Site Redesign: What would you like to see?!

StangFlyer · 11-19-2000, 02:33 PM

Hello everyone. I am posting this message because we are currently planning on redesigning MustangWorks.com some time over the winter. We will be giving it a completely new "look-n-feel". We will be changing the graphical look of the site, the color scheme, the navigation, and other aspects of how the site operates. Therefore, we would ask the members of our community for suggestions. What do you feel would be the most worthwhile changes regarding the way MustangWorks.com is laid out, functions, or looks to make this a better site?

We already have two different site concepts in the works. In addition, there may end up being two versions of the site. One for modem users and one for broadband users. The low bandwidth version will be much lighter on the graphics and much more modem friendly. The high bandwidth version would be more graphical, cool, high-end, and maybe contain or be partially made of Flash even.

Finally, one of the biggest things we are looking at is whether to keep the site frame based, or go back to a non-framed layout. And, to do it on both versions of the site, if we indeed end up with both a low and broadband version.

------------------
Dan McClain, Editor
The Mustang Works Magazine
1991 Mustang GT - NOVI Supercharged 377 Stroker
1999 Ford Lightning SVT - Supercharged 5.4L Triton

[This message has been edited by Dan McClain (edited 11-19-2000).]

Gautam · 11-19-2000, 03:45 PM

Hi,
That is cool. Without any offence, I didn't exactly like the current look (not exactly a big fan of frames).

I'm really into graphics and web design. Maybe I will see if I can create an interface and show it to you guys. If you like it, it's all yours, if not, I'll just stick it in my portfolio vault (or heck, I'll use it on my own site).

Anywho, I look forward to a redesigned MustangWorks.com. Best of luck!

BTW, If you need help with designing the look, don't hesitate to ask.

Bye!

------------------
Gautam N. Lad
http://www.cubicdesign.com
http://www.cubicdesign.com/mustang/

FivepointOH · 11-19-2000, 05:04 PM

I think it would be a good idea to have 2 versions of the site for modem and high bandwith. Personally I like frames, it is easier to jump back and forth with less clicks that way. I would make the middle frame bigger though, maybe take out the stuff to the right of it and below it and put all that on the left side. Oh and thanks for the awesome site Dan, I appreciate all the time you and everyone else puts into it to make it better.

------------------
92 AOD GT, K&N, ram air, pulleys, 2 ch. flowmasters, 4:10's, shift kit, 1 5/8 mac longtubes and offroad hpipe 14.249 @ 97.34 mph before the headers and hpipe

Skankin · 11-19-2000, 05:17 PM

I think it's pretty good now... although Piston Pete is kind of a waste of space ;-)

Nothing against Pete, there'd just be more space if he was tucked under the left side.

This is really only a concern when I have to call in (modem) with the old 14" monitor.

Having two versions might be a good idea. I wouldn't object to some bikini's on the graphics based site ;-)

JR 302GT · 11-19-2000, 05:56 PM

I do like the idea of modem/broadband sites being separate. Maybe make the modem site a non frames page and the broadband page with just 2 frames like mentioned above, just one menu on the left frame and the content on the right.

I like this site the way it is, but change is always welcome! And again, thanks for the great informitive site and taking the time to keep up with it.

John

Unit 5302 · 11-19-2000, 09:19 PM

One of the neat features I've found on Kat's "Luvmi93's" site is a poll feature. That would be a welcome edition in my opinion, just so we could get numerical results for answers to questions in the forum posts. Kinda like the topic of the month, only anyone could create it.

I really don't care if it's a frame site or not, heck, I can hardly remember the old Mustangworks site design to tell the truth. I would say it'd probably be better for older computer users if there were no frames though. Just because they are likely to be viewing this site at less than 1024, or perhaps even at 640x480 like me right now. God I hate it when my new monitors blow up!

A different viewing for broadband users and modem users sounds like quite a bit of extra work, I'm sure it would be cool for the faster guys, but I'm not so sure it wouldn't leave the little guys feeling a little left out. Still, kinda cool to be able to use whatcha got.

