before.

Edit 2: One thing I totally forgot to mention is the load time. Definitely faster for me now, dunno if anyone else has experienced that.

[Rozovian]

Perhaps workshop should get its own drop-down, with submission info, workshop portal, forum, and other stuff.

The dropdowns are a little irregularly placed, tho. The first three behave like menus normally do, expands down and to the right. As long as there's room in the window, could all the drop-downs do that?

While on the topic of workshop-related stuff, the submitting, tutorials and feedback links at the top of the page are easily overlooked as just filler info. Eyes are drawn to the discussion part in the upper middle the page, not the edges of the portal.

I also think the horizontal space could be better used. Latest remixes or ads to the left, or something else. perhaps ocr could have some of its own ads running, for old and new projects (recruiting or released), recent announcements, ads encouraging feedback to wips and posted stuff, ads for interviews, ads for workshop, ads for different site features... And random for every page, like the mascots.

[Crulex]

The darker logo looks cool though. I just wish the whole site could be darker in shade.

I kinda agree with this comment. The darker shades are awesome, and if the whole site was like the new header, then it would be a complete win.

[Shadow Wolf]

It's pretty and clean Dave, I like it. I never really used the sidebar, and most of its info is now contained in the dropdowns anyway.

The only thing I would point out is that for new people coming to the site, I feel the site may be becoming less and less "surfer friendly." I think many people land on the homepage with really no idea who we are, and the only hook they may have initially is that they want to download remixes for a specific game. I personally feel it's pretty important to give them quick access to a page containing those mixes. Now of course they can access that through search. But what I feel is important for making people stay is the cross referencing that goes on by having an alpha page. It presents a (usually) large number of mixes without being overwhelming. It doesn't even need to be available on the homepage, but I definitely think it should be present on the "list all remixes alphabetically" page, otherwise people are relegated to clicking through a list of every mix on the site, or making their best guess what page number "G" would be for example. That needs to be more bite sized.

Now personally, I haven't used that alpha navigation in years, but that's because I've downloaded every mix posted since 2003 anyway. But when I was new to the site, I used it incessantly. It was hugely fun to just click a letter and find out what treasures were within, what games I didn't even remember that sparked my interest. It was like a game. Initially, I focused down on mixes for games I knew, but it was really cool and expanded my horizons to have that alpha navigation. Because I would be on the S page for example, to download Super Metroid mixes, and while scrolling I'd run across Secret of Mana and go "AWW YEAH! I loved that game! I can't believe I didn't think of that one! I'm getting some of these mixes too!"

So there's my two cents on the alpha nav. Everything else looks beautiful as far as I'm concerned, and while I remained a neutral country in the Great Sidebar War of 2006, I like the extra space. Great work Dave.

[PassivePretentiousness]

I know absolutely nothing about graphic design, but the new primary logo/menu looks pretty busy to me. The wave form thing in the background is distracting my eye.

nitpicks, nitpicks.

[The Pezman]

The only thing I would point out is that for new people coming to the site, I feel the site may be becoming less and less "surfer friendly." I think many people land on the homepage with really no idea who we are, and the only hook they may have initially is that they want to download remixes for a specific game. I personally feel it's pretty important to give them quick access to a page containing those mixes. Now of course they can access that through search. But what I feel is important for making people stay is the cross referencing that goes on by having an alpha page. It presents a (usually) large number of mixes without being overwhelming. It doesn't even need to be available on the homepage, but I definitely think it should be present on the "list all remixes alphabetically" page, otherwise people are relegated to clicking through a list of every mix on the site, or making their best guess what page number "G" would be for example. That needs to be more bite sized.

Now personally, I haven't used that alpha navigation in years, but that's because I've downloaded every mix posted since 2003 anyway. But when I was new to the site, I used it incessantly. It was hugely fun to just click a letter and find out what treasures were within, what games I didn't even remember that sparked my interest. It was like a game. Initially, I focused down on mixes for games I knew, but it was really cool and expanded my horizons to have that alpha navigation. Because I would be on the S page for example, to download Super Metroid mixes, and while scrolling I'd run across Secret of Mana and go "AWW YEAH! I loved that game! I can't believe I didn't think of that one! I'm getting some of these mixes too!"
QFT. I rarely come to the site with the intent to listen to a specific mix or check a specific game. I like being able to browse, like a library, and I think that option should remain.

