I rated it poor, and here's why.
I have a widescreen monitor, and I keep my browser window at a very large setting, but still the new page requires me to slide the page back and forth in order to see everything. The only way I can view the page in its entirety is if I expand my browser window to full, which means I can't click on desktop icons or other program windows I might have open (and I almost always have multiple programs running). Take into account that not everyone has a widescreen monitor and that the crap on the sides which is making it unnecessarily large is completely annoying and doesn't add anything to the page, makes this fail in my book. The "side" Navigation bar looks like its in the center of the web page, which is fugly, and I agree with others that the Bakuganbuzz title looks dated compared to the rest of the page. The navigation bar across the top of the page is completely repetitive to the "side" bar, and then there even more gigantic buttons below that even add more redundancy. And I know there is a store for a source of income (which I totally understand), but really, does there need to be 4 links (side bar, top bar, store button, banner ad) to the store on the top half of the page?
On a positive note, the news entries look nice.
Overall it is a flashier but ultimately more difficult page to visit. I don't think that's a standard you want to aspire to. I would suggest getting rid of either the side or top navigation bar, the side bar looks more dated, but is quicker and easier than a limited top navigation bar. Also if you want to add more character designs, please add them to the top or bottom where they don't stretch the page unnecessarily. I hope you wanted honest, because, well, there it is.
Mirth~
Mirth, Thanks for the comments I'll attempt to address each of your concerns here:
- Side Scroll: This is just the mockup phase, we won't build the site that will need a side scroll. I understand that this could be frustrating, but not something that will be included in the new design.
- I've had a few request to update the BakuganBuzz title which we will be doing.
- Side navigation: As we add more navigation to the top we will be taking out the section on the side, so that it isn't repetitive.
- Store Button: This will only be placed in the center section (1 of 3), the side navigation will be taken off. The top navigation (Marketplace - I'm assuming?), isn't going to be the store, it's actually going to be a location where users can buy, trade or sell their Bakugan items - so not necessarily the 'Store' of the site. The Banner doesn't link to the store, it's showing a campaign offer - which in this case is the 'Christmas Wish List'. So all in all, I agree with you & the store will only have 1 link.
I appreciate the feedback, after reading my comments let me know your feedback?
Thanks,
BJ
P.S. I would like to see some examples of a side bar that you'd recommend using?
Poll