Portal Design
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155)
Wed 2008/08/20 17:12
Folks who read the RSS feed instead may want to pop over to have a look at the new Gateway redesign.
Thank you to all members who provided input for the new design exactly one month ago today.
There are many reasons for a redesign and I will go through some of them. The first reason is that attempting to design a top page to convert new visitors and also cater for current readers at the same time is not possible. The place ends up being a mess for both new visitors and current readers.
I've seen your feedback in the Puchi Blurbs - some of you love it, hate it and some of you even think its more messy than before! Well at least its not messy for the first time visitor too ^^;
Its difficult to please all and I will fail miserably if I set out to do so (Bill Cosby).
I spend much time working with other site owners to drive traffic to this site but if the first run experience sucks then conversion is going to be low. My task is to convert new visitors into regular users buy cutting out as much irrelevant information as possible. For example, I want new visitors to note the quality of the articles - figure releases before they are announced, Japanese office tours, life in Japan etc. But New visitors don't necessarily need to know about the member articles or puchi blurbs as soon as they arrive - they can get to that later if they decide to stay on.
On the other hand, I need to make sure that regular visitors don't see the marketing blurbs or elements that clutter up the experience even more. Many blogs in particular are stuffed with so much stuff in the side columns that users get desensitized to those areas and completely ignore them.
This is the first iteration of the design and I will be making changes based on user behavior. I want to make the Gateway for regular users more configurable.
Another site where you will see constant changes to the layout based on user behavior is iknow.co.jp - keep your eye on it if you are into the usability thing too.
Thank you to all members who provided input for the new design exactly one month ago today.
There are many reasons for a redesign and I will go through some of them. The first reason is that attempting to design a top page to convert new visitors and also cater for current readers at the same time is not possible. The place ends up being a mess for both new visitors and current readers.
I've seen your feedback in the Puchi Blurbs - some of you love it, hate it and some of you even think its more messy than before! Well at least its not messy for the first time visitor too ^^;
Its difficult to please all and I will fail miserably if I set out to do so (Bill Cosby).
I spend much time working with other site owners to drive traffic to this site but if the first run experience sucks then conversion is going to be low. My task is to convert new visitors into regular users buy cutting out as much irrelevant information as possible. For example, I want new visitors to note the quality of the articles - figure releases before they are announced, Japanese office tours, life in Japan etc. But New visitors don't necessarily need to know about the member articles or puchi blurbs as soon as they arrive - they can get to that later if they decide to stay on.
On the other hand, I need to make sure that regular visitors don't see the marketing blurbs or elements that clutter up the experience even more. Many blogs in particular are stuffed with so much stuff in the side columns that users get desensitized to those areas and completely ignore them.
This is the first iteration of the design and I will be making changes based on user behavior. I want to make the Gateway for regular users more configurable.
Another site where you will see constant changes to the layout based on user behavior is iknow.co.jp - keep your eye on it if you are into the usability thing too.
Below is what you will see the first time you arrive. Its basically whats known in the web industry as a Landing Page. Here I have only 3-7 seconds to convince the user to explore more.
With help from your definition of DC Com, The catch phrase I use sums up what the site is about - "Your portal to Japan."
The slides show strong articles from the Japan and Figure categories.
Below the top band are figure articles on the left and Japan articles in the center. The bottom of the center column is blurb to let folks know what this site about and who runs it.
This is a similar approach to what first time users see at Flickr. The first time user will see a photo with a simple blurb. Users who are logged in see something completely different - items which they care about.
With help from your definition of DC Com, The catch phrase I use sums up what the site is about - "Your portal to Japan."
The slides show strong articles from the Japan and Figure categories.
Below the top band are figure articles on the left and Japan articles in the center. The bottom of the center column is blurb to let folks know what this site about and who runs it.
This is a similar approach to what first time users see at Flickr. The first time user will see a photo with a simple blurb. Users who are logged in see something completely different - items which they care about.
First time visitors click on the "New Visitor?" button and arrive in the welcome page where I give them the nitty gritty about the site. People who have already clicked through to this page show some interest and will invest more time to read but I still need to keep the blurb short.
From here, users jump into the Figure or Japan portal or dive straight in to see what regular users see by setting their Gateway to show content for regular users.
From here, users jump into the Figure or Japan portal or dive straight in to see what regular users see by setting their Gateway to show content for regular users.
Below is the regular user Gateway. The only main difference is the header bit. The loading time for the previous thumbnailed header is now used more efficiently for my news items instead. They are updated more frequently than Articles so I thought it would make more sense to stick them at the top.
Member news has been extended to 6 items. I'm quietly pleased with the images for articles. The original designs had a black band with transparency at the top and bottom for the text - quite common on many web2.0 designs these days. The black band looked quite bad and tried out a gradient instead - really liked the look of it ^^;
For those who are into CSS, just make two PNG gradients and span the background across two divs - one at the top and one at the bottom of another div which holds the image. If you want this to work in ie6, you will need to use something like jQuery ifixpng.
Member news has been extended to 6 items. I'm quietly pleased with the images for articles. The original designs had a black band with transparency at the top and bottom for the text - quite common on many web2.0 designs these days. The black band looked quite bad and tried out a gradient instead - really liked the look of it ^^;
For those who are into CSS, just make two PNG gradients and span the background across two divs - one at the top and one at the bottom of another div which holds the image. If you want this to work in ie6, you will need to use something like jQuery ifixpng.
