What would you like to see on the front page?

[Nick Verwymeren]

We're thinking of redesigning the front page. Please let us know your (constructive) thoughts about the front page and what you'd like to see more/less of. Do you like the general layout? Is there too much info? Would you like to see more content? Also let us know if you're having trouble finding anything specific. Remember keep it specific to the front page only. If you have comments about the rest of the site we can start up another discussion.

[Brad & Melissa Davies]

keep videos on the main page to ministry related. If people want to see Obama they will go to CNN. If they want to see soccer highlights then they will check Youtube. If they come to RTO site they want to see RTO staff/students and ministry.

[Markus Fritsch]

that is true I agree with that

[Aaron M]

I totally agree to this! Check out Darwin's site, http://www.ywamoutback.org.au it's a great example of what to do with a splash page, keeps it simple, does what you want it to.

[Aaron M]

Try using a different browser, maybe? Firefox, Opera, and Safari all have the same web standards, but internet explorer does things it's own way.

[Mike & Jessica Murray]

I love the way Markus is so 'to the point' with things. :) I agree with Aaron that the Darwin home page is great. I think the YWAM Muizenberg (south africa) site is a really great example as well. http://www.ywammuizenberg.org

I also agree with Mel that the cutouts are cheesy and a great photo would suffice with a simpler background/border.

Lastly, I think Steph was right that we don't want the page to lose it's appeal to young adults & high school grads (potential DTS students), but I think there also needs to be a balance with it looking clean and somewhat professional for long term staff who are looking for a platform to communicate with and to supporters.

[Aaron M]

Hmm, I think the cutouts are alright... cut outs was really trendy in 2008 web design, and seems to be carrying over to this year. Pastel colors are definitely still in as far as web sites go.

I took a look at the Muizenberg site, I think it's pretty good, as well. If the photo were enlarged and the menu made a little more interactive... for example, collapsing the whole menu to the top left corner and using a wider, more centered photo to center your page.

The Muizenberg site actually has an issue in common with our site that a few people have pointed out to me, as well... lack of use of screen real estate. On wider screens (basically, 15" screens and up) you begin to get fairly wide right and left margins. This space, I think, needs to be used, even in a simple way. If you observe the splash page for the Darwin site, you notice that they have a map in the background... even having that simple image supporting your space outside and in between your content makes a huge difference. There is a very marked contrast between the center 3 columns and the outside margins because of content... lots in the middle and none at all on the outside.

[Stephanie Anderson]

didnt we even design this site?? haha. i agree with you. we need a wicked splash page

[Aaron M]

Yeah, Stephen and Nick both had input on it.

I don't know if we need a splash page, but I think our entry point for visitors should be simpler, at the least.