88workcar · 11-19-2000, 09:32 PM

Dan, call me old fashon. I am happy with it the way it is.

joe4speed · 11-19-2000, 10:14 PM

I also like it now and like frames too... I don't know why people dont like frames! I am for the idea of a high bandwidth site as well! good idea, but lots of work, yes? The only other message board I go to just redesigned.... They have a new message board, and it looks pretty cool, and the site owner says it uses less resources and is faster than the old UBB... www.sportbikeworld.com check it out...! The flash would be cool too! I love that stuff! Anyways, good luck, I hope it goes without too many late night bug finding!!

------------------
Joe!
1988 GT, 167,000 miles!!!
13.71@105mph
Check out my listing! Click here!

lx mike · 11-19-2000, 10:59 PM

i'm just getting used to this one and your changing again! oh well, guess i'll have to spend more time here when it does change, seperate versions for up fast connections sounds nice. i know nothing about web sites design so flash, frames and all that is martian to me.

11-20-2000, 02:13 AM

First off I wanna say,

Dan,you have put together by far the most informative,user friendly Mustang site on the Internet

Second I also like the way the site is set-up now,but it would be nice to have some added features for the appearance of the site such as(flash,changing to more eye catching colors,etc.)

Many of the web page design companies are seeing the popularity grow of the websites with flash and other enhancers that make the sites stand out from the others that are on the internet.

It's all about being unique and user friendly.

Looking forward to the new design!

AJSTANG · 11-20-2000, 07:50 AM

Plans for layout and looks sounds good.

A Discussion Forum just for Drag Racing would be nice too.

AxemanZZ · 11-20-2000, 10:30 AM

Just curious, what are the two different site concepts you are considering Dan?

I think it would be great to have two versions of the site. I am dial-up, but still like to visit sites that are graphically intense. A Flash version would be cool.

------------------
90 Mustang LX 5.0
K&N, Taylor Spiro Pro wires, Pro 5.0, 16" Cobra R's, 225/50ZR16 Dunlop SP Sport 8000's, FMS "C" springs, Koni Sport Yellow's, Kenny Brown Chassis support kit, BBK caster/camber plates.
My Ride
My Site
Fastest 1/4 - 15.607 One tire spinning.

Thad · 11-20-2000, 06:31 PM

I like the way the site is now, but i'm all for change.
I like the idea of a high band site.
Keep the frames.
Piston Pete needs a new look.
Some sounds or different graphics added.

------------------
90 LX 5.0 Not timed in 1/4 mile yet. 135mph max speed, so far.

Hethj7 · 11-21-2000, 04:17 PM

I like the site the way it is, except that it takes quite a while to load the opening page ( I am dial up). Possibly put all the news and updates on another page and then use flash on the opening page. It may take a while, but I would rather load cool graphics and stuff rather than all the news and events going on. If I want to get an update on that stuff, I would rather just pull it up once a week. Also, don't create too many forums. As an example, I would rather have just a racing forum where drag racing and open track questions are answered. Many people can share knowledge on both subjects, but if they spend most of their time in a drag racing forum, then open track racers may miss out on some of their insights. Whatever you decide to go with will be great! Thanks again for all your hard work!!

95mustanggt · 11-22-2000, 10:18 AM

I like the layout of this site, I like the colour scheme too. Piston Pete (I didn't know that was his name..) does take up some space, maybe he should be moved...
I think some more detailed "how to's" or "tech tips" could be useful. I have read most of the articles and they are good, but I would like to see some more with pictures and time saving tips (for us first time mustang guys). Otherwise I love this site

!

------------------
White 1995 Mustang GT
Dynomax Cat-Back
Custom H-pipe
K&N Filters w/o Air Silencer
My 1995 Mustang GT

AxemanZZ · 11-22-2000, 11:34 AM

Also, since you guys have made this the best Stang site on the net by providing free web sites for one and all, how about adding a button up with the private message, quote, etc that takes you to that persons web site so they don't have to put stiff like that in their signature? One for that persons Users Ride would be cool too. I know - more hacking =) But it would save a little space in the sigs and would probably make peoples sigs a little smaller.