In my personal opinion, the new darker gray looks pretty depressing as well.

[OA]

looks way nicer- lack of sidebar is throwing me off still, but each time i come to the site, i miss it less and less.

[Kizyr]

Only one minor issue... The "workshop" link at the top of the forums covers up where to enter your username. (Using Chrome, by the way; this may not be an issue in Firefox.)

Otherwise, aesthetically, I like it. It'll take some getting used to (kinda miss the sidebar) but it does look better. KF

[Evilhead]

Sidebar noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[pokezel]

The navigation feature I used most was the alphabetic game navigation. So I hope that comes back someday.

[colinjstewart]

Simplification of the navigation system = good.

But the problem with the new layout is that the amount of space given to the text of forum threads is now ridiculously wide. Reading text that spans the width of your monitor is not comfortable. This is fairly well-known -- just visit any professionally designed website with lots of text; the paragraphs will never be wider than 800 pixels, because it's just easier on the eyes to have them that narrow. I shouldn't have to resize my browser window every time I come to this site.

Also, I'm going to add to the voices who think the top navigation bar looks cluttered. I'd kill the waveform image in the background, and the shadow/reflection of "Overclocked Remix."

Thanks.

[Shadix]

Site layout is really slick, but I gotta say I was really alarmed by the lack of the a-z listing.

IMO it kindof makes the regular remixes seem less accessible. Sure you can search but unless I'm just blind theres no sensible, UPFRONT way to just browse through the database anymore. I thought that the browsing up in the corner was one of the most ingenious elements of the sites design, because it made the remixes practically jump out at people looking at the site for the first time.

It's like "OH I WONDER IF MY FAVORITE GAME IS LISTED". Sure you can just search, but it kindof takes out the novelty of discovery out of the site. More obscure title mixes are probably going to get screwed because people aren't going to think to check if that game has been mixed.

[Dark_T_Zeratul]

Put me in the "bring back the alpha links" camp. Sure, I've got every mix released up to this point on my computer, but it's great for when I'm at work and want to point my coworkers at a particular mix. Also, if someone wants to find remixes from a particular game, the current system won't let you do that (I tried; it said it couldn't find any remixes with Final Fantasy 6 in the title).

[Tarnish]

To be honest, I liked the previous design better. The lack of the sidebar is kinda disturbing for me too, as well as the lack of the alphabetic game navigation.

I would also point out what previous users did too, that the "Workshop" link at the top menu bar covers up the username box, making that modul completely useless.

Furthermore, although this may be just me, I don't like that when you're in the forums, there are no left or right sidebars at all. This kinda makes navigation through the site less convenient, and I also feel it makes the site less user-friendly and welcoming. I personally find myself less enthusiastic to visit the site in this design. :|

I do not know what made the change of the design necessary (maybe it was just time for a change), but as far I see it, it wasn't really worth it.

[Palpable]

Only one minor issue... The "workshop" link at the top of the forums covers up where to enter your username. (Using Chrome, by the way; this may not be an issue in Firefox.)

I would also point out what previous users did too, that the "Workshop" link at the top menu bar covers up the username box, making that modul completely useless.

I use Chrome too and after I cleared my cache those links leapt to the left side of the page above the logo and don't interfere with the vbulletin username.

[Dafydd]

Still haven't gotten used to it. One thing that bothers me (one that I'm sure I'll get used to) is that on this 1680x1050 monitor, the links on top of the page would look better in the center rather than the left end of the top of the screen. Didn't notice when on my 1280x1024 one, and I guess most people don't.

[djpretzel]

I'm sure the design is good and people will enjoy and such, but can we have the option of going back to vb's default template?

Should be doable now. Also, the default OCR forum theme now has max-width to match the rest of the site, but a dynamic width option is selectable if you prefer.

[DragonAvenger]

This was brought up in the Xenogears comment thread, but it seems to be surprisingly difficult to find a way to donate to the site now. Might want to take a look into that.

[Liontamer]

This was brought up in the Xenogears comment thread, but it seems to be surprisingly difficult to find a way to donate to the site now. Might want to take a look into that.

I nag Dave about that every other day. I think he dislikes being able to pay for bandwidth. :tomatoface:

[Skrypnyk]

Should be doable now. Also, the default OCR forum theme now has max-width to match the rest of the site, but a dynamic width option is selectable if you prefer.

many thanks.

[djpretzel]

I've made some modifications based on feedback and my own usage, and will continue to do so over the next couple weeks...


