A New Website

[Andrew Schreiber]

DISCLAIMER: I am not saying these things to be harsh or critical. This is all advice based on my personal usage and what I know about people.

First, it is slow, I cant tell if is something on your page or if it is your host taking a while to send those images. Also, I know that IE6 is outdated but if I recall the numbers it still holds a SIGNIFICANT share of the browser market. This means that that big .png file on your frontpage is going to look horrible because IE6 doesn't support png transparency. This is an issue that a lot of us tend to forget because we use the latest browsers.

Also, I occasionally use lynx to browse the internet, for anyone who doesn't know what lynx is it is a browser that runs in the command line on unix based operating systems. Now, I am a minority that still uses CLI browsers but there are people out there who use them or screen readers to browse the internet. While you may think that visual attractiveness is the most important thing usability is head and shoulders above it. If my browser/screen reader cannot access your site I wont browse it, simple as that. I havent had a chance to check but make sure all images have alt tags on them that are of reasonable length.

Now, as far as layout goes, most users HATE having to click around to find information. The most commonly accessed information is going to be what you do. Fact is, most people don't care about your team's blog. They want to know what Team 95 is, what they do, where they are a from. My suggestion is to have your teams Mission Statement right there on the home page. I realize it is up in the banner beneath the nav bar but I found that hard to read. Text should be placed over a relatively clear background to improve readability. I got majorly distracted by the swirly background and found it hard to read the text.

The Google Ads, well executed, I nearly thought it was part of your navigation.

I like the colors after that first page, but they are in no way consistent with each other, pick one and go with it.

Personally, I would move the Calendar and Links to the left and leave the ads on the right. This way the ads will be alone on that side.

Good Job though, the color scheme is well implemented and is quite pleasing to the eye.