Forum Re-Design

[enderw88]

I for one prefer the retro encabulator because of it superior documentation.

But back to point, I like the new design, and the verdana,  I got caught by the test/test thing too...

 

[Matthew Schenker]

I'm going to try and keep up on everyone's comments and feedback here, and tweak the re-design as we go along.  After all, that's the point of introducing a test site!

I actually really like the test forum.  I think the dark colors make it a lot easier to see.  I also like that whatever heading the mouse is on changes colors, which stands in contrast to just underlining.  I also like that the menu on the top header is larger and easier to read.  Of course, these are initial reactions, but on the whole I really like it!  Good job!

One question:

Will the new forum have a way to "mark" what subject or board one has already read?

Thanks!  Your points about the colors and menu design are my thinking as well.
The new forum will have all the same functionality as the current one.  Remember, it is the same core software, just a different "skin."

Matthew--

I didn't want to be the first to say this, but I'm perfectly satisfied with the current theme for the forum.  My only hope for any redesign is that it be as clear and easy to use as FOG is now.

Although I don't know what's available in the SMF catalog, I'd rather see added functionality and continued tweaking.  It's working well.

The problem with the current theme is that is it not distinctive enough.  If you browse around the Internet, you'll see several sites that use SMF with the default theme.  I want this site to have its own look, while still using the excellent core functions of SMF.  The re-design will certainly be as clear and easy to use as the default theme -- even more so.

As far as "continued tweaking" goes, the re-design does not change any of that.  I will continue to twek functions here and there to respond to members' ideas and requests, just as I have done in the default theme.  Remember, even though it looks very different, we are not talking about a new forum, but a re-design of the visual elements.

Matthew, I for one am completely digging the new changes. However, if the new Turbo Encabulator is not incorporated well then you can just count me out.  ;D : Fred

Thanks for the feedback.  Well, I can't promise to include the Encabulator!  Hopefully, there will be other elements that keep you interested!

Matthew

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Everyone,
I think it would help us get a better sense of the re-design if there was a "real" logo in the header of the test forum.
As we get contributions from the logo contest, I'll install various ones as we go along.  I've just installed the first logo contest entry, provided by Scott W.  Check the test site to see what I mean.
Matthew

 

[Fred West]

Mathew, I really like Scott W. design. However, the section that tells us we have messages is almost completely obscured. So if that portion could be moved lower or defined better I really like this first entry. Fred

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Fred,
Yes, I just adjusted the background color to take care of that.  Check the test site!
Matthew

 

[semenza]

One question:

Will the new forum have a way to "mark" what subject or board one has already read?

Matthew, 
   
    Will the big letter F  continue this job by being colored or un-colored?  The color/ no color  really stands out nicely in its current form.  If the  F  was to be changed to a different symbol how about something representitive of each catagory?  Or a Systainer Latch that opens and closes?

Seth

 

[Matthew Schenker]

    Will the big letter F  continue this job by being colored or un-colored?  The color/ no color  really stands out nicely in its current form.  If the  F  was to be changed to a different symbol how about something representitive of each catagory?  Or a Systainer Latch that opens and closes?

I've thought about this before -- creating lively "new post indicators" for each board.  Right now, my plan is to continue using the "F" symbol, but I am open to new ideas, and now is definitely this is the right time to do it with a re-design in the works.

If you have some ideas to share, go ahead and post some samples and let's see what people think.  My one request is that you create a new discussion for "new post indicators" (or whatever name you choose).

Thanks for the ideas.

Matthew

 

[Fred West]

Matthew, I just refreshed and then logged out and back in. "Hello test" "You have" and "0 are new" are all easily read but not the rest. Fred PS Maybe it is just my monitor but it is brand new and a 19" Flat Screen so i will be very upset if this is the case. ;D

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Matthew, I just refreshed and then logged out and back in. "Hello test" "You have" and "0 are new" are all easily read but not the rest. Fred PS Maybe it is just my monitor but it is brand new and a 19" Flat Screen so i will be very upset if this is the case. ;D

Just to make sure, are you saying that you have trouble viewing these lines:
Show unread posts since last visit.
Show new replies to your posts.

I lightened the font for that region, so it should be clearer now.

Check it again and let me know.

Thanks,
Matthew

 

[Ned]

In the area that Fred reported, the gray text (color= #bcbcbc) on the blue background (#3d71ad) solidly fails all three color contrast tests.  Within the range of acceptable screen tuning, some screens will display this worse than others.