Flipped the dropdowns with the secondary nav links to give the drops more emphasis and put them closer to content as well.
Made the headphones logo white... it pops out now more, and since I'm usually used to seeing it on black t-shirts, hoodies, and the black bumper stickers, it seems somehow *more* familiar this way... also solves contrast issue imo
Changed the wording in the upper-right login box on the forums so that it doesn't get AS obscured at 1024x768... still looking for a better/different solution, but it's something.
Widened the latest albums/mixes column on the homepage, removed the H1 and breadcrumb to regain vertical

Still definitely need to fix the image map on the OCR logo and add a donate/support link of some kind!

[Scufo]

Logo looks cool, but it's kinda strange to see it not the same color as the "Overclocked Remix" text.

Forum width is goooood.

[SoulinEther]

The recent album releases bar on the right lists "Final Fantasy IV: Echoes of Betrayal, Light of Re..." despite there being sufficient room for "Redemption" (Chrome/Windows, default font size). Just saying, lol.

[Kizyr]

I use Chrome too and after I cleared my cache those links leapt to the left side of the page above the logo and don't interfere with the vbulletin username.
Well, that did it!

Looks awesome. It's gonna be easy to get used to this new layout. NICE WORK. KF

[Abadoss]

I've made some modifications based on feedback and my own usage, and will continue to do so over the next couple weeks...


[...]
Flipped the dropdowns with the secondary nav links to give the drops more emphasis and put them closer to content as well.
[...]


I like what you did, as far as flipping the nav bar down. However, I know you're going to hate me for being the squeeky wheel on this, but the same issue with the dropdowns in IE8 is continuing - only when viewing the forums. If you need me to shut up about it, I can understand that, but, until you tell me otherwise, I'm going to assume you want feedback for what's not working or is a little off.

[Rozovian]

Saw the flipped logo, went "yeah". Looks great. Even alleviates the contrast issue between the dark header and the bright white body of the pages. A little. :D

[djpretzel]

I like what you did, as far as flipping the nav bar down. However, I know you're going to hate me for being the squeeky wheel on this, but the same issue with the dropdowns in IE8 is continuing - only when viewing the forums. If you need me to shut up about it, I can understand that, but, until you tell me otherwise, I'm going to assume you want feedback for what's not working or is a little off.

No, no, it's broken... I just don't know exactly how to fix it... yet.

[Harmony]

I miss being able to click the words "OVERCLOCKED REMIX" to get back to the homepage. The logo link is just too small a target for my erratic mouse work. I know you mentioned fixing the image map on the logo, not sure if that included adding the link.

Where I stand on the issues:
a-z links: Miss them

sidebar: never disliked it, like the dropdown search better

new colors: I'm neutral :<

better way to donate to site: definitely agree it needs to be more clear. A few weeks ago it took way too long for the zZounds rep to find the affiliate link from the main page. Related to that, I think that the "shirts" link is unclear. "OCR merchandise" or "merchandise" or "OCR store" or "store" would make more sense to me.

[Dafydd]

I agree on the clicking on the word part. Although technically I suppose it's actually two words, not one...

[djpretzel]

The image map for the header logo now makes the text clickable
"shirts" is now "store"
donate link added; goes straight to paypal... might need to reconsider and create a Wiki page, but the "directness" of the paypal link might be preferable?

[Sinewav]

Maybe it would help if there was a little description of why the money is needed and how it will be used... after that you wanna get 'em to paypal as quickly as possible.

[Antonio Pizza]

Looks purty.


Reminds me of the 2.0 design around 2001/2002 (with Mega Man and Zelda at the top with the piano keys).

The lack of alpha navigation is one of the first things I lamented. Guessing what page Super Metroid falls on in general is a bit more cumbersome that clicking on "T", then working a page or two backwards.


Overall, I like. Nice work and keep it up.

Minor extra-credit asthetic suggestions: Record yourself saying "Overclocked" or "OCR" and use this as the waveform that used to be behind the logo. I recall you said the old one came from a Google Image search.

Is there a way to outline or shadow the text menus? ("about, forums, games, music, people, workshop") Just curious.

[evktalo]

I like the new sleeker design. I didn't have a problem with the dark logo, but the lighter colour actually looks better to me.

Good work. It's a nice site. :]

--Eino

[Dafydd]

Maybe it would help if there was a little description of why the money is needed and how it will be used... after that you wanna get 'em to paypal as quickly as possible.