After launching the portals and studying user behavior, I realized that portals are not really used by regular readers. Most regular readers want to catch most of the content which is why they hit the top Gateway instead.
Thus I have made the portals into Landing Page type designs - still needs improving though.
The top band shows the most popular articles and gives the new user a taster of the goodies inside. This is the Figure Portal
Thus I have made the portals into Landing Page type designs - still needs improving though.
The top band shows the most popular articles and gives the new user a taster of the goodies inside. This is the Figure Portal
The Japan portal is the same - popular articles at the top and arranged in a way to convince new visitors to stay on.
And this is the Japanese Gateway for the first time user.
There is still much work to do around the site and will be migrating to the new design step by step starting with my profile page, detail pages for articles and News Items and then onto pagination pages and gallery slides etc.
Items on my immediate to-do list are add more images of Haruka and Mirai to the header rotation pool and display categories for News Items.
Adsense users will know that Google dropped the referral program. As a result, I got mail from them asking me to end the Google DC Rewards - this is another reason for the redesign as I needed to remove a bunch of code. The DCReward feed should be replaced with the standard feed that you have registered on your site. I still want you to make money and will be announcing another way for you to easily do so soon.
There is still much work to do around the site and will be migrating to the new design step by step starting with my profile page, detail pages for articles and News Items and then onto pagination pages and gallery slides etc.
Items on my immediate to-do list are add more images of Haruka and Mirai to the header rotation pool and display categories for News Items.
Adsense users will know that Google dropped the referral program. As a result, I got mail from them asking me to end the Google DC Rewards - this is another reason for the redesign as I needed to remove a bunch of code. The DCReward feed should be replaced with the standard feed that you have registered on your site. I still want you to make money and will be announcing another way for you to easily do so soon.
All items that were available in the previous header menu are available in the new orange band. The Secret Menu contains a way for you to reset your browser cookies so that you can see what I am up to in terms of trying to convert new users.
The Secret Menu also contains a new section called Nekkid 2D girls for the 2D girl fan (aren't we all?)
The Secret Menu also contains a new section called Nekkid 2D girls for the 2D girl fan (aren't we all?)
From now on I will put all items in Your Menu. If you are not logged in then you wont see this.
A form is now above the Puchi Blurbs and includes a counter. Any URL you enter is enabled with snapshots too. let us know what you are looking at, any interesting discoveries etc. The next step is to integrate into twitter too.
And just to recap from the history of dannychoo.com article where you will see more - this is what the website looked like back in the year 2000.
Changes for the better are good. Its like introducing a new work flow into your life - can be difficult to get accustomed to at first but will be beneficial in the long run - until its time for other changes for the better. And thus the cycle continues. Embracing change is good - its the only way forward.
Changes for the better are good. Its like introducing a new work flow into your life - can be difficult to get accustomed to at first but will be beneficial in the long run - until its time for other changes for the better. And thus the cycle continues. Embracing change is good - its the only way forward.
This is what dannychoo.com looked like in 2002.
Through each design iteration, I've always been analyzing user behavior so that I can add/remove/change what was necessary to improve the user experience. At Amazon, we had internal tools that enabled us to set up intricate tests to see what users clicked on etc. Now Google offers Google Web Optimizer. Its a new tool that enables you to try out different designs of your website. Google will show different layouts to different visitors of the same page. Google will also handle the sessions involved. The tool will generate a report to show you which design was the most effective in converting your users. The video below explains more about Web Optimizer.
Through each design iteration, I've always been analyzing user behavior so that I can add/remove/change what was necessary to improve the user experience. At Amazon, we had internal tools that enabled us to set up intricate tests to see what users clicked on etc. Now Google offers Google Web Optimizer. Its a new tool that enables you to try out different designs of your website. Google will show different layouts to different visitors of the same page. Google will also handle the sessions involved. The tool will generate a report to show you which design was the most effective in converting your users. The video below explains more about Web Optimizer.
The hexagonal theme continues with this orange look n feel in 2006.
I will be using Google Web Optimizer to test out different messages/graphics/layout on the first time user Gateway and use those results to increase conversion of first time visitors.
I will be using Google Web Optimizer to test out different messages/graphics/layout on the first time user Gateway and use those results to increase conversion of first time visitors.
And this is what the site looked like just over a year ago. Time certainly flies.
Ah, nearly forgot to mention that some layout and navigational features have been left out of IE6 and IE7 - Both browsers contain too many CSS bugs. Firefox and Safari work well but iPod Touch/iPhone look a bit odd.
Folks who have wide screens will enjoy both of Haruka-chans twin tails ^^;
Let me know if you have any issues viewing the site and state your browser and OS type.
And thanks to all members who have been helping me fix bugs in the Puchi Blurbs ^^
Ah, nearly forgot to mention that some layout and navigational features have been left out of IE6 and IE7 - Both browsers contain too many CSS bugs. Firefox and Safari work well but iPod Touch/iPhone look a bit odd.
Folks who have wide screens will enjoy both of Haruka-chans twin tails ^^;
Let me know if you have any issues viewing the site and state your browser and OS type.
