As promised, we’re going to let our readers decide which of our final redesigns will become the next Buzz Bin. This phase two of our optimization experiment with Viget Labs. Please vote in the comments section. Thank you for your help!!! And special thanks to Viget Labs for these excellent designs.
The first entry is the red template with white text. It features a new masthead with easier navigation. To see a full size version, click on the image.
The second template features a similar red background, but each post has a white background with dark text and larger logo and masthead.
So if you had to have one or the other, which would you choose?
I pick the last one ;) – don’t ask why ;)
The second one, definitely. :)
The second one, too.
Definitely the WhiteBuzz. It has focus on content. And you know the three C’s in blogging? Content Content Content. :)
And it also gives a good balance. RedBuzz has too much red.
2nd one, most definitely.
/kff
Definitely the second one. I like the subtle gradients.
You never want to have the bulk of your readable material as light text on a dark background as it makes it difficult for people to read.
The second one. Can’t take reading too much on a dark background, the 2nd has a cleaner look, easier to read and still has the groovy red accents.
Second one.
Hands down, the second one. The background is just too much in the first one.
Second one – much cleaner, visually pleasing.
Definitely the white – my blog theme is very similar. I love the red! http://conniebensen.com
But I just realized something – is it like fast food places (causing people to move on more quickly? hmmm)
Geoff — I like the mast and the links of the first one (flat — much more timeless than the rounded look of the second one) with the lower half of the second one (I like the white text background).
Great concept!
- Brad
Ditto – #2 easier to read and I like the logo better.
The second one is crisper, accents are more noticeable, text is easier on the eyes when reading.
The second one, no question. Copy is easier to read on a white background and the rounded corners make for a much more friendly-looking site.
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My, how 1980s
Geoff, that was supposed to look like the numeral 2
oops.
the 1980s reference was to that illustration, not your redesign.
:)
I see why folks like the second one better. I like the header for the first one. The logo seems oversized. Kind of goofy. Actually, I’d use the top header and tighten it up a bit. I like the first one except the reversed print is a turn-off. The gradients get a bit old. The bottom one seems too heavy. Something lighter would be nice.
The wisdom of the crowd, two is by far the better choice.
Okay – here I come late to the party as usual.
I like more of #2, but as long as we’re tweaking…
- need some type of icon. Something for the header as an accent element that also plays as a favicon. Branding.
- less whitespace at the top. I like whitespace, but too much at the top pushes your content too far below the scroll.
- #1 has a too-small logo, #2 is too big. It breaks the clean lines extending up from your post-content zone. Keep it gridded within that line, and it will be less disconcerting.
- consider porting your whole website into the blog, as static pages. As long as you’re going with a professional feel, extend that brand across. Make it a seamless user experience.
Then again, what do I know? Have you seen my blog lately?
Hi Geoff — I’d pick the last one. The black text on a white background makes for easier reading. Looking forward to reading more from you, as well as hearing/getting involved in BlogPotomac. Cheers, Dan
I’m happy to see that everyone is on the same page…I like number 2 as well.
The first one definitely. It’s easier to read (you aren’t distracted by that frame), and the logo isn’t so freakin’ huge.
That logo on the second one is definitely a problem. Also it’s not related to anything. It’s just sitting there (the logo) and so the tabs above seem also misplaced.
The frame itself on the second one is also bizarre. Like where did the rounded corners come from in this very rectilinear design?
As a designer, I have to say the first one offers balance, proportion and readability. It’s elegant with its own personality. The second looks like design by committee with far too many competing elements: the logo, the frame. Do. Not. Like.
Good to see all the feedback, Geoff! Looking forward to the new launch …