The LNER Encyclopedia

I'm still working on giving the site a new look. I'm regular graphic designer has taken on the job (he did the banners for my commercial mapping sites).
As far as I am aware, he doesn't know much about the LNER or British trains, so I sent him a lot of pointers, information, etc. Suggested the A1s/A3s and A4s would make a good start.

Anyway, attached is the first mockup that he has come back with.
What do people think?

In reality I would not put as much advertising on the front page, but demonstrates how I can attach it - eg. on the other pages. I think everyone has a general understanding of content vs. advertising

I'm not so sure about just brown - some Doncaster green would be good?
(I told him I didn't like the bright green that I currently use)
Another thought, is that one of the classic shots of Kings Cross full of A3s and A4s "chomping at the bit" would make a good banner - but I would need one that has suitable permission.

Otherwise, I think it is a big improvement over what I have at the moment. Although only an image, it also meets many of my technical needs (eg. menu items defined as text and not images).

What does everyone think about it?

Richard

Here's a green treatment.

The green is perhaps too dark, but true apple green looks a bit bright on a website? (cf. the current site)

Is it just me? But I can't see any attachment.

Click where it says "download" underneath the small paperclip on the right of the two posts.

The current forum software is set to display image attachments like this when they're larger than a certain size.

The next major release of the forum software (currently in beta) has integrated attachment support, so I will not have to rely on a 3rd party add-on. This should be better and easier to use.


Richard

Excellent, I like the first one, the red one, really inpressive

Richard,

I can't say that I like the green. It is too Southern.

You need apple green or grass green and teak.

Oh yes, you need to put in a short cut from the Forum to the Encyclopedia.

Colombo

Colombo wrote:Oh yes, you need to put in a short cut from the Forum to the Encyclopedia.

There is one!! Just click the forum logo at the top left of each page!

Yes it has come out too dark. I'll try to send some samples to my designer. Explaining "Apple Green" can be difficult


If you click on the LNER totem at the top of the forums, you should get back to the homepage. It isn't explicit, but this is common practice for a lot of sites.
It should be possible to include an active link in the title - I'll look at that when I come to installing the new forum software (this could be months away - I'm not sure what their release schedule is).

Richard

To be honest with you I prefer the browny colour. I reckon it would be very fitting of the era of the LNER to have the border in a sepia tone. Anyone agree?

From the comments I'm seeing, it looks like sepia or a better green would be best. Green & teak is another option. The brown was meant to be sepia, but I don't think it was very effective - perhaps it is my PC monitor settings?

I was thinking of perhaps trying to make up some electronic "swatches" - either photos from the site, or photos of models for him to look at.

Richard

How about Garter blue, see the valances on Mallard here, for example.

Personally, I don't like the red or green image behind the main site; the images at the top are brilliant though.

Just my thoughts

Karl

Colombo wrote: I can't say that I like the green. It is too Southern.

You need apple green or grass green and teak.

I agree entirely.

Karl: Good! I like the one of the A1 - I even hinted to the designer he might want to use it

The alternative for images would be one of Kings Cross full of A3s and A4s ready to head north, if I can find one.

I'll be sending a precis of the replies to the designer later today or tomorrow.
There's a fair consensus - so I'll suggest 2-3 different colour variations, and perhaps something without the bold colour margins.

Richard

Here's a version with blue instead of the brown 'sepia'...

Richard

(remember to login to see the attachment)