And thanks to all members who have been helping me fix bugs in the Puchi Blurbs ^^
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
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Tue 09/04 01:14 comments (38)
Student & Authorized Chicken Slapper
I do like your new Design Danny. Its interesting to see the photos you posted on the changes you have made over the years. I only joined in July so I have only seen the previous layout design. The hexagonal one reminds me of those old Street Fighter Arcade games lol.
(ID #271272) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:34
Student & Authorized Chicken Slapper
Oh and Nice touch on the little brief summary being integrated into the picture.
(ID #271273) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:35
I think the brief summary needs a bit of outline or shadow to make it stand out more.
(ID #271788) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:44
I like the new design, although got confused first time I saw it.
(ID #271291) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:47
Lol I was abit shocked and lost for awhile. But I like it! Love the design, and it looks like DannyChoo's copyrighted color is orange ^^
(ID #271618) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:01
Administrator
I have to agree, just like how ppl should use vista a little more before go ranting about it to damnation. Anyway, after a little confusion at first glance. I took a closer look and the design is well thought-out and have better accessibility IMO. Great work danny and who ever contributed ideas.
(ID #271653) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:47
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
I like the new layout very much Danny, nice work! You really do work hard for your readers. I also liked the fact that the member news on the top page has gone up to a capacity of six articles, saves me time from clicking on "MORE"
(ID #271292) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:48
Student
Love your new awesome site design! lol, it's nice to put up a history of the site layout since I just registered recently so I only saw the previous layout ^w^
(ID #271296) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:49
Really liking the new layout. From a quick once-over, there isn't anything wrong, but I assume there are little things (there always are, with anything) to fix/tweak. It's really interesting to see how the design has progressed. I personally am of the opinion that you have one of the best/most usable designs around, so it's always interesting to see what you do next.
(ID #271297) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:50
Actually, when viewing an article, it's the same layout as previous, albeit with a now-broken left-sidebar as you have moved the Danny's News and such up to the top on the main page. Unless this is somehow just me, but I doubt it...
(ID #271299) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:52
CEO MIrai Inc
Yeah that was a technical issue ^^; When that page gets migrated to the new design then it will be fixed.
(ID #271331) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:09
Student Engineer
oh yeah- load times were agonizing before- now the page loads in under two seconds. I loved the landing page when I came here tonight- it was an explosion of vibrant information, then my eyes redirected and all was great. Fantastic work, Danny.
(ID #271300) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:52
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
time flies indeed, I miss those orange hexagons. ^^ love the new design. btw checking out your 2002 design... DC OS, looks like they used the same standard on your sigma lens. ^^
(ID #271304) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:54
duncanmc (Registered on 2008/06/13 06:19)
hexagons were cool.
(ID #343808) Posted on 2008/10/23 21:28
Programmer, otaku, shinigami
Resistance to change...really hate the gateway...
(ID #271307) Posted on 2008/08/20 17:56
CEO MIrai Inc
lol
(ID #271332) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:09
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
You are not alone here.... lol.. but I dont *hate* the portal.
(ID #271778) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:33
Student/Part-timer
yea load times seem to be a bit better for me at least... I'm really not picking when it comes to layouts, as long as I can cntrl+f things Im happy lol I do wish the "Your menu" was still somewhere on the front page though...
(ID #271319) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:01
Student/Part-timer
that would be "picky" not "picking" (^_^ ')
(ID #271323) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:02
gotta admit, takes a while getting used to the new layout say danny, i think you should add some padding to your articles, the articles look rather cramped. eg the page with strike witches and kanu oh and the excerpt on the text? i do believe it's better to have a background for it, the contrast would look so much better... hope you don't mind me nitpicking haha
(ID #271338) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:13
CEO MIrai Inc
Thanks - padding added.
(ID #271347) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:19
Liking the new layout, can see more of mirai-chan at the header^^. Nekkid 2D Girls... :p
(ID #271341) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:15
Hotdog Repairman
Hard to believe that's what DC looked like a year ago. I wasn't even around for that, and I've seen the site go thru at least a couple of revisions. DC is ever evolving. Liking the extended mem news post. Was always disappointed when posts got pushed down too fast. Site looks clean and loads fast, and while they are meant to be subtle I can appreciate the details of layering and priority to popular DC features. I'm sure in a few months when DC evolves again people will say they like this format better. ^^;
(ID #271345) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:17
JR. College Student
I don't like how the article headers and beginning text are integrated into pictures. It really threw me off and it feels weird being able to only read on after clicking an image. Everything else is fine, but I prefer the articles be displayed the way they were previously, or a hybrid of some kind. That's just me though...
(ID #271359) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:29
JR. College Student
Oh and are there any plans for an edit button? That would be nice.
(ID #271360) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:32
Random Worker/Haruhiist
Any "Friends" app for the site???
(ID #271377) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:48
Engineering research
Many blogs in particular are stuffed with so much stuff in the side columns that users get desensitized to those areas and completely ignore them. *nods* so true. request: can we have some basic format control in the comments? eg. bold, highlights etc. =x
(ID #271386) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:53
Student and full-time otaku
Jup, the new design looks good, and feels fresh. I do hope you're also going to encorporate the main page theme into the article pages, because that would really make if feel like one 'whole' site. As always: good job Danny, and keep it up!
(ID #271395) Posted on 2008/08/20 18:58
I wouldn't say it's better than slice bread, but something that came out of nowhere after wanting to check news updates. I've already gotten used to it pretty quick, so I think it's doing a bang of a job.
