New Year, New Look! Front Page Design No 3

Do you like the new layout?

I love it	36.5%	[ 1203 ]
I like it	32.3%	[ 1065 ]
I think it needs work	22.6%	[ 746 ]
I hate it	8.6%	[ 282 ]
Total Votes:			[ 3296 ]

[Instein]

Edited:
Does the new page give a good overall aspect to what Gaia is? Yes, but maybe add
Are the images too young or old? No
Does it make Gaia look too much like Neopets/Myspace/other sites? I think it brings out Gaia's uniqueness.
Do the design look good? Layout problems? The design looks good, but I'm not quite sure what the last part of the page is stating. It looks okay but in general there might be a little too much on the page. Maybe a bit overwhelming? Also the announcment update/event post is too far down maybe bring that up to the top of the page. It looks a little small and new comers might not quite know what that is.
Should we emphasize more on roleplaying/forum/games/items? You talked about the games so thats good maybe hinge more on you can dress up your avy and roleplay etc...

[swedishsk8ter]

The only thing I see missing is an emphasis on the forums. Put that in, and I think the page would be complete. Other than that, no complaints.


I must suggest, though, that it might be worthwhile to add a "History of Gaia Online" somewhere on our beloved site, to give new (and old) users an idea of how Gaia began and how it evolved. Just a thought, though. ;D

[stabbyfairy]

Sweet new design! I'll just answer these 'ere questions...

Do the new page give a good overall aspect to what Gaia is?
Yup, it's a pretty good explanation, although like others have said before me, there needs to be a bit more emphasis on the forums.

Are the images too young or old?
About right, I'd say.

Does it make Gaia look too much like Neopets/Myspace/other sites?
Nope. It looks like, well, like Gaia. mad d

Do the design look good? Layout problems?
Looks good to me.

Anything missing? What should we add or change?
As previously stated, the forums need to be emphasised more, and maybe mentioned higher up the page. As it is, the first thing new members will see is about games, and while there are people that mostly use that part of the site, the forums are, ahem "where it's at".

Should we emphasize more on roleplaying/forum/games/items?
Less on games, more on everything else. Mostly on the forums though...

[Xya]

May I critique it?

I would almost say to try to go with something more soft on the eyes. The art is absolutely lovely, but it seems too... "boxy", like how Ninina said. Perhaps some softer corners rounder- like the blue borders of the "reply" page.

You may also want to add a "take a peek" link- something with the run-down of the current happenings, like latest threads within the past 3 or so minutes, the manga, a sample comic and the usual Avi arena winner rotation graphic. A good clincher page would be useful.

The "join now" and "join our world" look repetitive. You could replace one of them with a "Collect them all!", for the monthly collectables, or a short tour of the "world".

I like having the event box, though.

I would suggest some kind of rotation to that bottom graphic. Having little quips and sayings, like "Orly?"/"Ya, rly", or "I want pants!" or something would be cute.

And, the bottom links should be bolded... They should know what they are getting into. Little words are easy to ignore.

Emphysising the forums would be a plus. They are versitile, have many uses and are the main core of our Gaia. This should include the guilds "To find people with your intrests" and roleplaying threads.

Over all, I like it a lot ^_^

In addition, I like the Towns graphic with the population. Perhaps a hint of this being the center of events, or something to that effect?

[vladsimpaler]

Looks better than this current one.
Do the new page give a good overall aspect to what Gaia is? Well, there should be some stuff about the forums and the MCs
Are the images too young or old? They're fine.
Does it make Gaia look too much like Neopets/Myspace/other sites? No.
Do the design look good? Layout problems? No, it looks fine to me.
Anything missing? What should we add or change? Perhaps the Weekly comic, the MC's.
Should we emphasize more on roleplaying/forum/games/items? Yes.

[Seri Dreams]

That looks awesome!
But must the background be a dull grey?
Why not keep it blue-ish like Gaia has always has. 'w'

[Seri Dreams]

@Xya: Yeah it is Boxy. its unpleasant in that sense. I like things with a layout, or scattered sort of.
its more exciting that way!
Overall I do like the new images, and Ideas of how it looks like. If there was one thing to complete it I would:

-Use a different background color other than dull grey

-Make the layout look more lively, instead of "Boxy"

[Melian]

I really like the design, it looks good! The only thing is, like others have mentioned is the lack of forums. And really, the avatars. The reason why so many people joined this site back in the day. There are examples, but maybe it should say 'customizable avatars' or something. And a definite mention of the forum, somewhere around where it says community maybe. XD;

I feel like logging out more often now. :3

I think the dark background is a good contrast to the image, but maybe it could be a bit more blue? ^^;

[Chris Mercury]

nice new homepage look

[Seri Dreams]

Ah, I forgot the Surevey questions!

Here they are:

Do the new page give a good overall aspect to what Gaia is?
~I think it really does. it is showing me what Gaia is all about. it has a more adult-teen look and feel to it as well Which is totally nice.
One thing I would like to see, is that the front page be informative as well. Like make it clear that we have Forums, Games, etc. Especially Forums. Just anything to get Members to explore all of its contents.

Are the images too young or old?
~No I think it is perfect! its on a balance of teens / Adults. I love it!
Especially I know that we have many parents and Older adults online as well as teens and under. Everyone can enjoy this look. So overall its a win win!

Does it make Gaia look too much like Neopets/Myspace/other sites?
~No it doesn't. I been to that site a million times already. [non-member]
I strongly feel that Gaia does NOT look like or act like Neopets, as well as Myspace. I have a million of reasons but won't right a essay on it practically. ^_^
Gaia is unique, and we Have awesome avatars, Myspace [member] can't compare in that sense. Gaia is better functioning In my opinion. In addition, its more comfortable too, myspace basically have Cam "Whores" and online preditors doing the unquestionable. At least, here something is done and IS stated many times about Violations.