Also, find a font that works for the site and use it throughout all the text images.

I kinda like the layout as it is now but am looking forward to the new look. Thanks Dan for all the hard work you are doing to make this such a great site!

StangFlyer · 11-22-2000, 12:19 PM

Ok all, I can give you these insights already:

"Horsepower Bob" (I have no clue who came up with Piston Pete) is toast. That whole strip on the right side of the screen will be freed up for further content space. I may ax the main site counter all together, as well. It's "neat", but somewhat irrelevant . Most people don't even understand what that counter actually signifies to begin with. That's not the number of "page hits" the entire site has received by any means, which I think most folks think when they see it. That is just the number of users who have loaded the site's "framing" since the thing was last reset. The number of "page hits" for the entire site is a vastly larger number.

Gautam, I appreciate your offer, but I wouldn't put much time into doing any thing. The new main site look-n-feel (Photoshop work) has already been designed. It was actually mostly completed yesterday and is a very professional graphic design. In fact, we may not even need to worry about doing two versions of the site. The new design is graphical, yet very light weight, and extremely clean and crisp. Only two others besides myself have been shown the new design thus far, but they indicated they were very impressed by it. A good sign indeed.

For those of you who commented about the frames vs. non frames issue, I am still not positive either way. However, it's somewhat looking like MW's may have to become a non frame based layout again. The new design may not lend itself to framing. It would fit within a browser width wise at 800x600 resolution, but probably would not fit in the framing correctly height wise. Or, so it appears thus far. When the HTML layout and design is being done with the new design, I will attempt to do it frame based first to see if it can be done. Regardless, I can tell you that the new FFW design will almost certainly still be frame based.

JL1314, I think most people do not like frames because most sites do not use them worth a crap. Most people don't know how to do a high-end, frame based layout. Frames are used very heavily in the professional Internet development world and have been for some time. I've done numerous sites for the big three, and they've been at least 80% to 90% high end frame based designs.

For example, this was the dealer only 99 Ford Mustang Site, which was (it's now defunct) a frame based design:

For those of you who say they love the site now, thanks a lot! We do appreciate it! However, there is much room for improvement still. The site is ok, the the design fits what it is for the most part. But, the design is also not extraordinarily clean, not nearly the quality of my "professional" work, and I think it's time for it to be so, and more if possible!

AxemanZZ, your ideas are both great concerning the homepage and user's rides link in the message board. However, that is a seperate issue from the site redesign, since really that concerns the "look" and "navigation" of the site rather than the content pages or features themselves. However, a good suggestion non the less, and I will definitely try to add them when time permits. The fact is, several new features are planned for the future. Probably most of them will come after new site design goes up though.

More to come later.. I am reading your comments and I appreciate them. Nothing is totally set in stone yet, so keep them coming!

------------------
Dan McClain, Editor
The Mustang Works Magazine
1991 Mustang GT - NOVI Supercharged 377 Stroker
1999 Ford Lightning SVT - Supercharged 5.4L Triton

[This message has been edited by Dan McClain (edited 11-22-2000).]

Giddy Up · 11-23-2000, 10:50 AM

Love the site now, I just would rather have the frame only on the left side of the screen. That way there is more room to see the other stuff.

dirtyGT · 12-11-2000, 08:28 AM

Somthing that would be cool under your user's name have the year and type of car and a small picture underneath.But anyway you do it Dan i'm sure will be awsome you really don't need any of our help

------------------
86GT-MACcatback-89heads,intake,TB,KENNYBROWNsubs,3.73's,HURST shifter,much more to come