(ID #271398) Posted on 2008/08/20 19:04
Wonderful site design Danny. I want to add some thing here. If i click on the comment button and change my mind and dont want to add any comments, there is no cancel button to hide the comment box. Then only refresh of the page removes the box. Can you add a cancel button to the posts? please? Also, thanks to Danny, i learnt something about jquery today. Till now, i was wondering how he managed to load an image in the background of the black gradients and with the text on top. Should try that in my blog now or sometime in future ;)
(ID #271399) Posted on 2008/08/20 19:05
Wonderful new design Danny...you've outdone yourself again...Um the only thing that bothers me a bit is the front page...I mean since I'm already logged in and not new, I would rather see a 'Welcome Back!' rather than 'New or Regular' and keep having to click regular...but other than that every is straight forward and easy on the eyes...and I see you've kept your promise about the Nekkid 2D girls for the regulars ;)...
(ID #271416) Posted on 2008/08/20 19:19
CEO MIrai Inc
Unless you keep deleting your cookies you should not see that over and over again.
(ID #271428) Posted on 2008/08/20 19:33
Oh ok, well I guess there is no problems then...thanks!...
(ID #271433) Posted on 2008/08/20 19:36
Engineering research
^First spam? O.o
(ID #271452) Posted on 2008/08/20 20:08
The new design looks very nice. GJ!
(ID #271455) Posted on 2008/08/20 20:12
I like the new design a lot - for a portal site, it's pretty awesome. :)
(ID #271456) Posted on 2008/08/20 20:12
Pretty neat organization of informations :D i like it~ Orange is definitely a nice colour to use. You have just make something good to be even better :D ganbatte~!
(ID #271461) Posted on 2008/08/20 20:22
CEO MIrai Inc
Love your avatar!
(ID #271523) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:40
I prefer this new portal I guess. Great job! whoa, looking at the designs from previous, you've come a long way, moving on with web design trends, hehe. *Thumbs up* but still the 'Post Comment' links in each article doesn't allow me to login!!!!!! Or is it only me? I'm able to fill up my id and password but once I click login nothing happens. I'm using Firefox 3 on my XP and OS X, both didn't work for me.
(ID #271464) Posted on 2008/08/20 20:33
CEO MIrai Inc
Sorry about that - its a bug on this end.
(ID #271522) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:39
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
it happens to my workplace PC too. mine PC at home is fine. both using firefox 3.
(ID #271697) Posted on 2008/08/21 01:40
IT TechGuy
Looks pretty good, i have to say. more easier to navigate your site every time you upgrade your layout. But still think, there should be a room improvement in the comments post.
(ID #271465) Posted on 2008/08/20 20:37
Programmer/IT/Student
I'm loving it, Danny. (Bala-ba-ba-ba) xD I'm really trying to study what you do and how you do it very closely, as I'm still learning CSS myself and I have high expectations for my site within a few years.
(ID #271483) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:03
Sorry but i prefer the "old" page of welcome, the new one disturb me but it's perhaps a question of use.
(ID #271485) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:05
I'm sure we'll all get used to it. 8D It always looks fantastic through my eyes :]
(ID #272371) Posted on 2008/08/21 12:23
This site is an ADVENTURE! for serious... *thumbs up*
(ID #271490) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:06
University Student
Love the new design, eps the "Secret" Menu lol
(ID #271495) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:10
Student, Freelance Figure Review Writer
you've outdone yourself yet again! nice look on the new layout, Danny! ah, does your site still support IE6?
(ID #271512) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:28
CEO MIrai Inc
not really. You using ie6?
(ID #271521) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:37
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
I do, only at the office, works fine on IE6.
(ID #271567) Posted on 2008/08/20 22:54
Student, Freelance Figure Review Writer
Not at home, but in college. I'm okay with it cos I'm using Portable Firefox on my USB Thummy. But some of my friends who wants to visit your site can't since they are using IE..
(ID #271570) Posted on 2008/08/20 22:58
Student, Freelance Figure Review Writer
more like rendering issues... T~T
(ID #271628) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:16
I liked the hexagonal theme with this orange look very much The new one,is also very nice
(ID #271516) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:30
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
Yeahh... Wow,.. a lot of history involved in here...
(ID #271777) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:31
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
I've been following the redesigns, and I think this one is great! Best so far, and it's really an eye catcher. Envy... wish I had a portal like that. :P Just started migrating from wordpress.com to self-host, but I realised now it'll take months to complete... I'll pretty much have to change all posts, and it's almost over 1000 by now. No pain no gain. :P
(ID #271531) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:52
CEO MIrai Inc
can you write a script or find one that does an import for you?
(ID #271559) Posted on 2008/08/20 22:39
Software Engineer
Nice work Danny and obviously lots of thought has gone in to it. Good to see even with the MASSIVE amounts of traffic you get each month you're still driven for improvement .... either that or your just a pain in the arse perfectionist!
(ID #271534) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:54
CEO MIrai Inc
definitely don't aim to be perfect (not possible) - but always want to improve.
(ID #271561) Posted on 2008/08/20 22:40
nice evolution over the years.
(ID #271535) Posted on 2008/08/20 21:56
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
I actually love the new layout now. Not sure quite why... but it's really cool! And I was iffy about it at first!!!
