Hi Guys,

 

I've gone through multiple attempts at designing a site for a gaming clan, namely Ninnle (http://ninnle.com for a previous attempt, lost momentum mid-build due to lack of a good design).

 

If you design pro's could spare a few seconds, go here http://ninnle.com/assets/designs/design3.png for my current attempt.

 

I'm more of a developer, with experience in customising CMS's and javascript, but would really like to improve my design skillets.

 

So yeah, have a peek at the above and perhaps let me know what you think needs to happen!

 

Thanks!

Can't seem to edit a post after a given time, so here's an updated version.

for a gaming site this is too simple yar may be you can make it little more rich, you can check any game company website or templates then get an idea as how they have presented it then if you start designing then it will be great i think.

If you manage to pull off such a simple design for a site with as much information on as a gamer site then nice one! I'd say it looks pretty fresh and easy on the eye if maybe a little 'un-exciting'.

Edited June 1, 201115 yr by MikeChipshop

As said it's a nice design, but not for a gaming website.

Right great,

 

The initial idea was to break from the dark, cluttered design trend in gaming clan websites.

 

For the above design, I'm going to animate the 3 columns, so each will have a summary/cutdown version of what is in each column, and you can click on it to expand it and view the full content.

 

Easy enough to implement that sort of thing.

 

I'll maybe try and work another colour into the colour scheme to liven it up a bit.

 

Thanks for the feedback

I dont get the exiting gaming feel that I am used to when visiting one of the many sites I browse.

 

I am an addicted gamer playing mostly FPS, and also the team fortress games that you have a server for.

 

Your site does not make me want to join your clan, I guess that is what you try to achieve.

 

Personally I would try to use more images related to the games the clan hosts, and try to get a similar user experience.

 

Most gamers like/are used to more busy screen with lots of buttons and stats, and are very good in navigating through endless lists and options.

 

I find it hard to explain how I feel when viewing your site but it does not excite me, and find it more a site my mom could happily visit.

 

I am currently designing a game fan site and must say it is not easy, and am trying to find the right balance between visual stimuli and structural order, so I understand your issues.

 

But keep in mind that gamers are perhaps the most advanced users of the web, we spend many hours a day here.

 

Look at Steampowered.com, this is a site with a similar esthetic look as your first design, but here it is the content that creates the feel we gamers are looking for.

 

Check out my current project and see my attempts to create a gamer site.

 

Hogo's Studio

 

Good luck

P.

 

ps. to make some more possible funds I would suggest to get affiliate programs at official game stores/developers and sell through your site.

Edited June 2, 201115 yr by seedism

Yeah I understand what you're saying about the feel you get from the site, however, most of our clan members will probably be invited externally or word of mouth.

 

I plan to implement a theme switcher for members only, simple operation with the CMS I'm using.

 

The second theme will feature a few poweruser features and a different, more complex layout.

 

I thought I'd like to break the chain with a fresh design instead of the common dark/complex layout you usually see.

 

Will see how it goes, I'll perhaps look into targeting first time visitors and having a call to action to register.

 

We had actually planned, if we get a name for ourselves, to open a store selling various things.

I thought I'd like to break the chain with a fresh design instead of the common dark/complex layout you usually see.

I'd love to do that but I know the client wouldn't like it. I'm not very good at gaming designs and I have one to design soon, I'm not looking forward to it

not sure what the game is like but the site should recreate some of the atmosphere of the game - so users are in a 'world' they recognise. as with any site the design should reflect the product/experience being sold/provided.

 

simple is good but don't forget that most sites are dark for a reason