In general, "reverse" display, that is, lighter text on a darker background, does not work well, particularly for older eyes.  Try a site that uses a black background and light gray for the text...they may as well have a secret password that no one over 40 knows...

Fred, nothing wrong with your monitor.  The color combination doesn't look good on mine either.

Matthew, as I understand it, the new logo will be the background for this area, so perhaps this particular problem will go away on its own.

For fun and amusement, check out Web Pages That Suck.  He's just completed his ranking of the 10 worst sites of 2007.

Ned

 

[Fred West]

Matthew, that looks much better. Ned thank you very much as well. Fred

 

[Overtime]

Swap out the drill for the domino, the domi faceplate is very bright.

I did like the Georgia fonts - Large , easy to read good spacing. Was real nice to type in message form also. But I did not like the funky numbers with the trailing number being large ?

Any how something is missing on the main header fonts ?  Perhaps crisper letters or a black shadow line a little thicker ? The white shadow line is weak, and renders the lettering soft and mushy, kinda like cornflakes sitting in the milk a little too long.  ???

 

[Overtime]

Ok it's the color the green looks like pea soup  .  Change to the color green you get when the cursor highlights a topic heading, that might be more in line with Festool colors ?  ???

 

[Fred West]

Matthew, I love the green color and unlike Patrick do not think it looks like pea soup.  ;D However, I think when when you go to the Home page the headings which are very legible just seem really stark. But then I am not a huge fan of black on white anyway. I love the black and green Festool colors and would love to see the heading in green with a black background or vice versa. Fred

 

[Matthew Schenker]

In the area that Fred reported, the gray text (color= #bcbcbc) on the blue background (#3d71ad) solidly fails all three color contrast tests.  Within the range of acceptable screen tuning, some screens will display this worse than others.

Check the site again.  I changed the font to white against the blue (#3D71AD) background.  Fred reported that it looks better now.  How is it working for you?

Matthew, as I understand it, the new logo will be the background for this area, so perhaps this particular problem will go away on its own.

The header as you see it now (with Scott W's contribution) is a good example of the way things will eventually look.  We'll have a new graphic for the header, plus a background color that blends well with that graphic.

Matthew

 

[semenza]

Hi,

        The white lettering seems to contrast very well in the logo as it stands now.  The more muted blue of the logo background looks a little dull tome though..    Then again this may not turn out to be the new logo either ( not that it isn't nice work Scott).

        Another thing I noticed is the thin green line running arond the pages. It is a small detail  , but I think it adds nicely to the overall look. Maybe it should go all the way around (across the top)  or even boarder the logo box area?

         Still think the pink shading for the quote box in a reply needs to go. Or is it just my monitor? How about trying very pale grey?

Seth

 

[Matthew Schenker]

        The white lettering seems to contrast very well in the logo as it stands now.  The more muted blue of the logo background looks a little dull tome though..    Then again this may not turn out to be the new logo either ( not that it isn't nice work Scott).

OK, good!  I'm glad it works well for you.  Yes, the logo might change (let's see what happens in the contest).  If the muted blue looks dull, I could change it to a darker, richer color.  The trick here is that the background of the logo needs to match (blend) witih the solid background of the header.

        Another thing I noticed is the thin green line running arond the pages. It is a small detail  , but I think it adds nicely to the overall look. Maybe it should go all the way around (across the top)  or even boarder the logo box area?

Thanks again for the feedback.  Yes, I put that detail in so I could add a subtle Festool-oriented detail.  I'm trying not to overdo the green too much!  But I just made it so the border goes all around (top, bottom, left, and right).  Tell me what you think.

        Still think the pink shading for the quote box in a reply needs to go. Or is it just my monitor?

I see what you mean.  I changed the quote area to light gray, which should work better for everyone.  Check the test site again to see the changes.

Thanks, and keep up with the ideas.

Matthew

 

[Fred West]

So, Matthew I love that if I click on "All Tools and Accessories" or any of the others they turn green but the black on white prior to that is just way to stark for me. Any other opinions/ideas? Fred

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Fred,
Are you suggesting a different font color, or a different background color?  In this case, I'm inclined to go with black on whiite, but, as always, I'm open to suggestions.
Matthew

 

[Daviddubya]

I like the colors and contrast.  Unless my eyes are deceiving me, the font size is noticeably larger when viewing a thread, compared to the Home page or the index page for a forum.  Personally, I prefer the larger font size - it is much easier to read for me.  Thanks for your efforts, Matthew.