(ID #271555) Posted on 2008/08/20 22:34
Love the portal, it looks great and its got a good flow. The only suggestions (very small) I have are that the javascript slideshow moves kinda fast (especially for the articles with 3 line exerpts) and the footer could use some more padding. The "more" link at the bottom of the "about" section is very close to the "secret menu" headline. I'm on Firefox 3 and OSX. :)
(ID #271580) Posted on 2008/08/20 23:08
Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
I love it! Very user-friendly, well.. after you end up being a tad confused for a few seconds XD It's clean, smart, organised and gets right to the point. Even now, it is amazing to see how the site has evolved... (b^o^)7 Omedetou Danny!
(ID #271606) Posted on 2008/08/20 23:41
^ I agree to this :)
(ID #271626) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:14
Love the new design. Can't wait for the next one!
(ID #271619) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:01
anime/cosplay events organizer
The new layout is looking good ^___^ I love change for as long as it is for the better and I know with the new layout it is for the benefit of the new users visiting DC.com ^^
(ID #271630) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:18
At first I went WTF when I saw the new design mostly because I wasn't expecting it, but now that I took some time to see where everything is, the new design is definitely approved! Just the left-side that looks kinda empty now. And a random question, when the third sister will arrive? ^^
(ID #271632) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:25
It's a nice subtle change, great for beginners to the site, good job danny. That's the first time i've seen the old designs, they've definately got better :)
(ID #271657) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:52
Eek a neighbor. I'm in Brighton. Just looked at your posts. You mention learning Japanese. The University of Sussex do very good evening classes that start in October. I did two years of them a few years back and they were very enjoyable. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/languages/1-4-2-1-5.html#japanese Not cheap but good. Tanaguchi sensei helped us all have a lot of fun.
(ID #271955) Posted on 2008/08/21 05:05
Only just seen this, thanks for the info Old Guy, that is definately something I will look into if I can re-kindle my learning, so many other things I want to try at the moment!!
(ID #310873) Posted on 2008/09/23 18:01
At first time, I was a little confused with the new desing, but in a few minutes I start to enjoy it. Is very elegant, Danny, and is more easy select the menu options. Thank you very much for your work, friend, visit your site is a pleasure!
(ID #271658) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:54
fresh grad
The new layout is awesome. DC keeps on improving.
(ID #271659) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:55
Well, even though I don't post that much, I am one of the few that visits regularly, couple tiems a day, and when I saw the new design I was thrilled cause it was like finding the site for the first time. It may seem a bit hectic with all the menus, but it was enjoyable. Great work on the design and looking forward to more news, changes, girls, and everything you throw at us!! with the exception of the condom skirt......that was uncalled for =P
(ID #271660) Posted on 2008/08/21 00:56
The new layout is really good seriously. When I first saw it i got a bit confused, like saying "wtf happened here?" haha but i got used to it. Great job Danny as always!
(ID #271668) Posted on 2008/08/21 01:08
Nicely done, Danny. I like it, seems more focused. And cooler:)
(ID #271695) Posted on 2008/08/21 01:38
Working Otaku mom
Now that I have gotten used to it, the new layout is really cool!:D Keep up the excellent work Danny!:D
(ID #271702) Posted on 2008/08/21 01:43
Looks great - the first time I came across the the site I looked around first to see what's available before joining. If I'd seen the new gateway page I would have joined straight away, so I would say mission accomplished.
(ID #271755) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:13
Student, Spiral Warrior
It's different and will take some getting used to, but methinks this new layout will work better.
(ID #271756) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:13
http://animenlife.blogspot.com
Well It looks a little different right now, but we will get used to it in a few days. I like some features, but im still looking for some favoreite links that I had spotted. lol
(ID #271776) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:28
Service desk support
well, the new design is certainly more attention grabbing so the requirement of making it easy for newbies is cleared, but for guys like me, I feel that the links now feel like they don't give enough initial info. Kinda like when I'm reading a newspaper, I like to be able to skim through the page at a glance and know what the articles are about. The old layout was better at that kind of stuff. Having said that, I think I liked Ver 4 the best... Not sure how I feel about the portal yet...
(ID #271792) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:51
Service desk support
and with regards to iphone browsing, there are a few minor graphical glitches, such as squashed text around the poll and article sections on the main page and the articles look a little skewered to the left but it does work better than the previous design. Still crashes the browser from time to time tho. Esp when posting comments. But it's more stable than before.
(ID #271807) Posted on 2008/08/21 03:04
Haven't been visiting recently. Was a bit lost but found now. Not bad. I feel that the top bar is pretty large but its ok as I can scroll down. How about some way to minimize the footer? Something like how DeviantArt does it? Overall a more professional feel.
(ID #271793) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:53
I love the new look! Keep up the hard work Danny, i appreciate everything you do on this site!
(ID #271794) Posted on 2008/08/21 02:56
I'm one of those RSS feed folk, last time I came here it was very clustered, Glad to see the change, still a bit clustered for my taste, but considered the amount of contents around here, I guess it can't be helped :)
(ID #271808) Posted on 2008/08/21 03:04
Looking for work again
Twitter interaction would be the bomb! The new site layout looks fantastic. Huge huge kudos Danny!
