Japan Design
Need to move fast on this one as the clients waiting to be Mirai Gaia-ized are starting to pile up!
Thank you to everybody who sent in designs.
I've decided to go initially with one of these three designers. They will be sent a separate task to complete and my client will choose one of their designs. The chosen designer will work with us on the up n coming Japanese brand names who will launch on Mirai Gaia starting from November onwards. The other two designers will work with us on projects at a later date.
The original post calling for designers posted on Sunday clearly stated the requirement for folks to be able to work with little direction and the following designers have demonstrated that they were able to do just that.

Anyway, this design belongs to Designer 1 from Malaysia currently residing in Singapore. This is the welcome landing page.

Designer 2 also from Malaysia! The welcome landing page design was similar to this so just posting the top design for regular users.

Designer 3 from Australia. The welcome landing page.
Message to all three designers - will ping you later today with the next task.
As for the style of these designers - which do you prefer?
If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.
If you don't have much time now, maybe subscribe to the RSS Feed, Twitter Feed or join the other readers in the FaceBook Page.
Alternatively, you may want to read more about the site.
If you are a regular reader then this message will probably annoy you each time - hide it forever.
-Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)






















Web Developer
http://www.ecchi.co.za/
I like #2 (although it looks very busy). #1 is too similar to the current site and #3 has too much white.
Web Developer
http://kungfudiscomonkey.net
One thing I like about design 2, is how he's handled the live blogger posts. The extra bit at the top makes it easier to tell what blogger you're reading.
Permanent Japanophile
Oh yes, #2 is something people can relate to although it gives a fresh view at the same time.
#1 feels a little "overpromoting" Danny esp on BBC and so on, feels kinda commercialised.
#3 is somehow a little less catchy.
Student, Otaku and Gamer.
http://kurayami.foroactivo.com.es/
True, that's true... =/
IT Student
http://naouak.hyperthese.net
I think the second one lack of orange and is too much contrasted (blue orange, black, white ...).
And for the third one: I hate non extensive design.
Web Developer
http://kungfudiscomonkey.net
I like how the design 1 landing highlights some of the areas on DC.
Coollege Stuuuuudent
Compare to #1, #2 show too much article at a time...
#3 Don't have the orange color menu, and too much white color...
Time Traveller/High School Student
http://thetsundere.wordpress.com/
I agree - 3 has way too much white. The ones with orange in the top menu stand out the most for me.
Student, Software Engineer in the Making!!!
http://miettechan.wordpress.com/
Really liked the welcome page of design number 1, and the top page of design 2. Orange might be my favorite color, but a nice change of color scheme would be nice.
Eroge blogger
http://omochikaeri.wordpress.com/
I'm going with #2 because of the top. It's a bit busy though.
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Looking at these I find that I really need to improve my stone age designs ^^;
Anyhoot... #2 is quite nice just because it's so different than the original layout.
NEET
http://tangerinetango.wordpress.com/
Agreed! OTL
I was planning to submit my own design, but after seeing these... I concede.
I still have much to learn!
???Confused???
Designer 1 kept the original DC feel to it, but it feels like it doesn't stray to far from the "chopped up and laid out differently" as Danny mentioned earlier, so it feels like it lacks a bit of originality or what the designer can bring to the table...and it also kind of mashes everything together...
Designer 2 is quite original and did well in making each section easy to differentiate from one another so I know what I'm looking at, at first glance...I find it easy on the eyes...
Designer 3 is okay, but it's a little too plain and hard to follow...
To Aru Tenki Rain
http://kyourin7.blogspot.com/
like everybody else #2 wins my vote ^w^
I prefer designer #2, Its clean and not to confusing... well for me anyway
Student, ACG Fans
http://modvisc.blogspot.com
designer 2 for me, easy to view and easy differentiate the section.
http://ponderthegg.com
All of the designs ignored the most important part, the ad banner integration. What is the point of all this awesome organic SEO, if the click-through rate is horrible?
Student
They're all nice designs and could work nicely, Number two looks extremely busy but looks most informative and well handled.
Student
Design 2 looks fresh and clean. My vote goes to them.
Software Engineer (Web)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cachopls/
designer 1: like the header part
designer 2: i like what he/she did with the live blogger part and the header menu
designer 3: minimalist type
Student
http://jyuichi-11.blogspot.com
I don't like how the logos are right in the middle on 2 when its supposed to be the "regular user" page. They break up the flow when looking for content (and regular users don't need reminded of Danny's awesomeness :) ) Would be better off near the top or bottom of the page.
