Complex sites versus simple sites

[SagaLore]

I was going to start a poll, but that feature appears to be on vacation...


When you visit a site, do you prefer it to fill up the page with several columns, with lots of cool graphics, shadows, 3d effects, animation, colors, hiearchial menu, member customization, etc.

Or do you prefer a simple text based site with maybe a single small logo at the top and a simple text linear menu?

Do you like simple white backgrounds, or do you like subtle background colors and patterns?

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

i like sites with boobs

that is why i like this site

 

[FoBoT]

i like it simple to start out

like google, make the beginning really plain and simple until you get to where you need to be, then get fancy if you need to

 

[jfall]

For me, it really depends on the site

 

[JoPh]

i like very clean easy to navigate sites. all the flashy flash and shockwave stuff doesnt do anything for me.

 

[novon]

They key is achieving a balance between the two.

 

[dullard]

The key is to imagine you are on 14K modem. Now what do you want?
1) A first page that takes 10 minutes to open (not including the multiple flash players, etc that you'll also have to download and install).
2) A first page that instantly appears getting you right to where you want to go. No installing things. No waiting.

The answer is obvious to me.

 

[chrisms]

As a former graphic design artist, I like going to websites which are very complex in design. These work for musicians or other artists sites very well. But if I'm just looking for information I usually like it kept simple, and it usually is.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: chrisms
As a former graphic design artist, I like going to websites which are very complex in design. These work for musicians or other artists sites very well. But if I'm just looking for information I usually like it kept simple, and it usually is.

Ditto on all counts.

 

[ShawnD1]

I like simple sites a lot better.
-flash intros are annoying
-sound playing in the background is VERY annoying
-having to search for what I'm looking for is not fun; the site should be easy to navigate

If you want to see a nicely done site, look at Maddox's website. I won't provide a direct link for obvious reasons.....

 

[SagaLore]

I setup SagaLore.comon my reseller account, and whenever I have a thought I want to write down so I can develop it later, I just post a simple html page (not even selecting a font) and link to it. I'm actually starting to like the feel of the pages - they are so incredibly plain that it actually works.

 

[notfred]

Masterpiece of web design