www.sci.edu

megahertz28 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 06:18 PM

I have been working on this site for several months and am wondering what you think of it overall. www.sci.edu/

I am also curious what a "real" designer would charge to put something like this together? (it has an online help sys, picture gallery, forums, FAQ database, many forms, new photos, custom graphics, there will be a virtual tour, etc. and approx 300 pages.)

Some pages I think are cool - SCI Sports &
SCI Admissions
Here's the site map - Site Map
Thanks in advance for your opinions!

timmathews.com · #2 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 07:47 PM

megahertz28,
I like the site. It looks like a college website.

I think you have done a nice job on it.

I do not, however, like the freeware left side scrolling navigation.

I think it detracts from your site.
You also have some java errors, they are probably from the left menu.
My 2 cents.
Tim

megahertz28 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-06-2006, 08:35 PM

Hi Tim
Thanks for your comments. I see from your sig that you offer web design. What would you charge to do a site like this one? I'm really curious as it has been a side project that I offered to do for my employer for next to nothing. Thanks again.

davebarnes · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2006, 01:04 AM

Tyler,

1. Move all the Javascript to external files.
2. Move the CSS to external style sheets.
3. Add two meta tags: description and keywords to every page.
4. Get rid the slide-in menu for departments. Vey annoying.
5. Simple is better.

,dave

sands · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2006, 05:08 AM

On the Home Page why is the 'Prospective Students' link highlighted? Gives the impression that visitors are on the Prospective Students (i.e. admissions.htm) page.

Better to left-align the QUICK LINKS and put them as a bulleted list. As the page loads some JavaScript error message pops up. Look into it. Also why should visitors have so many programs installed to view all the sections of the site? The simpler the functionality, the better.

The top header (logo) should be the same over all pages. The header is what your site will be identified by. So it is better to change the SCI Sports page header to match the rest of the site.

Also the Home link on all the inner pages should be easy to locate. Lastly, there is no distinctive navigational menu on all the pages. This is also required as otherwise it could confuse visitors. As for the slide out menu, it would not appear to those who have disabled JavaScript, thus leaving such visitors high and dry. A text-based simple navigational menu is a must for all pages.

timmathews.com · #6 (**permalink**) 07-07-2006, 11:47 AM

I have pm'd you.
Thanks!