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New site design being tested!

(585 Posts)
LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 04-Aug-17 12:19:06

We're VERY excited to announce that we are finally testing out a new site design! We've been working really hard to make sure it's easier to user and looks neater than the current format.

It is a test though and it may take a day or two to get used to. Apologies in advance for any teething problems - hopefully they'll be minimal. If you have any major problems logging in or you can't access certain things please post on this thread or email us at contactus. We'd love to have your thoughts. smile

Gagagran Mon 07-Aug-17 07:46:14

Well said kitty - I absolutely concur with your post.

I don't know why they bothered asking us at all because we will just have to put up with whatever is decided on high. Hey ho!

CariGransnet (GNHQ) Mon 07-Aug-17 07:53:53

Not at all. This is the testing phase and we are taking on board all of your comments to make improvements along the way.

It's only possible to get your opinions by trying it out though.

We are working through all your comments and suggestions fear not

Marydoll Mon 07-Aug-17 08:09:03

I had to build a new website from scratch for my school. It wasn't an easy task. I had to keep making adjustments to layout, fonts etc. It takes ages to get it right and I asked people to be patient whilst I got help from the techies to sort the teething problems. So hang on in there GNHQ.

In saying that, I do think the site is a bit "grey" and does need more contrast. Also a more modern readable font would be preferable.

rubylady Mon 07-Aug-17 08:24:41

I like it, thank you GNHQ. It helps my eyes. Plus, it's nice to be back and joining in on other threads. Yippee! Xxx

Iam64 Mon 07-Aug-17 08:51:43

Can it have a more modern font? This one is so dated and I find it more difficult to read.

BlueBelle Mon 07-Aug-17 08:55:42

Can someone explain please everyone is going on about the font but to me it doesn't look any different and is perfectly easy to read as was the old one help please as I m just not getting it at all

mcem Mon 07-Aug-17 09:10:26

I have now discovered that if I switch to stronger reading specs - the ones I use for close sewing work ( +2.5 instead of my usual + 2 for reading) my eyes are less strained.
Do you think it's reasonable to expect readers to do this?
How many of us would have that option?

mcem Mon 07-Aug-17 09:36:25

bluebelle may I suggest you google web design from scratch.
It shows two paragraphs - one with and one without serifs.
The idea is to read both and decide which you find easier to read.
Hope that helps.

Ana Mon 07-Aug-17 09:42:34

Well, I googed Web Design from Scratch and numerous sites came up - I coudn't find the two paragraphs!

Marydoll Mon 07-Aug-17 09:48:53

If you are using a PC to read, you can hold down the "Control" key and use your mouse to enlarge the print. That helped me, as I was straining my eyes.

mcem Mon 07-Aug-17 09:57:06

Try 'Make your web pages easy to read' and it will take you to the article on the website.

Ana Mon 07-Aug-17 10:01:16

Got it - yes, I see what you mean.

durhamjen Mon 07-Aug-17 10:11:41

That's interesting, mcem, because it says Verdana is the easiest to read.
When we had websites for the guest house, we always used Verdana as it was easiest to read.
My husband always used that for architectural drawings, too, as it was easiest to read.

HQ, can we have Verdana, please?

Beavermist Mon 07-Aug-17 10:41:04

I am finding this font very hard to read, even when I enlarge the print it strains my eyes.

yggdrasil Mon 07-Aug-17 14:53:10

I don't like the menu now.
ActiveI'm onWatchingUnansweredLast hourLast dayFAQsAcronymsAdvanced Search

The separate buttons were much easier to use

CariGransnet (GNHQ) Mon 07-Aug-17 15:24:28

We are noting all the comments so let us know anything else and we can look into them

shandi6570 Mon 07-Aug-17 15:41:15

The numbers are AWFUL. Please look at this again. The ones(1) are too easily mistaken for ells(l) and with apologies to Jamila for using her as an example, see user name Jamila1108. Also threes and eights are very hard to see without peering at the screen.

I also agree that the menu is much less user friendly. A string of words without any spaces is so much harder to read than spaced or separate button ones.

Indinana Mon 07-Aug-17 15:43:53

Thanks for telling us about that web page mcem. I read both the Serif and the Sans Serif paragraphs and I was astonished at how much easier it was to read the Sans Serif one - the text just flowed smoothly.

So GNHQ can you please have a look at this site too and see for yourself:
webdesignfromscratch.com/basics/readability/

Galen Mon 07-Aug-17 16:23:42

Oo er!
Just realised I was on desktop on my iPad and switched to mobile!
Much better!

Galen Mon 07-Aug-17 16:26:43

And how the h-ll do I find my way back to the kitchen?
I can't cope with this!
Don't like it!
Goodbye!

Cherrytree59 Mon 07-Aug-17 18:29:22

HQ
PLEASE put the last button back on the mobile site!!!

It is impossible to use the next button to scroll pages of posts
I mentioned this near the beginning of the discussion.
But was not given answer.
So I thought it was just my problem

However it seems that another GNer has the same issue.
So would be very grateful if you could look into this extremely annoying problem.

Indinana Mon 07-Aug-17 20:59:09

I have the 'last' button on my mobile site. Or maybe it's been fixed since your post Cherrytree

Bobbysgirl19 Mon 07-Aug-17 22:34:38

I personally don't like it. Found the original style much easier. What's the point of changing things when all was well before?

Someone mentioned a desktop version and phone version I am on an iPad so which version should I use, and how do I change it?

shysal Tue 08-Aug-17 08:52:19

Bobbysgirl19, on an ipad either will version will be ok, it is just a matter of preference. To change from one site to the other go to the very bottom of the page where you will find 'desktop site' or 'mobile site' to click on.

waldorfgrosi Tue 08-Aug-17 09:57:43

Find the new font more tiring to read. Logo still rather old fashioned. Keep on trying!