DaniWeb cellspacing

[Dani]

It has always been DaniWeb's trademark to have no cellspacing within tables, but rather have all of the table cells flow into each other. While I like the simplistic design, I am now reconsidering the impact that this has on usability.

I would really appreciate any and all opinions on this. Even if it is just the absolute slightest difference, which one do you like better? Please consider this from a design standpoint as well as from a usability standpoint. Which provides a cleaner interface? Which feels more cluttered? Which feels more professional? Which feels easier to use? Which feels more organized?

I am attaching a graphic consisting of both versions side by side, so you can compare them.

[2ndPlatform]

Hi Dani --

I actually like the cellspacing. Here's why -- first of all, I think that it is subtle enough to not detract at all from the simplicity of the site. Second, I think it adds a little bit of separation to postings and whatnot to make them each stand out and be individually distinctive (subtle, but I think it accomplishes this). Finally, I like the cellspacing because it gives the page just a little bit of depth to make it look more interesting - again, without taking away from the simplicy of the site. I really like to use subtle lines and spaces in my own designs to accomplish just this.

That's my professional opinion! Good job -- let me know which one wins!

Shannon

[beats]

cellspacing rocks! It makes tabular data look better.

[Dani]

So far I've asked four different designers, and everyone has said that they like the 1px of space. I'm the only person who is hesitant it seems! While I like the look of the spacing, my reason for not using it is more of a marketing reason. Not having a space has always been DaniWeb's trademark, and it is one of the few design elements that we do differently than nearly all other forums. Therefore, I think that it adds a lot to our branding because it is something very simple and yet unique to us.

[2ndPlatform]

So far I've asked four different designers, and everyone has said that they like the 1px of space. I'm the only person who is hesitant it seems! While I like the look of the spacing, my reason for not using it is more of a marketing reason. Not having a space has always been DaniWeb's trademark, and it is one of the few design elements that we do differently than nearly all other forums. Therefore, I think that it adds a lot to our branding because it is something very simple and yet unique to us.

I see where you'd be thinking that way. I think that your logo, fonts, and colors are going to give you the majority of your branding though... and I don't think that this spacing will detract to much from it. I really do think it looks more professional and little sharper.

[Arizona Web]

I actually prefer the look of the design without the spacing, but in this case I think the gain from the usability is greater than the loss of design, since it still looks fine with the spacing.

just my 2 :)