Do the design look good? Layout problems?
~Yes, its nice But I would suggest using more lively colors for the background other than grey. Like perhaps Blue or a white-ish look? To me Blue or Baby blue to be more exact has always reminded me of gaian colors.

Anything missing? What should we add or change?
~I would add the contents to which we have here, like Forums, Games, Guilds, so Members can know what Gaia is all about. Not to mention our towns features. People do like that. What made me hook, is reading what a site contains and what it offers. ^_^

Should we emphasize more on roleplaying/forum/games/items?
~Yes, everyone likes info. I think roleplaying should be more in depth of what you can do with it, and Forums should be clarified such as violations and meeting friends!. Games and Items is a must! People must see what are the benefits and steps in how to play the games or how to obtain certain items. ^_^

~Thank you for your hardwork! I hope this helps! 'w'

[Bassios]

Do the new page give a good overall aspect to what Gaia is?

I think so, Yeah. Although I think you need to mention about the huge forum, but apart from that it's looking good!


Are the images too young or old?

Nope, They look just right to me. ^__^


Does it make Gaia look too much like Neopets/Myspace/other sites?

Not at all. This actually reminds me of the Gaia layout that I joined on. (Two layouts ago)


Do the design look good? Layout problems?

Looks fine to me~


Anything missing? What should we add or change?

Make sure you mention the huge forum. Kinda make it the main thing, with the games but slightly smaller~


Should we emphasize more on roleplaying/forum/games/items?

YES~! ^_____^

[PieHippie]

Do the new page give a good overall aspect to what Gaia is?
Pretty much. I think you should include the fact that we're a giant bunch of forums on the front page, because that's the core of what Gaia is.

Are the images too young or old?
No, I like it! It doesn't look kiddish, like the last design with the kids on the beach. It looks a bit more grown-up teen-adult.

Does it make Gaia look too much like Neopets/Myspace/other sites?
Noooo! Don't degrade yourselves to Neopets! If it were Neopets, then there would be awful advertising plastered all over the place. xp As for Myspace, it doesn't really have any cool graphics on the front. This new layout is original and cool-looking. xd

Do the design look good? Layout problems?
The design looks awesome and the layout looks like it will work just fine. Plus, it looks a lot more colorful, which will be WONDERFUL after all this white! It kinda reminds me of the layout I joined on.(The purple one with the giant mural) and I like that!!

Anything missing? What should we add or change? As I said, the forums should be more emphasized. Also, just a personal note, I think the girl looks a bit promiscuous. Girls don't have to be slutty to be attractive. Also, I'd like the guy's eyes open. That would just look better visually to me. He could have a shirt other then the starter shirt. There are a lot cooler guy clothes on here.
Plus, I think we should have some black avis in the avatar part. I think it would be cool to have more ethnic diversity.

Should we emphasize more on roleplaying/forum/games/items?
Yes, emphasize on the forums and roleplaying! They're a big part of Gaia. Also, you should probably mention the MCs on the front page. The games don't need a whole lot of emphasizing.

Thanks for working so hard to make Gaia enjoyable!!

[Vaga Deathrose]

Do the new page give a good overall aspect to what Gaia is? :
I don't think you emphasize what Gaia is enough. It IS the fastest growing online hangout but it's also so much more! I see nothing about the forums at all, it seems like you are showing Gaia as just.. another neopets (I dunno about anyone else but in the 7+ years I've gone back and forth through neopets I've used the forums 5 times.

I love Gaia's games, towns, events, and the like, but when it comes down to it the forums are what makes Gaia a community! I think that the avatars at the bottom do give a good picture of how you can customize yourself.. but maybe add another male avatar or something? Guys always seem to be left out in some way or other on Gaia =(


Are the images too young or old? :
I kind of like the images except I'd rather the male character have his eyes open, I think it would be more inviting or appealing, visually, to me. Also, I like how the guy is wearing starter items, why can't the girl be wearing the same? Females don't HAVE to be dressed in skimpy clothing to be attractive. I'm worried though that the background image for the top might be misleading, people may think that you can interact that way on Gaia, where as towns looks nothing like that? I understand it is supposed to give the idea of Gaia working, and interacting, as a community but I still think some people might consider it misleading.


Does it make Gaia look too much like Neopets/Myspace/other sites? :
I don't think that it does, it looks pretty nice and unique, but I am a little worried as to how an image heavy front page like that will effect us dial up users. I don't want to wait 5 minutes for the front page to load D= And on some websites that is a pretty accurate time for me to wait!


Do the design look good? Layout problems? :
I think the design looks good. I like the dark background, it's a nice contrast, but I think it would be nice to further implement that through out Gaia.


Anything missing? What should we add or change? :
Alright, I'll recap the basics from my above text.

Emphasize forums, it's what makes Gaia a community
Edit art, change a few little details
Implement color scheme, Carry that theme through Gaia.


Should we emphasize more on roleplaying/forum/games/items? :

Maybe make some mention of the MC's, definatly Emphasize the forums. Not so much roleplay though, because while this did start as an RP based forum it's not really the main focus anymore.

[KoNterra]

Do the new page give a good overall aspect to what Gaia is? Hm, kinda.
Are the images too young or old? I'd say their a little old, but the layout itself looks pretty modern.
Does it make Gaia look too much like Neopets/Myspace/other sites? No.
Do the design look good? Layout problems? I think it looks pretty great.
Anything missing? What should we add or change?
Should we emphasize more on roleplaying/forum/games/items? I think you should on roleplaying a little bit more, but nothing else, really.

[Ice_Bullet1]

nice