First glimpses of Project M’s design
After about six complete redesigns, I’m somewhat happy with the look I’ve come up with for Project M’s new site.
The good news for you all is that I’ll probably use some of those discarded designs in future themes. I’ve went from retro to corporate, from blog to magazine style, and this is what I’ve come up with.
(Click on the image below for the full screenshot of the home page.)
I wanted to keep the layout simple but let users have quick and easy access to all parts of the site from the front page. I still need to add a login form, subscribe area, and search box, but those will come.
Let me know what you think. What needs to be changed? What would make it better? Too blue?
By the way, this has all been built on the Structure theme.
What’s left before official launch?
I still have to finish this design and port it over to bbPress for the support and ideas forums. Those things are on the top of my list right now.
I have to complete the updates for the Structure and Options themes.
A new version of the Visionary theme is also on its way, which is still seeing heavy downloads despite both Options and Structure.
New themes
On launch day, I plan to have two new themes ready for everyone.
Photoblog theme: The work on this one has been pretty exciting. Basically, I’m taking the backend from both Structure and Options and building a theme for you photo bloggers out there.
Normal blog theme: Sometimes, you just have to get away from all the advanced functionalities of the magazine-type themes. I’ve been happy just working with something a lot simpler for a change. This won’t be your typical theme though. It’ll definitely pack a punch when it comes to functionality.
Don’t worry if you like the advanced stuff though. I’ve got new stylesheets, bbPress themes to match, and lots more on the way.
Let me know what you think of the design
I really want to hear some user feedback on this.
One of the hardest things to do is design your own site. I’m always questioning every little thing, so I figured it’d be best to open it up a little to the community.
Also, a few of you have given me some great name suggestions, but I’m still undecided for now. If you still have any, let me know through the contact page.
Justin,
I’m back after a while and must say your new site is amazing. We exchanged a couple of mails and you were going to help me with my site — that somehow fizzled out as you were busy.
Since you packed in so much of what I needed into Options, I’m a proud user of your Options theme now. I’m sure me moonlighting in PHP on your code has not produced anywhere quite the result you would have on my site, but would appreciate if you could take a peek and let me know of your thoughts..
Madhu(Athreya)
http://www.indimag.com
Looks really good Justin. I like blue on websites, and there would have to be far more for me to think it was too much. I especially like the typography, it’s really clean and easy to read.
I shall look forward to seeing what you’re doing for the “normal blog theme”. I’ve been considering a change on my blog, and, as much as I like your current themes, they seem to be a lot more than I need.
I really like this. Clean, clear, and it’ll be easy to navigate. Can’t wait to see the ‘real’ version!
I like it as well. A Lot! Any chance sidebar tabs can be included option?
Hey!
Just found your work on google and it is amazing! Very good work!
I was wondering… Do you make layouts? I mean, off-work.
Sorry about my bad bad english. XD
Thanks *
Sorry, it’s Susana. XD
Looking forward to the launch!
It looks good, easy access to all the sections from the main page (as you mentioned) without being too “busy”. Now about the blue (since you mentioned it first :D) although it’s businesslike and acceptable, to me it seems formal or impersonal but I always tend towards soothing earth colors myself.
I seriously don’t mean to knock it, I like the layout and accessiblilty a lot.
Yes, too much of blue
good layout, but try some other colors to and let users vote for it ? 
All in all I like it, but if I should find some issues it would be:
- The list symbols (the v’s and the bullets), they are a bit dull.
- A lot of whitespace at the top around the project M is about box
- Maybe you could sanitize in the page links in the top. The about page could be in the boilerplate, together with contact. I don’t know what the articles link would show other than the archives, maybe that’s a bit much in the top-navigation (but traffic analysis on your existing site will show the use of the archives link) I would put the archives link right after the last list on the page. Is there really a need for a home link?
- The colors are nice, but the blue right next to the content is a bit strong, almost turquoise.
- As a frequent visitor I would like to see a tab box with latest stuff in the sidebar. Latest comments on the post, latest comments in the forum, maybe latest contributions. But maybe that would take a little out of the simplistic look you’re going for.
- Ads in the sidebar isn’t always the greatest solution. It pollutes your sidebar, reducing the value of the content out there. A small 468*60 banner at the top of every post generates much better CTR’s (in my experience). It’s a huge discussion about ads, that you’ve already started here under the headline monetization. I’m generally saying: Reduce the number of ads, but make them effective. Of cause a small topbanner is also pollution, but I would say less than sidebar ads.
- Wouldn’t your list of latest articles have a bunch of pictures of you, if you go with the gravatar next to the headline? That might be perceived as a bit narcissistic
But all in all I like the look, and I’m looking forward to the feel
I would like to get this current theme used here.
Hi Justin,
Wow.. Looks great. Looks fantastic. I’ll putting some suggestions and comments of mine about the design.
- The Blue looks fantastic and it has the value and power of WP. But, just try with white background, I think it seems great and readable.
- Shall we have a glossy logo for Project M? I think, it would give some attractive to the project, where Web 2.0 comes into play.