11-19-2000, 02:33 PM	#1
StangFlyer Founder Join Date: Jun 1995 Location: Michigan Posts: 19,326	Site Redesign: What would you like to see?! Hello everyone. I am posting this message because we are currently planning on redesigning MustangWorks.com some time over the winter. We will be giving it a completely new "look-n-feel". We will be changing the graphical look of the site, the color scheme, the navigation, and other aspects of how the site operates. Therefore, we would ask the members of our community for suggestions. What do you feel would be the most worthwhile changes regarding the way MustangWorks.com is laid out, functions, or looks to make this a better site? We already have two different site concepts in the works. In addition, there may end up being two versions of the site. One for modem users and one for broadband users. The low bandwidth version will be much lighter on the graphics and much more modem friendly. The high bandwidth version would be more graphical, cool, high-end, and maybe contain or be partially made of Flash even. Finally, one of the biggest things we are looking at is whether to keep the site frame based, or go back to a non-framed layout. And, to do it on both versions of the site, if we indeed end up with both a low and broadband version. ------------------ Dan McClain, Editor The Mustang Works Magazine 1991 Mustang GT - NOVI Supercharged 377 Stroker 1999 Ford Lightning SVT - Supercharged 5.4L Triton [This message has been edited by Dan McClain (edited 11-19-2000).]

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11-19-2000, 03:45 PM	#2
Gautam Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Posts: 298	Hi, That is cool. Without any offence, I didn't exactly like the current look (not exactly a big fan of frames). I'm really into graphics and web design. Maybe I will see if I can create an interface and show it to you guys. If you like it, it's all yours, if not, I'll just stick it in my portfolio vault (or heck, I'll use it on my own site). Anywho, I look forward to a redesigned MustangWorks.com. Best of luck! BTW, If you need help with designing the look, don't hesitate to ask. Bye! ------------------ Gautam N. Lad http://www.cubicdesign.com http://www.cubicdesign.com/mustang/

11-19-2000, 05:04 PM	#3
FivepointOH Registered Member Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Sugar Land, Tx USA Posts: 478	I think it would be a good idea to have 2 versions of the site for modem and high bandwith. Personally I like frames, it is easier to jump back and forth with less clicks that way. I would make the middle frame bigger though, maybe take out the stuff to the right of it and below it and put all that on the left side. Oh and thanks for the awesome site Dan, I appreciate all the time you and everyone else puts into it to make it better. ------------------ 92 AOD GT, K&N, ram air, pulleys, 2 ch. flowmasters, 4:10's, shift kit, 1 5/8 mac longtubes and offroad hpipe 14.249 @ 97.34 mph before the headers and hpipe

11-19-2000, 05:17 PM	#4
Skankin Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,349	I think it's pretty good now... although Piston Pete is kind of a waste of space ;-) Nothing against Pete, there'd just be more space if he was tucked under the left side. This is really only a concern when I have to call in (modem) with the old 14" monitor. Having two versions might be a good idea. I wouldn't object to some bikini's on the graphics based site ;-)

11-19-2000, 05:56 PM	#5
JR 302GT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Altoona, PA Posts: 31	I do like the idea of modem/broadband sites being separate. Maybe make the modem site a non frames page and the broadband page with just 2 frames like mentioned above, just one menu on the left frame and the content on the right. I like this site the way it is, but change is always welcome! And again, thanks for the great informitive site and taking the time to keep up with it. John

11-19-2000, 09:19 PM	#6
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	One of the neat features I've found on Kat's "Luvmi93's" site is a poll feature. That would be a welcome edition in my opinion, just so we could get numerical results for answers to questions in the forum posts. Kinda like the topic of the month, only anyone could create it. I really don't care if it's a frame site or not, heck, I can hardly remember the old Mustangworks site design to tell the truth. I would say it'd probably be better for older computer users if there were no frames though. Just because they are likely to be viewing this site at less than 1024, or perhaps even at 640x480 like me right now. God I hate it when my new monitors blow up! A different viewing for broadband users and modem users sounds like quite a bit of extra work, I'm sure it would be cool for the faster guys, but I'm not so sure it wouldn't leave the little guys feeling a little left out. Still, kinda cool to be able to use whatcha got.

11-19-2000, 09:32 PM	#7
88workcar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Pierre Part, La. U.S.A. Posts: 1,850	Dan, call me old fashon. I am happy with it the way it is.

