Hi there!
I've been a fan of interactive fiction since way, way back when I was
using a 286 computer, so your site definitely interested me.
Initially, let me say: good work!
My understanding of the site based upon the front page, was crystal
clear. I think even the site name is going to give the purpose away to
a good many people, and the front page certainly clears it up for
those who haven't guessed it yet. I like the tight design, and the
fact that everything's close to the surface. I've always hated having
to click through too many links to find what I want.
The first thing that hit my eyes was your $100 competition man.
Absolutely eye catching. My criticism (and what review is complete
without some ;-) would be that the graphic is not a link in itself. I
waved my mouse over the image, expecting it to be a link to more
details about the competition, and was mildly disappointed when it
wasn't. I would also echo the comment made by a previous answerer that
the page width should not be limited, because many of us browse with a
higher resolution. It's not a big gripe, but perhaps it should find
its way on to your to-do list.
The look and feel are very simple, and therefore very pleasing. Your
site adheres to the approach endorsed by one of my favourite books,
"Don't Make Me Think", which advocates web sites which "revolve around
users being able to surf merrily through a well-designed site with
minimal cognitive strain". The link is below.
I love the fact that your header banner always links back to the
homepage. That is one of my favourite site features, and I really miss
it if a site doesn't link their logo to their homepage. Excellent!
As to suggestions:
I wonder if the actual game pages (the in-game ones) are a little bit
naked. The grey background reminds me somewhat of using Netscape 2 and
brings an air of primitiveness - perhaps it could be made white? A
generic footer bar like the one on the homepage could be added. This
would help in preserving a common site theme, a useful way of making
your users comfortable while branding your site. Likewise, the
Help/Games/Boards/Logon part of the header bar which appears in the
Preview Game screen, might be extended to appear at all times.
Remember, the games pages are where you hope the majority of your
users will spend the majority of their time, so this is where you want
to make it the most attractive.
If you're looking for more information on usability, then I cannot
recommend "Don't Make Me Think" enough. You can view it here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0789723107/103-8591539-2724625
Also, another guru of usability is Jakob Nielsen, a rather militant
but very insightful authority. He has a cavernous website, called
UseIT, and a quick look around may turn up more things of interest to
you.
http://www.useit.com/
I hope that answers your question! Good luck with the site - I know
I'll be keeping my eye on it in the future.
--seizer-ga |
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