Member Avatar for alpha2006

Hi,

I have two different layouts for my main page. I would like to have some opinions as to which one looks better:


http://www.project4hire.com/index1.php

Thanks

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jtbnet

Dani AI

Generated

Several respondents—including , , , , and —favored the first layout. That consensus points to two durable UX principles: make primary actions obvious, and make available choices easy to scan. The value of layout 1 is not just that it is "simpler" but that it exposes the site’s tasks in a predictable order so visitors can quickly decide what to do next.

Practical, implementable improvements that keep the strengths of layout 1 while reducing perceived length:

  • Group related links under short headings so the eye can jump to relevant blocks.
  • Emphasize one primary CTA visually (color + size) and demote secondary actions.
  • Hide low-priority links behind progressive disclosure (accordion or "more" links) so the page feels shorter but remains discoverable without breaking back-button behavior.
  • Improve typographic rhythm: 15–16px body size, 1.4 line-height, consistent link styling, and at most 5–7 top-level nav choices.
  • Reconsider ad placement and density (as hinted): ads near core actions reduce click-through on those actions.

Example CSS to improve list scanning and CTA contrast:

nav ul { list-style: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; max-width: 980px; }
nav li { padding: 10px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; }
a.cta { background:#2d89ef; color:#fff; padding:8px 12px; border-radius:3px; text-decoration:none; display:inline-block; }

Notes on the logo and site reliability: the logo would benefit from a cleaner, simpler wordmark or single-icon mark, supplied as vector (SVG) for crispness and easy resizing. For the database issue observed by , serve a friendly maintenance page and check credentials, host/port vs socket, MySQL service status, privileges, firewall, and logs; add automated health checks so outages are detected and handled gracefully.

Small, measured adjustments to layout 1—paired with a couple of quick usability tests (five representative users performing the main task)—will outperform a full redesign.

Recommended Answers

All 11 Replies

Member Avatar for peter_budo

I prefer the first one with list of options, its easier to read and quick to find what you are looking for

Member Avatar for rus

The first is much better. It's easier to see what is available with the items listed out.

Now, let's talk about that logo... ;-)

Member Avatar for Dani

I agree - the first one. It's less cluttered :)

Member Avatar for >shadow<

I gotta go with the first one too!

Member Avatar for alpha2006

Ok. I am going to stick with option 1 even though it makes the page longer.

Now, let's talk about that logo... ;-)

What's wrong with my logo? Are you insinuating that it sucks????

Member Avatar for Dani

I see nothing wrong with it.

Member Avatar for havilah

I don't seem to find any difference between the two safe for the ad banners. Could you tell me what difference there are?

Member Avatar for rus

No, doesn't suck. Could use a bit of a professional touch up.

Member Avatar for rickvidallon

Definitely #1

Member Avatar for shaocpa

yes The first is much better.

Member Avatar for jtbnet

Having a problem with your server - it is returning 'Cannot connect to MySQL server'

Are the pages still live?

Thanks.

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