- The way you listed the articles and links are very clean and clear. Its second for none.
- Just add a tab, like options theme, with most popular, most commented and most downloaded links. It make user to find what is hot right now.
- I think having a horizontal line under the each post will clearly differ each post. And also, it gives some extra beauty to the theme.
Awaiting with anticipation of the launch of Project M. Hope to support with Localization in Tamil language and Documentations.
Best of luck and have a great day.
Best smile,
Tharique Azeez
All you need are rounded corners and some hot jQuery UI action.
Nice looking, I’m very happy to see the beginnings of Project M, I would vote the layout to remain as is, let the articles occupy their own room instead of the front page, we want something unique not so crowded front page like “Hack WordPress”.
But, do you want the (w) Logo? What about if you turn it upside down, so it would be (M) meaning project (M), that’s my idea about the logo, but I figure out that you already come out different project name instead of Project M.
As Trendminers suggested, I would expect some fresh stuff to be displayed some where in the home page(e.g. Latest themes, latest forum posts, Hot Forum Posts, Latest comments, etc…), rating system would be perfect, too.
The colors are freak, though.
Actually… it is too blue.
So far, you’ve all given me some really great feedback, and I’m definitely taking everyone’s tips under advisement. I expect you all to be regular visitors, so I want to make something that’s very accessible and usable for you.
Madhu Rao
I’m the worst person in the world about getting back to emails. Living in another country automatically fills my inbox with emails from friends on a daily basis.
I really like what you’ve done with the theme. My only advice is to push the tabs in the tabbed section to the left. They’re offset a little, which is making them break. Otherwise, it’s a great job. Feel free to stop by the forums and offer any advice or tips.
The header is way cool.
Paul
I’m a big fan of blue too, and I believe it kind of keeps in line with WordPress. It’s easily recognizable.
I’m looking forward to finishing the “normal blog theme.” It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I actually call it the “Average Joe Theme.” The plan is to make it very versatile but easy to use.
betsywhim
Thank you. The main goal is to let users find information as quickly as possible. This can sometimes be a bit hard with my site as it’s just a normal blog.
AxYoung
I’m toying with sidebar tabs and will definitely implement them if they fit. The biggest problem I’ve seen with tabs in this type of layout (no dividing lines between content and sidebar) is that they tend to look out of place.
Susana
Thanks.
I do take on some freelance work, but I’m currently not taking any new jobs as I’m backed up with putting this project together. I probably won’t be available for another couple of months. If you use my contact form, I can always recommend some other great theme developers if you need something a lot sooner.
Avi
Me too! It seems like I have way too much going on at the moment, so it’ll be fun once I get down to putting all the content in and getting the community going.
Raimy
See, I’m the total opposite. I’m totally in love with blue.
I always want to do some more earth-like colors, but I tend to mess them up. My own blog’s design has been the farthest I’ve branched out in a long time with design though.
Don’t worry about knocking the layout. I love to hear everyone’s opinion.
Malayalam Blogging
I’m thinking of toning the blue down a bit, but do you have any color suggestions? I’d love to hear what ideas you have as far as color schemes go.
trendminders
Wow, lots of feedback.
- I’m right there with you on the bullets. I’m still playing around with a few different bullets.
- The whitespace in the header will probably have either feed links, a login form, a search box, or a mixture of those.
- I haven’t quite worked out the navigation yet, and your input here is definitely helpful. I’ve been struggling with what needs to go where. Eight links is getting to be a bit much. Ideally, I’d like to get that down to six.
- The blue next to the content is the blue I’m thinking of toning down a bit.
- I’m going to try out a tabbed sidebar area, but you’re right, it would take away from the simplistic look a bit.
- About gravatars: Well, it looks like you’re the first person to point that out. It’s something that I haven’t announced, but I’m thinking of opening article posting up to writers in the WordPress community. I’d like to have other authors post on a regular basis. If not, then the gravatars will definitely have to go.
- I haven’t given much thought to ad placement. I might have one more section at the top of the sidebar, which would push the ads down a bit. I’m undecided on it at the moment. I like how Jason at WP Elements has 16 x 16 px ads along the footer.
Thanks for all the great input.
beautymakeupdivas
I’ll probably release the layout used on my blog at some point with some different style options. I’d have to gut it out first because everything is custom coded to work on this site.
Tharique Azeez
- I’ll definitely try the white background, or possibly, an off-white color.
- I’m still working on the header image. It’s not finalized since I don’t have the domain name yet.
- I’m undecided on tabs right now. It’s just one of those love/hate relationships.
- I’ll definitely see how the horizontal line looks. It might just be what I need to accentuate each post a bit more.
I’m looking forward to having you around on lauch day and for helping out users that write in Tamil.
BoltClock
Oh, I’m totally having fun with the jQuery UI. I’m not sure how I’d use it on the new site though.
I’m thinking of toning down the brighter blue and changing the background color to see what effect it might have.
J Mehmett
The current logo/header image is just a placeholder right now. I’m still thinking of using the W logo in some way though.
