I’ve enjoyed playing around with jQuery so much lately that I’ve decided to take on another project with this useful library — a new WordPress theme, of course.
I typically try to stick to XHTML, CSS, and PHP, but I need to branch out a little. Sure, I used jQuery on the Visionary theme, but I didn’t really delve into its power. This time, I’m going to see how far I can take it without getting too crazy with the code.
The image is just a Photoshop design I put together yesterday. I’m actually pretty far into putting the theme together, although I haven’t gotten much into the functionality yet, just the design.
If you notice the arrow pointing from the sidebar to the main content, you’ll see part of the jQuery script at work. When users click on a link in the recent posts part of the sidebar, that particular post appears in the content box. Basically, I’m taking a lot of the normal page scrolling out of the process. You get a lot above the fold.
I know I said I might scale it back a little with my next theme in a recent comment and I still mean that. I’m taking a break from the magazine/news-style themes for a bit. I want to get back to some simpler designs. Get back to the basics. That’s what I’m doing with the core WordPress part of the theme — I’m gutting it out and putting the simple back into design. I’m just adding some neat effects on top of it. After this theme, however, I might take a break from jQuery.
What do you think of the idea? Any suggestions for design or functionality?
Looks great! I’d love to see color variations
Looks tempting!
Yeah “Nice from Thailand” was right. Maybe you should put some color variations.
I was actually thinking about it. I’d like to get the functionality down before I get into color variations though. I do think that it’s a viable option though.
Any recommendations? Anyone that follows my work knows that I’m not the best designer. I’m the code guy. Give me a design, and I’ll lay the code out however you want it. Do you two have any color schemes you’d like to see?
Hi Justin.
That looks great. I agree that color options would be really apreciated among many, and i for one would love to see red/white like this site.
I would love to give you a design, but havent played with designing for so long, that i’m afraid to start again.
Well, it looks like everyone is really pushing for color options. I think I’ll have to come up with a few. Thanks Krisitan for your input also.
Justin,
Looks GREAT! send me a email, and I Will get you a few designs (I just need a few params from you) and I can whip it up.
The bad thing about all your amazing themes, is I have to keep changing and cant decide.
I’m pretty sure I’ve seen something like this idea before, but I don’t think it was in WordPress, so this could be quite new for the community.
Really nice idea, Justin. All I’d suggest, is that it might be better to switch the columns. People are getting used to content on the left.
Thanks for the input Armen. I think I’m fairly set with the columns this way though. I’m actually tired of designing everything with the content on the left, which I generally prefer.
OK, now you’ve got me thinking. I do prefer to have content on the left, but I think it might take away from the cool jQuery functionality. Now, I’m just not sure.
Justin,
Keep it the way you have it and want it..
If everyone designed to what was the normal, Nothing new would be created.
I actually have some wonderful ideas around what you have started already.
Aaron
Aaron, I keep meaning email you about the design ideas. You have my email, shoot me whatever ideas you have. I’m definitely open to some other color schemes.
Can I download It?
Sorry liezmaya, not yet. I’m still working on some of the functionality of the theme. I want to throw out a few color variations also. I’ll definitely release it within the next month though. So, if you can wait that long, then I hope it’ll be a theme you’ll enjoy.
hehe Thanks, how If Black elegant colors
Liezmaya, I’m definitely thinking about a black/charcoal color scheme. I’m open to any other color suggestions.
Did this ever come out?