Tiny messagebox appearing when mouse-overing the donate word? Like when you do it over avatars.

[Brome]

I find the new colours great :)

I like the new dark grey, balck and white banner but I don't like the avatar beside it, because are often in colours and I think it's just awkward.

Next, the first thing I noticed was "where the hell is the sidebar ???" that's when I realize the whole website changed :P
I don't like the fact the sidebar is not here anymore, it looks like my screen was chopped on the left ! I grow used to the bar !!

Where are we going to search for remix names and stuff ??? :|

But generally it looks nice :<

[Xerol Oplan]

Small bug:

On the systems page, if you click on a system (and the element is highlighted), move the mouse around, and then hit the back button, the element remains highlighted until you hover on and off of it again.

FF 3.5.3, WinXP SP3

[The Pezman]

Any comments/thoughts on retaining ability to browse? Again, I liked the "library" aspect of being able to scroll around until I found something that caught my eye.

[Dhsu]

Any comments/thoughts on retaining ability to browse? Again, I liked the "library" aspect of being able to scroll around until I found something that caught my eye.
Click on "Games"?

[DragonAvenger]

I would really like to have A-Z links to games available for the music section. I found it took a lot longer to find one mix from FFV that I couldn't remember the name of.

[Dhsu]

One thing I was kind of hoping for was the option to search by tag in the quicksearch. Kind of an extra hassle to do it via the forums.

Speaking of tags though, have you thought about starting the practice of tagging the actual write-ups? I'm sure at some point some people are going to start wondering stuff like "how *did* 'RAD TIMBALE LICKS' get started anyway?" and it would be nice to have a more streamlined way of searching the write-ups.

[djpretzel]

K peeps, I'm hearing you:


I still don't want alpha nav as part of the overall site nav. It's just too ambiguous.
BUT, I think when browsing ReMixes by name, an alpha function would make sense. I'm working on it, but give me awhile :)
Dhsu, re:tags... I'm pretty sure we're gonna do something to emphasize them more outside the forums; I agree it's clunky/hidden to go by review threads and then reverse navigate. As for tagging the writeups... hadn't thought of it, really. Probably low priority.

Also, imo the google search is sorta clunky, but the quicksearch is awesome. However, it's problematic that the quicksearch isn't ALWAYS visible, but is instead contextually locked away inside each relevant mega-dropdown. My plan is to replace the google search with a quicksearch that defaults to games but also allows searching on mixes, artists, and albums. The way I have it mocked up now, the search bar is really, really long, but the mascot actually ends up on top of the last bit. It looks kinda cool to me, but it still needs polishing and I need the javascript to all work right.

Bottom line? Definitely more changes coming. Thanks for all the feedback!

[Level 99]

I don't know if this was brought up yet or not, but besides all the changes that have been made, I noticed something that might be something to consider down-the-road. (This was also something that could have applied before the redesign, but since you're taking feedback, here is as good a place as any to pitch it)

For people involved in projects or administration, the tags for their involvement are particularly long. If someone directs/co-directs/co-assistant directs/etc. more than two or three projects, that line is going to go past the row end and wrap around (?). Maybe something like a badge system can be implemented: a badge with an image associated with the project or role, rollover text indicating the association, and it is also a link to the project thread/site. It could possibly save a good chunk of real-estate, and would be less text to crowd the eyes. Just a suggestion!

Edit: Also, really liking the redesign. Probably should have mentioned that, heh.

[LuIzA]

to be honest, I do miss the alphabetical navigation. Sure, search is far more efficient, but I'd still think it's cool to have the alpha as an option. I usually used it to go directly to remixer or game pages, it was fairly quick. the one thing that was also cool is that I always ended up stumbling across something cool I didn't notice before, be it a 'new' game or artist I should or have been meaning to check out.

[Dafydd]

I like the badge idea. They could be roughly 20x20 pixels and be lined up on the same row as the username rather than below it.

Speaking of which, the little blob indicating whether you're online or not is horribly out of line with the username. It would be much nicer looking if it was aligned (moved up 10 pixels or so). Another idea would be to have the username color indicate online status instead, but most users would probably find that rather confusing.

And, since there's been no change since last time I brought it up, I might as well remind you that the username is 1 pixel too far to the right compared to the rows below it.

