Re: [Firebird-website] A few mockups for firebirdsql.org website

[Paul V. <pa...@vi...>]

Hi all,

> Bandean Lorand (one of our designers) proposed and worked on an few
> designs for the new firebirdsql.org website
> He asked for feedback and what should be done next

A first short reaction to the designs.

Orange is our trademark colour, but especially "our" strong kind of orange easily becomes overwhelming if used as a fill colour for large or even medium-sized areas. I therefore like the first design best. Even there, I think the orange selection bar with the grey letters is ugly. Maybe it would be possible to use two oranges: the strong orange for the logo and possibly some linings, and a softer, lighter orange for selections bars, fillings and the like.

Apart from the colours used, I think all three designs are far better than what we have now. I like 1 and 3 better than 2 because they have different background colors for the navigation bar and the main content area.

What I like about all three is that they look professional and serious (not "flashy" or "sexy" or with all kinds of bells, whistles and animations shouting loudly to get your attention) without getting dry or boring.

What I also like - in connection to the above - is the simple two-column layout. That's absolutely the best.

All that said, I'm not wildly enthusiastic about any one of the designs. But I take it there will be plenty of room to talk about the details yet. And then, a website is not something that you have to go "Ooooohhhh" and "Aaaaahhhh" about. It has to be useful, and clear, and the user should be able to find what he or she needs with relative ease. And if it's also beautiful, well, that's a plus, but 'nice' is fine too.

The most important thing now is that for the first time we seem to be really on our way to developing a better website. And that's something I *am* wildly enthusiastic about. And I want to thank Bandean Lorand and all the others involved for making this possible!


Cheers,
Paul Vinkenoog