11-19-2000, 10:14 PM	#8
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	I also like it now and like frames too... I don't know why people dont like frames! I am for the idea of a high bandwidth site as well! good idea, but lots of work, yes? The only other message board I go to just redesigned.... They have a new message board, and it looks pretty cool, and the site owner says it uses less resources and is faster than the old UBB... www.sportbikeworld.com check it out...! The flash would be cool too! I love that stuff! Anyways, good luck, I hope it goes without too many late night bug finding!! ------------------ Joe! 1988 GT, 167,000 miles!!! 13.71@105mph Check out my listing! Click here!

11-19-2000, 10:59 PM	#9
lx mike Undescribable Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Ft Myers Fla Posts: 1,539	i'm just getting used to this one and your changing again! oh well, guess i'll have to spend more time here when it does change, seperate versions for up fast connections sounds nice. i know nothing about web sites design so flash, frames and all that is martian to me.

11-20-2000, 02:13 AM	#10
Mustanguy Guest Posts: n/a	First off I wanna say, Dan,you have put together by far the most informative,user friendly Mustang site on the Internet Second I also like the way the site is set-up now,but it would be nice to have some added features for the appearance of the site such as(flash,changing to more eye catching colors,etc.) Many of the web page design companies are seeing the popularity grow of the websites with flash and other enhancers that make the sites stand out from the others that are on the internet. It's all about being unique and user friendly. Looking forward to the new design!

11-20-2000, 07:50 AM	#11
AJSTANG Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Maryland Posts: 123	Plans for layout and looks sounds good. A Discussion Forum just for Drag Racing would be nice too.

11-20-2000, 10:30 AM	#12
AxemanZZ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Indiana Posts: 984	Just curious, what are the two different site concepts you are considering Dan? I think it would be great to have two versions of the site. I am dial-up, but still like to visit sites that are graphically intense. A Flash version would be cool. ------------------ 90 Mustang LX 5.0 K&N, Taylor Spiro Pro wires, Pro 5.0, 16" Cobra R's, 225/50ZR16 Dunlop SP Sport 8000's, FMS "C" springs, Koni Sport Yellow's, Kenny Brown Chassis support kit, BBK caster/camber plates. My Ride My Site Fastest 1/4 - 15.607 One tire spinning.

11-20-2000, 06:31 PM	#13
Thad Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Stuart, FL US Posts: 192	I like the way the site is now, but i'm all for change. I like the idea of a high band site. Keep the frames. Piston Pete needs a new look. Some sounds or different graphics added. ------------------ 90 LX 5.0 Not timed in 1/4 mile yet. 135mph max speed, so far.

11-21-2000, 04:17 PM	#14
Hethj7 Mizzou Tigers Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: weston, MO United States Posts: 1,455	I like the site the way it is, except that it takes quite a while to load the opening page ( I am dial up). Possibly put all the news and updates on another page and then use flash on the opening page. It may take a while, but I would rather load cool graphics and stuff rather than all the news and events going on. If I want to get an update on that stuff, I would rather just pull it up once a week. Also, don't create too many forums. As an example, I would rather have just a racing forum where drag racing and open track questions are answered. Many people can share knowledge on both subjects, but if they spend most of their time in a drag racing forum, then open track racers may miss out on some of their insights. Whatever you decide to go with will be great! Thanks again for all your hard work!!

11-22-2000, 10:18 AM	#15
95mustanggt Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Kamloops, BC Posts: 2,875	I like the layout of this site, I like the colour scheme too. Piston Pete (I didn't know that was his name..) does take up some space, maybe he should be moved... I think some more detailed "how to's" or "tech tips" could be useful. I have read most of the articles and they are good, but I would like to see some more with pictures and time saving tips (for us first time mustang guys). Otherwise I love this site ! ------------------ White 1995 Mustang GT Dynomax Cat-Back Custom H-pipe K&N Filters w/o Air Silencer My 1995 Mustang GT

11-22-2000, 11:34 AM	#16
AxemanZZ Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Indiana Posts: 984	Also, since you guys have made this the best Stang site on the net by providing free web sites for one and all, how about adding a button up with the private message, quote, etc that takes you to that persons web site so they don't have to put stiff like that in their signature? One for that persons Users Ride would be cool too. I know - more hacking =) But it would save a little space in the sigs and would probably make peoples sigs a little smaller. Also, find a font that works for the site and use it throughout all the text images. I kinda like the layout as it is now but am looking forward to the new look. Thanks Dan for all the hard work you are doing to make this such a great site!

