Ok guys...you've been helpful so far. I'd really appreciate any and all critiques on the site. I've already heard that people don't like the spinning blocks...personally I really like them. I'd also like to hear what you think about the whole popup thing for each showcase item.

https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/vandeweghe/web/website/index.html

VanDeWeghe?
That sounds like the last name of a psycotic killer.

Oh, and the blocks look nice. However the whole site is too.. grey.

Not every Dutch name belongs to a psycho!


Also I'm using Opera 9.02 and I have to click the blocks twice before they respond.

The blocks don't go with the shape of the site at all, and anything moving in web design should have a damn good reason to move.

I actually agree with TE: Can you try the whole thing in a faded color? Maybe put together a flash color changer so we can see it in a few shades?

The design is badass, either way.

I stand by what I previously said. The cubes dont really fit the design. Maybe use bird silhouettes?

Also, the type needs work. Times new roman with blue links that turn purple when you click them? Take some time with that and things will start looking much better.

And for colour: If youre going to add some, you dont have to add a lot. A little bit of colour will really stand out especially if the rest of your site is grey.

Since it isn't times now roman for me I assume the site shows the browser's default settings. (which is tahoma and blue and purple links in my case)

http://www.markvandeweghe.com/

New location.

About the font. Do you guys really suggest using something other than the browser's default? I've always just felt that it was risky/tacky. If I just leave it as is, I'm guaranteed that it'll look very similar to everybody.

Thats more risky than anything. Obviously it doesnt look the same if im getting Times new Roman and Zookies is getting tahoma.


Heres a good reference of common fonts:
http://www.ampsoft.net/webdesign-l/WindowsMacFonts.html

A question and a suggestions:

On the showcase page, do you have thumbnails? All I'm getting is blank white boxes for each category, so I have no idea what's going to come up.

I know you only have three boxes, but someone looking at them has no idea where they go. I would put some text that pops up under them on hover, or label them, something that clarifies the navigation.

This is just a personal preference, but I'm not sold on the pop-ups for the galleries on the showcase page. I think placing either a top or side div with the thumbnail and putting the actual gallery in the middle of the page would look better and provide more hassle-free navigation.

Er, the font is a huge part of any design.

You should be spanked.

Is there supposed to be text in the spinning boxes? I can't see any.

Plus, I have to "click to activate or use this control" with the boxes or the items in your gallery. I also keep getting told there is "secure and unsecure data on this page. Do you want to view the unsecure items?"

I'm using IE 7.

That would be cool. Just be careful because there's already a bird on the left. I would suggest three different birds, and please, text so we know it's navigation.

Also, the shape of the site looks like Ohio.

You could even use *gasp* text for the links at the top.

Seriously though, the boxes dont fit. Im not saying they arent cool, but they really dont fit the design, and it feels awkward (to me at least) when you roll over and it just stops dead in its track.