(ID #271829) Posted on 2008/08/21 03:18
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
I saw the news item when you had asked for opinions so I was quite ready for change lol Ganbare Danny! ^O^
(ID #271851) Posted on 2008/08/21 03:33
I always delete my cookies after a session. Especially when I'm at work... so I'm always get hit up with the "new user?" screen when I return... frankly this becomes annoying. I find the header to be too large vertically which means more scrolling. Also this site dose not seem to display well in Safari (leopard which I use at home)maybe your still working on display bugs as I see your a mac user. Everything else looks fine... overall I like the site. Great Job!
(ID #271870) Posted on 2008/08/21 03:50
.... just using Safari tonight and it's much better now. good deal!
(ID #272365) Posted on 2008/08/21 12:19
With time we can accept the changes. It chocked me to see this new version but I find some options very interesting. We can see what we want and hide what we won't.
(ID #271905) Posted on 2008/08/21 04:14
This cool! +10 It looks so... vista and professional XD
(ID #271933) Posted on 2008/08/21 04:38
Looks great to me- the new user page is a handy one, and I think that more sites should consider something like what you've done, to help get new users involved.
(ID #271950) Posted on 2008/08/21 05:01
Danny. I already have come to like the new design. I'm sure that on my first visit the top bar was more grey but that may have been down to me running noscript. One very very minor thing. I find the post id & posting time a bit hard to make out with the light grey on white. Not a major annoyance but I keep thinking that peoples "registered on" info is the post time (Boy I'm rubbish at explaining this).
(ID #271963) Posted on 2008/08/21 05:11
CEO MIrai Inc
I will change that ^^;
(ID #272120) Posted on 2008/08/21 08:51
~Undine~
Love the new design! So far I like it more and find it easier to browse than the previous version. Great work! ^^
(ID #271970) Posted on 2008/08/21 05:16
daichouginga in Byston Well, the land between the earth and the sea (Registered on 2008/06/04 10:28)
The Sword of Magus
I am somehow got used to it quickly, and I guess the new design is a-ok for me. The only thing I want to point out is the puchi blurb text box below the account info at the top right is missing, and I'm used to type my blurb while reading member news or the puchi blurb page itself. I don't know that's removed intendedly or not.
(ID #271984) Posted on 2008/08/21 05:27
I was confused at first but I really like the new layout. Especially all the smaller news articles on top, since I tend to check those out the most. No problems with how it looks or works either. Always fun seeing how site layouts change over time too. I still have screens of my old sites someplace.
(ID #272014) Posted on 2008/08/21 05:57
ah! this is an awesome new layout! great job danny.
(ID #272044) Posted on 2008/08/21 06:49
helen (Registered on 2008/07/26 17:59)
nice change.... but I really, really, really wish you can put the most recent comment first (on top)
(ID #272050) Posted on 2008/08/21 07:03
CEO MIrai Inc
that would be very very bad for SEO
(ID #272475) Posted on 2008/08/21 14:09
.NET/Web Developer
can i ask why? just curious. :)
(ID #272666) Posted on 2008/08/21 15:56
Thanks for that. I have seen sites which have the lastest comment on top and it SEEMS like a good idea but its much more difficult to read.
(ID #272916) Posted on 2008/08/21 18:10
helen (Registered on 2008/07/26 17:59)
oh - and also - can you make the columns on both sides the SAME width? Reading the center posts slightly to the right bugs me a ton. Also - sometimes having more content on the right than the left (or vice versa) bugs me too - can you try to put the same amount on both sides (Like in this post, there are two small ads on the left while the right column contains "recommended, menu, and featured feeds" -which are quite long.
(ID #272052) Posted on 2008/08/21 07:06
former Emperor of Britannia
awesome and organized ^^
(ID #272062) Posted on 2008/08/21 07:17
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Enjoyed this article Danny. I just spent time with things Japanese and otaku as well as, Web Development. One of the reasons I've always visited your site Danny. I want to make the present and keep the future this way, an integration of my hobbies and fun activities with my professional activities. I just need to start thinking that way all the time. I hate to say I didn't think of the new visitors page as a landing page...sorry...I'm still learning. I feel so stupid right now. Hmmm...I should logout and pretend to be a new user. Just from the screenshot the intro page looks good as a call to action or making visitors want to join. The buttons make the conversion easier. The new visitor can easily find what they want with just scanning the text. Even thought text is considered more important, people will not read, read, read... I used the Google Web Optimizer http://tinyurl.com/5zbunl some towards the end of the last development class along with the AdWords Optimizer. They are great tools for anyone to use...
(ID #272081) Posted on 2008/08/21 07:57
yukito (Registered on 2008/04/07 19:23)
I have to admit that I'm a bit disappointed. I was hoping for a lighter page that wouldn't take forever to load, but it's just as heavy as it used to be. Normal web page takes few seconds to load but dannychoo.com takes about 10x the average. Also this new front page asks me every time if I'm a regular user or not. I realize it's because I delete my cookies on a regular bases, but it still is annoying as hell.
(ID #272107) Posted on 2008/08/21 08:43
CEO MIrai Inc
At least you have a great avatar of Sanya ^^;;;
(ID #272113) Posted on 2008/08/21 08:46
CEO MIrai Inc
If you read the ite in a feed then you need not be annoyed as hell ^^;
(ID #272474) Posted on 2008/08/21 14:09
Finally I'm able to post comments again. I forgot my password and username, and after something like 4 months of only reading and making no comments here, I am back. Danny, the forgot password feature wasn't working for me a while ago. I saw that you had a redesign and thought I would give it another shot and success. I recieved a reset password e-mail. On to the point, loving the new design, mainly because it loads alot faster.