[Patrick Burns]

After using it a while and after the addition of the search bar, I like it. It looks more intuitive (not that I would ever know, already being so used to the site) and balanced.

I'm always a fan of simpler color schemes, but since the main fields of the home page are always going to have lots of color, maybe injecting some color in the headphone/controller logo area would balance things out a bit more.

Thanks for all your work, djp.

[Dafydd]

Myeah. I kind of agree the color is all stuck in the right corner, which is kind of weird. I also miss the waveform in the logo.

[Harmony]

search bar >> alpha navigation. Plus the mascots hovering over the right side of it looks pretty slick.

Still wondering about that odd link (http://ocremix.org/forums/showpost.php?p=608082&postcount=837) on the Workshop page though. Is it supposed to be like that?

[Dhsu]

I would make a $20 donation to OCR right now to have Heroes of Newerth characters added to the mascots just so I could at some point say "WANT TO SEE YOUR QUICKSEARCH BAR? TOO BAD IT'S ME BLACKSMITH!"

[Liontamer]

I would make a $20 donation to OCR right now to have Heroes of Newerth characters added to the mascots just so I could at some point say "WANT TO SEE YOUR QUICKSEARCH BAR? TOO BAD IT'S ME BLACKSMITH!"

Any art you can point us to? :lol:

[DragonAvenger]

search bar >> alpha navigation. Plus the mascots hovering over the right side of it looks pretty slick.

I agree that the search bar looks pretty good as is. I think the alpha nav should be in the music pop-up screen instead of "List all songs alphabetically".

[djpretzel]

search bar >> alpha navigation. Plus the mascots hovering over the right side of it looks pretty slick.

Still wondering about that odd link (http://ocremix.org/forums/showpost.php?p=608082&postcount=837) on the Workshop page though. Is it supposed to be like that?

Fixed. Just for you :nicework:

I agree that the search bar looks pretty good as is. I think the alpha nav should be in the music pop-up screen instead of "List all songs alphabetically".

I'll give that some thought, could work nicely. Had already considered it but needed to do revised quicksearch first.

[Mustin]

Just gotta chime in here and say the site changes are great. Was a little worried, but then the search bar was added AND it goes behind the characters. Style points +9

Great work.

[Dhsu]

Any art you can point us to? :lol:
After a Googling for roughly 5 minutes, I am sad to say that I have been unsuccessful in finding any Blacksmith art. :'[

Still, you can find some nice stuff for other characters here (http://heroesofnewerth.com/media.php?t=ca), and some of these (http://honwiki.net/wiki/Heroes) would make pretty nice avatars. :)

[Rozovian]

New search bar looks great, but can it be done so there's two more options: all (default) and forums? The former just so you can just click and type what you're looking for.

...and/or...

Have each of the sections show up in search. If you couldn't find a game by the name "Samus", you see artists, mixes, albums, and forum posts where the search word appears.

[Liontamer]

After a Googling for roughly 5 minutes, I am sad to say that I have been unsuccessful in finding any Blacksmith art. :'[

Still, you can find some nice stuff for other characters here (http://heroesofnewerth.com/media.php?t=ca), and some of these (http://honwiki.net/wiki/Heroes) would make pretty nice avatars. :)

Right, but then we don't get 20 bucks, so... :lol:

[Palpable]

Have each of the sections show up in search. If you couldn't find a game by the name "Samus", you see artists, mixes, albums, and forum posts where the search word appears.

This is my preferred way of having the search work, if possible.

[Level 99]

Also, props to having the login boxes in the upper-right corner now if you aren't logged in. Saves me one less page of navigating in-case my session times out when I wasn't paying attention. Awesome!

[Dafydd]

I'm too lazy to check if this was mentioned already, but in all of the dropdown menus that have a search field, those search fields already contain text like "search games..." and it's hugely annoying how that text stays unless you manually remove it, i.e. it doesn't delete itself when you click on the field to type something. The "search games..." field next to/behind the mascot on the top right corner of the screen, however, works like it should.

Also, it would be nice if, once you've started typing something into any of these dropdown menu fields, you need to *click* to get to another menu, rather than just by mouse-overing. As it is now, you can be typing something in the "people" search field and simultaneously move the mouse (accidentally or not) over the word "music", thereby loading the "music" menu instead, which you don't likely want to do since you're typing something in the "people" search field.

The menu is getting to be more and more agreeable. Keep up the good work.

Thank you.