3 has too little orange and sections kinda blur together. 1 isn't the most original but it has my vote.
http://ponderthegg.com
What happened to the spec work comment?
Web Designer / Animator
http://parttimeotaku.blogspot.com/
Got removed before creating flaming subject. Kinda disagree but it's better i keep quiet.
http://ponderthegg.com
I'm surprised my previous one wasn't taken down then!
Web Designer / Animator
http://parttimeotaku.blogspot.com/
I like designers 2 layout. It easily sort out the content without confusing but kinda doesn't like the footer part. I suggest for a hidden footer, will come up when user scroll. I've done half way with the landing page but unable to submit on time due to bad timing (having some clients project booked earlier) Sigh...Anyway, Great Jobs to those designers, hoping for more future great outcome
スーパースベシャル"S"
1. Prefer the look of Designer 1. Simple, clean and not too over coloured. (probably because it looks quite similar to the current page as well)
2. But I prefer the grid structures of Designer 2, simply because you can see more on the page and no need to SCROLL too much. The need to scrolling around too much is a big no no! Also, a wee bit too much colours.
3. Design 3 - Nice sleek clean looking design. But the page doesn't seem to have a grid structure..? O_o
student engineer
Wow fans getting a lesson about the real world that's pretty rough. The whole, Execution is key bit, way to true. It looks like this site is more motivating and thought provoking than most. Keep em’ workin DC!
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
http://puppy52art.com/
speed and quality is definitely what makes the best stand out for sure! good luck to the top 3 picks :)
US Navy Sailor
http://punynari.wordpress.com/
Design 1: Love the Welcome Landing Page. Very attractive colors with mascot but still easy to find what to click on.
Don't really care for the other top page layouts from this designer. Too many large pictures all over the place, hard to figure out what's what.
Design 2: Sleek, easy to navigate design. No wasted space but at the same time keeps the colors and mascots of DC that I love. Featured feed is much larger as well. I like this design.
Design 3: Honestly don't like it at all. Doesn't look like DC. Too white and plain. Very wordy as well. Would have to take a moment to make sure I didn't visit a regular news site.
Artist
http://monki.net/
Voted for 3, but also dig 2!
I.T. Technician
I voted for the Australian too!!
Neat Idea to show it as how it would render, but the image has been reduced in size and it would look cleaner and sharper if it was the right size!
Student
http://shacher.host22.com/
I prefer the first designer, it´s beautiful and is´t dificult.
Student/Amateur Artist
http://poisondusk.wordpress.com/
I prefer number 2. DC has a lot of content to fit onto the regular users' page, but the second layout managed to fit everything together in a way that was easy to understand. I especially liked the side-box for the live bloggers.
none
I vote for 2 its great and looks cool.
browsing the nets
http://otakuposts.blogspot.com/
design 2 looks like yahoo style site. all alternating colour rows and colour.
i'd prefer a mix of design 1, 2 and 3. top portion of #3, middle parts of #1 & #2 and bottom footer of #2.
Guess
3 is actually good, but it's just not DannyChoo.
I love how #2 handles the articles, thumbs up.
Student
http://foxkey.blog126.fc2.com/
I like the design of number 2, everything is segmented very nicely and in an orderly fashion just what I like ^^
Although it does seem a bit crowded, probably needs a little larger spacing between segments and the blue around bloggers be orange? To fit the DC image better.
I enjoy the landing page for designer 3, it really captures what is going on inside at DC, but the segmentation could be a little clearer.
Goodluck to the 3 designers in the next task. ^^
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
I vote for #2, pretty much like it :)
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
Man, those are pretty hot. I gotta learn to clean my stuff up, so it looks less clunky.
IT Manager
http://thumbnail-of-life.blogspot.com/
That was fast. I'll go for 2.
College Student (ICT Software Development)
http://www.zentocorp.co.uk/
#1 looks too busy and 3 looks to void..
photoshop junkie
http://blossoming.livejournal.com
The header on Design #2 is very lovely. It captures me and the overall design for it is really great. It's very different from the norm as far as DC and I think a change would be nice. I, on the other hand, don't feel that it's very crowded. Perhaps the columns could have a little more space between them, but other than that, I really love the set-up.