(ID #272150) Posted on 2008/08/21 09:27
Not bad. The first time was a little confusing, specially "first time" on another computer. But it is nice. I like the new menus
(ID #272156) Posted on 2008/08/21 09:34
Network Specialist by day, Otaku by some other time
I really find the change as very nice...nice indeed! Its a little confusing at first, if you get use to the old layout. But overall, very well though of.
(ID #272177) Posted on 2008/08/21 09:53
Physical Therapist
I like your new Design even tough it confused me as a regular reader a bit since i had to get used to it.I think its a BIG improvement for a first time Visitor.You have cut most of the stuff that First Timers Arent interested in and kept it clean and simple.They can get addicted to the other Stuff later. 1 Question:Did you change something about your Feed?I noticed that it was several times down during the last 2 days.It worked fine on my blog before
(ID #272204) Posted on 2008/08/21 10:22
CEO MIrai Inc
Have not changed anything. Which feed are you using?
(ID #272472) Posted on 2008/08/21 14:08
Physical Therapist
Im using this feed: http://www.dannychoo.com/rss/eng/ It worked fine until you changed your site design
(ID #273571) Posted on 2008/08/22 06:08
CEO MIrai Inc
Will look into it today.
(ID #273755) Posted on 2008/08/22 10:00
CEO MIrai Inc
Fixed - problem was an asterisk in a uri. Dont know what RSS validators have to be so strict.
(ID #274166) Posted on 2008/08/22 16:03
Physical Therapist
Hmm...Its weird...My Blog still cant read your feed but when i click it it works fine. I didnt change anything settings on my blog so i dont believe that its my fault because it worked before. Other wordpress Blogs dont seem to have this problem tough. Maybe im able to find a fault on my side
(ID #274343) Posted on 2008/08/22 18:45
Physical Therapist
Im using the standart wordpress feed widget.I checked the Feed adress once again and its correct... I get the following fault: An error has occurred; the feed is probably down. Try again later. I cant figure out whats wrong :( Sorry
(ID #274349) Posted on 2008/08/22 18:50
Physical Therapist
Nevermind Danny it somehow works now...I have no idea why it works,but it works
(ID #275088) Posted on 2008/08/23 08:56
Physical Therapist
Argh...Now its down once again.... I have absolutely no idea where the fault could be. I apologize for spamming this post^^
(ID #275186) Posted on 2008/08/23 11:18
Danny, On your next update, could you install an Idol order button for the site. It'd be really convenient if I could just push a button and have an idol show up at my door. Thanks. -Tenrou
(ID #272216) Posted on 2008/08/21 10:34
Programmer/IT/Student
Lmao! Danny, I second what tenrou said!
(ID #272388) Posted on 2008/08/21 12:41
CEO MIrai Inc
Added to the top 3 thing to do. Which would you like first - 2D or Idol girls?
(ID #272471) Posted on 2008/08/21 14:07
Looking for work again
2D for me. The wife gets less jealous over the 2Ds :P
(ID #274076) Posted on 2008/08/22 15:01
Hey Danny, on the very front page where there new design is. There are no scroll bars? My PC isn't that good with wide screen etc, so I can see anything on the sides, are you able to add scroll bars? :-)
(ID #272251) Posted on 2008/08/21 10:58
CEO MIrai Inc
Ah...I disabled the scroll bars - the site is optimized for at least 1024 X 768. Will think of a fix.
(ID #272470) Posted on 2008/08/21 14:06
Online Shop
I really like the new design. It clearly seperates the member news and Danny news section so it's much easier to navigate. I'm sure this is only the beginning of the new change so I can't wait for more change to come. Keep up the good work!
(ID #272278) Posted on 2008/08/21 11:24
I wasn't a giant fan whenever it suddenly popped up on me last night, browsing. But it grew on me, and now I like it a lot. I don't know how big a fan I am of the article headers being displayed in the pictures yet, though. It seems kinda cluttered. In general, though, I like it a lot. It's fun looking back to what your site was before too. ^^;
(ID #272290) Posted on 2008/08/21 11:33
IT Specialist + Mecha Junkie
I just have this tiny nitpick on the new layout, I think that the gateway page is great, however, the succeeding pages still has the "old" layout, thus there might be an "inconsistency" of designs when navigating... If possible, is there a chance of the subpages having the feel of the new layout as well? Just my honest opinion... ^^
(ID #272336) Posted on 2008/08/21 12:01
CEO MIrai Inc
The article explains that I'm on to it ^^;
(ID #272468) Posted on 2008/08/21 14:05
IT Specialist + Mecha Junkie
haha, with that said, I'm now more eager to see all the changes that would occur to your site once they are completed! ^^
(ID #272762) Posted on 2008/08/21 16:37
IT
I express how much I like the new layout, It's a lot cleaner I find.
(ID #272375) Posted on 2008/08/21 12:27
I crash back here after a vacation and see the new layout. I like it very much,nice work!
(ID #272402) Posted on 2008/08/21 13:07
wow danny uve come a long way... its honestly pretty damn inspiring to see someone find a job that they love so much and have become so successful in, gj, the new layout is awesome
(ID #272409) Posted on 2008/08/21 13:15
Dog of the Country
i realised this after the new portal design has being implemented: Drop in comment count in member news. DC News is taking away all the glory!! This is MADNESS!! LOL
(ID #272504) Posted on 2008/08/21 14:26
I don't think I like the new layout. Not because its bad, but because I'm not used to it and can't find anything yet.