11-22-2000, 12:19 PM	#17
StangFlyer Founder Join Date: Jun 1995 Location: Michigan Posts: 19,326	Ok all, I can give you these insights already: "Horsepower Bob" (I have no clue who came up with Piston Pete) is toast. That whole strip on the right side of the screen will be freed up for further content space. I may ax the main site counter all together, as well. It's "neat", but somewhat irrelevant . Most people don't even understand what that counter actually signifies to begin with. That's not the number of "page hits" the entire site has received by any means, which I think most folks think when they see it. That is just the number of users who have loaded the site's "framing" since the thing was last reset. The number of "page hits" for the entire site is a vastly larger number. Gautam, I appreciate your offer, but I wouldn't put much time into doing any thing. The new main site look-n-feel (Photoshop work) has already been designed. It was actually mostly completed yesterday and is a very professional graphic design. In fact, we may not even need to worry about doing two versions of the site. The new design is graphical, yet very light weight, and extremely clean and crisp. Only two others besides myself have been shown the new design thus far, but they indicated they were very impressed by it. A good sign indeed. For those of you who commented about the frames vs. non frames issue, I am still not positive either way. However, it's somewhat looking like MW's may have to become a non frame based layout again. The new design may not lend itself to framing. It would fit within a browser width wise at 800x600 resolution, but probably would not fit in the framing correctly height wise. Or, so it appears thus far. When the HTML layout and design is being done with the new design, I will attempt to do it frame based first to see if it can be done. Regardless, I can tell you that the new FFW design will almost certainly still be frame based. JL1314, I think most people do not like frames because most sites do not use them worth a crap. Most people don't know how to do a high-end, frame based layout. Frames are used very heavily in the professional Internet development world and have been for some time. I've done numerous sites for the big three, and they've been at least 80% to 90% high end frame based designs. For example, this was the dealer only 99 Ford Mustang Site, which was (it's now defunct) a frame based design: For those of you who say they love the site now, thanks a lot! We do appreciate it! However, there is much room for improvement still. The site is ok, the the design fits what it is for the most part. But, the design is also not extraordinarily clean, not nearly the quality of my "professional" work, and I think it's time for it to be so, and more if possible! AxemanZZ, your ideas are both great concerning the homepage and user's rides link in the message board. However, that is a seperate issue from the site redesign, since really that concerns the "look" and "navigation" of the site rather than the content pages or features themselves. However, a good suggestion non the less, and I will definitely try to add them when time permits. The fact is, several new features are planned for the future. Probably most of them will come after new site design goes up though. More to come later.. I am reading your comments and I appreciate them. Nothing is totally set in stone yet, so keep them coming! ------------------ Dan McClain, Editor The Mustang Works Magazine 1991 Mustang GT - NOVI Supercharged 377 Stroker 1999 Ford Lightning SVT - Supercharged 5.4L Triton [This message has been edited by Dan McClain (edited 11-22-2000).]

11-23-2000, 10:50 AM	#18
Giddy Up Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Va. Beach, VA Posts: 33	Love the site now, I just would rather have the frame only on the left side of the screen. That way there is more room to see the other stuff.

12-11-2000, 08:28 AM	#19
dirtyGT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: INDIANA Posts: 658	Somthing that would be cool under your user's name have the year and type of car and a small picture underneath.But anyway you do it Dan i'm sure will be awsome you really don't need any of our help ------------------ 86GT-MACcatback-89heads,intake,TB,KENNYBROWNsubs,3.73's,HURST shifter,much more to come