Design #1 is not very daring and Design #3 lacks whatever element it is that I can't put my finger on... I don't really see "DC.com" when I look at #3.
http://moemoekyun.wordpress.com
prefer the old design 2 month ago !
Student & Artist
http://kanochu.wordpress.com
I agree that #1 is too busy, and although #3 is a nice design, I don't think it fits this site very well! #2 Looks really good though!
pixels & photography
http://www.studiosushi.com
I like the thumbnails dimensions of the 1st design. 2nd design got some good ideas but got the feeling to use a web app client and not to be on a website. The 3rd one needs some background and cells improvements. Nice work guys o//
thousand master II, Internet Learner, Auto didacta
http://pipopaz.wordpress.com/
Really like the overall new look of #2. Also, it doesn't seem too busy for me at least XD, though I can't seem to find where the puchi blrubs are...
大学の学生 1st year
http://otakunaka.blogspot.com/
It still too early but looks like 2's going to win
Student
http://cottondream.blogspot.com/
i love the dannychoo.com wen i 1st join in..
after adding the figure.fm n stuffs.. it becomes kinda complicated.. > <
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
I really like designer 2's design :D
Student
http://payuki.deviantart.com/
I voted for design 1 because it looks comfortable and userfiendly
IT dude, Gamer
http://www.giantbomb.com/profile/zyn
I like designer #3's work. Maybe add a touch more orange :)
College Student
Love the #2 design..
NEET
http://tangerinetango.wordpress.com/
Congrats to the three designers who made it!
I love design 2 the most, it features a lot, without confusing readers because the content are all in columns.
I love the landing page of designer 1, but the top page will make people lost as much as the current layout makes people lost.
As for designer three, I'm sorry, but it reminds me too much of blog host websites (like wordpress.com/blogger.com)
after seeing these designs though, I am thoroughly humbled because you all did great and with a short amount of time too... I guess I shall try to aim for future job openings instead *goes back to attempting to read Hiragana*
Policy & Research Officer
http://www.alafista.com/
I think #2 looks the best
Student
http://sl-kun.blogspot.com
Navigational wise I like the #2 design. It is very informative and has been designed in a way that when you decide to click on a link, you know what section the link belongs to. For the daily readers page of #1 this is not the case as when you scroll to the middle of the page you lose track of the headings which combined with the matrix layout is quite confusing.
Look and feel wise #2 loses a bit of the dc.com feel and more of a corporate feel as it is so different from the current design, something design #1 has kept using the dc colours and style. #2 looks somewhat crowded due to the large amount of text and almost no whitespace.
The landing page of #3 is somewhat too complicated for a landing page.
failing student
http://ukyuki.blogspot.com/
i like design 2 but where are the blurbs??
http://twitter.com/phossil
http://www.animoe.net
I like the 3 designs, but If I had to choose one, its between the 2 and 3.. ^^
Passerby
http://jitokun.wordpress.com/
Happy to see that 2 out of 3 designers are from Malaysia. I like the second design.
part-time blogger and on-line seller
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blukat/
Just wanted to say I hope you aren't going with that poll. It's too easy for one or more of the participants to get all their friends and family and people on the internet to sway it in their favor. So internet polls are never valid.
Also wanted to mention it's bothersome that the photos on the top of #2 aren't the same size. Also, in terms of people using websites, less is more. Easier to navigate and anything that takes too long to load because it's photo and ad heavy is more likely to be closed than looked at. Especially if a site is looking for more readers.
Coollege Stuuuuudent
Well...no matter who win in the poll, all of the designer still get the job~
Because:
"Message to all three designers - will ping you later today with the next task."
Mr.Danny already mentioned at first place~
So the poll just let us choose which design suitable for us~
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
I will work with all three designers.
Student, Uncle & hopfully a good husband..
A lot of them look really busy...but at least we know how to get around it....
Student or something like that
http://myanimelist.net/profile/tiberis1221
Hey, that designer #2 is something!! ^^
I recall that design from somewhere, tough.
Student
http://johndiew0107.wordpress.com/
#2 is the best... although it might need some minor changes such as the "as featured on" bar... which is typically useless for daily/current readers.
motion designer / director
http://www.machda.com
definitely designer #2 . the design look fresh and accommodate more info.
DSL Tech Support T____T, Kita-Kon Chairman
http://www.kita-kon.org
Design #2 looks like a familiar blog... I wonder if it's the same author. Personally I like all of them but i would have to pick design #1
Dental Technician, i make teeth!
http://antsizedman.blogspot.com/
Like the all but if i had to choose #2, looks really modern.