(ID #272560) Posted on 2008/08/21 15:06
.NET/Web Developer
I'm liking the new layout. I did notice though that your news items section didn't show up in the articles like before. Also, I hope that when you enter a puchi blurb it doesn't take you to the puchi blurbs page. Just a refresh on the same page coz I find it annoying that I have to click back to the previous page since after posting a blurb there really isn't anything that I would do in the puchi blurb page. :D or better yet, just refresh the puchi blurb section of the main page. :) Just my .02
(ID #272677) Posted on 2008/08/21 16:02
zdvil (Registered on 2008/07/04 03:25)
There are some things that I dislike about the new layout, like haveing to use the drop down menu rather than being able to just click on the (how do i say this...) "name of the portal link thing". Also the fact that the large friendly Mirai(sp?) picture that take me to the Home page is now on the opposite side. But atleast the drop down menus are fast and alot better than before! I'll get used to the changes eventually... anyway, DC is awesome! (we need more Gundam stuff!! I found this place by googling Gundam =p)
(ID #272814) Posted on 2008/08/21 17:10
providing temporary relief to nymphomaniacs since 1986
I like how you redesigned it. Doesnt look messy to me...good job.
(ID #272825) Posted on 2008/08/21 17:14
Close-protection officer/Martial artist
I even liked the Nekkid 2D girls tab in the Secret Menu! ;)
(ID #272876) Posted on 2008/08/21 17:38
it would take sometime for me to get used to it. but i believe that this new layout would be more convenient :)
(ID #273211) Posted on 2008/08/22 00:42
#1 Yoko/Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Fan!
Looking good, Choo. Rick Rolling people with your site...that's cold, but at least it's the trooper version.
(ID #273232) Posted on 2008/08/22 01:03
Overall the new design is really nice. Good job, Danny!
(ID #273855) Posted on 2008/08/22 11:39
Im a new guy here Danny, but let me tell you this. Youre new layout impressed my so much i put it on my TopPage =D So always i open my FireFox youre page shows up ! I like youre page good job Danny ( and all thouse who helped him ! )
(ID #274268) Posted on 2008/08/22 17:24
The design looks very good. I just wanted to take this opportunity to mention that I cant post comments or log in while using lolifox, which is based on Firefox. When I click on post comment, the little loading disc appears and it just spins forever. To post, like now, I have to jump over to Internet Explorer. I cant login from a post comment in IE, though. It tells me there is an error and if I want to debug it. Im using the add-on IE Tab and have IE7 installed.
(ID #274767) Posted on 2008/08/23 02:38
website/graphic designer
Ahh~ I'm so late to the party, but I still want to say, Good Job~! (^o^)b New layout is looking fresher than usual and I'm liking the new header, the only problem is that while the page is loading, the menu will have the 'Login' link showing and then change to 'Your Menu' when the page is done, I'm using Firefox 3.0.1 on XP, it's nothing major but thought you might like to know. The left column is empty for me on the article pages... is this normal? Would like to see the news like usual, otherwise if it's part of your ongoing fixes, then don't mind me ^_~
(ID #274810) Posted on 2008/08/23 03:18
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
Loving the new layout, keep it up Danny!
(ID #274909) Posted on 2008/08/23 04:54
Bravo Danny! It's a cool redesign, i love it; I'm reading some stuff about usability and it looks like you're some kind of expert, congratulations on your job it's very good.
(ID #274997) Posted on 2008/08/23 06:42
Visual Communications and Web 2.0
great job danny, i veyr much enjoy new design and did not feel i had to get used to it much. Its easy for the regualr user like me (who been coming here for so long I can't remember anymore). One thing I would like is a bit more color. its a big neutral right now and I think it should be more popy hehehe. In addition pictures of the Mirai should be big and take up half of that white space that is not taken by the images/article links. That will take care part of the color absence space. I'm enjoying the changes you have makeovers the years and will be back as always!
(ID #275936) Posted on 2008/08/24 04:14
Gundam Australia Forum Admin
The new design looks great and is far more functional. The new ease of use helped convince me to register after lurking for almost a year. I particularly like the drop down menus at the top of the home page and the lists at the bottom. I found this site confusing and difficult to navigate before, now it is much easier. My only gripe is that pages can sometimes take quite a while to load due to the over saturation of images, and also when I've read an article and the comments and I get to the bottom of the page and see three other things that interest me, i have to click back after reading one and try and remember what the others were.... even worse when I see three more articles of interest on the next page and so forth. Is there, or is it possible to provide a simple page that lists all articles in each catergory that I can leave open for reference without eating too much of my CPU speed? I also find that if I open several different pages of interest it can take forever for one or all of them to load. I hope my numbskull feedback is useful... :D
(ID #278061) Posted on 2008/08/25 21:01
erm somehow i lost where u can enter your puchi blurbs... it used to be on the righr column right? i can't seem to have it now
(ID #283037) Posted on 2008/08/29 13:34
Applied mathematician/electronic engineer
I'm a new user so I have no frame of reference. I think the CSS stuff you do is amazing though. The site looks very nice! I love the transparency effects.
(ID #309320) Posted on 2008/09/22 06:54
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