Student
http://situsaleatorius.blogspot.com
The number 2 for me, nice style.
Star Gazer
http://vixums.wordpress.com/
My vote's for designer one, I love all their layouts!
Student
http://lordofgundams.blogspot.com/
Nice designs for the site. I think that the second designer has won my vote.
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
Overall they all look original and awesome!
But if I had to choose, I'd pick bachelor #2~!
Designer
Please consider my mockups too! >.<
http://www.cesarkohl.com/dannychoo/hardcore-visitor.jpg
http://www.cesarkohl.com/dannychoo/casual-visitor.jpg
http://www.cesarkohl.com/dannychoo/new-visitor.jpg
Ta-da! ^_^
CEO MIrai Inc
http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/
I like these a lot!
Will reply to your mail.
Designer
Nice! I'll be waiting for your reply.
Student
2nd one by far. The first looked too similar to the current layout and the third wasn't designed for content as much. Plus the nav bar on the 2nd looks very nice. Very image oriented and focused on articles.
College Student, Computer Science Major
http://www.projectsaber.com
Damn, some talented designers out there. I like the 2nd one more.
.NET/Web Developer
http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net
I like the content layout of designer 1 but I prefer designer 2's header layout. Maybe you could mix and match those two danny. :D I also prefer the tokyo live blogger layout of designer 2. I love designer 1's layout for the everyday users. its very convenient.
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
I like designer 2, but not that big gray "as featured on" bar. Remove that and it's great.
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
though I must say I can see the approaches in each design. 1 is optimal for articles, 2 is optimal for community (hence the votes), and 3 is optimal for a blog.
Pre-U Student
http://wakuwakusuru.zeroclipse.net
Like Design 2 but I think the as featured on part should be listed on the welcome landing page instead of the top page. Photo articles should be bigger though - the images since its the "main content" ^^
The welcome landing page for Design 1 looks great..
Student of the Finnish language and soon to be programmer?
http://www.fin-style.be/blog
The 2nd one looks really a lot like most websites look these days with the footer and header been styled like that.
As a client, it would appeal more to me than the 1st and 3rd mock up. Since it looks more professional and also separates the content better than your current page imho.
Another point I would like to comment on is the picture + text before the ads ("If you are interested.."), which is repeated on every page and unnecessary. It's overkill and already posted on your main page. I want to be able to skip straight to the comments after reading the article.
Graphic Artist/Designer
http://www.section09ds.com/
Actually, I think designer one hit a home run with what Dannychoo.com is all about. Sure he used some of the elements from the current design, but with slight updates and it looks great! A little says a lot.
Designer 2, while its a good design, its very cluttered to me. There is just tons of information that is very compressed. It almost looks like a news website like CNN or something. It doesn't have the cool inviting style that this website is known for. Also have to consider how this page will look when the browser is maximized. The header will probably look a little weird because its all images. There is no background image to repeat on the x-axis. I'm really not digging the gray bar under the header with the logos. The color just doesnt match at all.
Designer 3 is good too but a little too much negative space. Because of this, it doesn't feel segmented, all of the info looks like its just tossed on the screen with no particular order.
Good luck with the design! I'm an interface/graphic designer myself, I wish I could add my designs but have no time right now, argh! I've been pulling late hours at my own job redesigning the interface there as well, lol. I do plan to make some mock ups but will probably just be for giggles since it will probably be too late to enter this by then.
Undergrad Student
http://twitter.com/zerokoolpsx
I like #2 design, it might be a little too much on the page, but his organization is nice and it lets us get to what we want faster without clicking on links too much.
Graphic Design student | Receptionist | Otaku
http://sukidesho.blogspot.com/
No. 2 works well, though a bit full. Handling a lot if image and text is always a good challenge, I think ^^
Daigakusei [Consular and Diplomatic Affairs]
http://dixinfernal.wordpress.com
Design 2 FTW!
Student, Musician, PHP
http://www.tojikomori.com.ar
I like most #2 too, specially the Live bloggers sections. #1 (casual reader) is very nice too. It's quite similar to the actual theme, but I like the actual theme ^^
Illustrator / Photographer / DDer
http://kiwira.deviantart.com
#2 for me ^_^
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
I PICK NUMBER 1!
Don't call me Shirley
D2 gets my vote.