One of the sections I’d like to add is a “hot” or “latest” section to the sidebar that points out new or cool themes.
I’d also like to do something like that with the forum posts, but if you use bbPress and WordPress together like that, it takes quite a bit to load the page because you’re loading both systems. Of course, something like a feed might work. I’ll have to look into that. Maybe I could personally tag forum topics as “hot” and pull that feed.
A ratings system is definitely going to be implemented come launch day. It’ll be based off bbPress, much like what you see at the WordPress ideas forum.
How do you manage your time to do all this stuff???
Definetly I want to know your secret!
Great work, I can wait for your updates…
when you release this theme I see here please dont change the layout or colors anything. It is so beautiful. There is no same theme like this on the net today.
Guillermo
Time? What’s that?
I’ll try to keep the blog updated with the progress of the new site. Ideally, I’d launch in two weeks, but there’s no way I could make that promise.
beautymakeupdivas
If I release the theme used here, I’d have to change the colors if I’m still using it on my site. I’d be more than willing to share the style after I’m done with it though.
I know I’m not making myself useful by saying this but, whatever shades of blue you decide to use for Project M it’s going to be fine with me, as I’ll definitely be there for the content.
That said, I’d really like to see the access links to the said content maybe a little more grouped together(?), whether it stays in the top nav or in the ’sidebar’ - where an implementation of something in the lines of Joomla’s YOOaccordion would serve well in my opinion.
And just a side sugestion: would you implement OpenID login on it? I really started using it widely and I rather find it useful.
Keep up the good work!
Will do Justin. Infact I had a fix(or I thought) for it yesterday that hosed me up for a few hours. I will ask my doubts on the on the forum..
And on your emails and what you do — donno how you do it all !
I like it; but Justin, as someone who’s designed perhaps the best Wordpress theme I was hoping for more pizzazz.
The design is functional; but I was hoping for more colour.
You know what, I’ve changed my mind somewhat; I think I’m way too in love with ‘Feature Image’
Hi, the download link over at: http://justintadlock.com/archives/2007/04/22/reaching-darkness-wordpress-theme is broken. I’d really like to have that theme…
Dear Justin, I know you’ll do the best!
As I’ve ever seen before, current design for project-M is too cool, clean and clear. I love it with blue.
Looking forward to advance!
Looks good Justin, I’d hope there’s ‘white in black’ - personally, I wanted some easy to use stylesheet. No clutter. simple. clean theme is what drives me crazy. The “ads” is optional right? How about sidebars tabs?
Looking forward to this.
ZetaSagittarii
I’m still working on how to best group the links. Right now, everything is just kind of a placeholder.
OpenID implementation would have to be something I’d look into down the road. From what I can tell, it won’t be something simple that I can add. Of course, if you know of a simple way to add it, I’d be happy to check it out and implement it on the launch day if possible.
steupz
I’m not really going for a lot of pizzazz with the design. I’m mostly looking for simple and functional.
The feature section there will probably change after getting the site set up. I’ll probably use it to point users toward new themes, new plugins, and other various things.
Jigzaw
I probably won’t have that theme back up for a while. It’s really outdated. I think I made it back on WordPress 2.1 or something. I’ll be going through all the old themes once Project M is up and running and re-releasing them.
MhawSayer
Thanks. I’m just trying to work out all the kinks with the bbPress stuff now.
I hope to have this site up soon.
K
The ads won’t be optional because I’ll have to have some way to monetize the site.
I’ve tested out sidebar tabs with a few different looks, and I just don’t think they’ll work well with the overall feel of the site.
Rats! Cuz I saw the original page that you got the inspiration for an loved it! Sigh… back to square one then.
Btw, it’s Jigzaw with a Z
Jigzaw Now corrected
I’ll try to get it back up at some point, but it’ll definitely be after this project has launched. I probably wouldn’t guarantee anything within a couple of months as this massive move of my WordPress stuff is taking a bit of time.
Looking good Justin… Just back from serious loss of hard drives - lost 3 out of 4! Even with very good backups that takes time to recover from. Message hard drives will fail, the only real question is when. BACKUP often everyone.
I like the blue as well.
That’s okay
Looking forward to the club. Btw, what’s the URI?
Justin,
While I’m totally jazzed about Project M, I still waiting for the Justin fan club to come out…I want to be a charter member! The stuff you’re building rocks! Sorry for gushing there.
Seriously, I’m using Options on a couple of sites, frankly, it’s like some sort of drug…once you start using it, you just can’t stop…everything else loses its flavor.
As for the Project M design. I love the clean layout and look. It is a bit too much like Wordpress or Lorelle for my tastes. I’m certainly no design genius, but a subtle tip of the hat to Wordpress and something all your own might be cool. That said, you could dress it up in pink candy stripes and I’d be there.
Looking forward to seeing what you’ve done…particularly the new “Blog” like theme.
Best regards,
Byron
seamus
I’m glad you like the blue. I wanted to kind of stay in line with WordPress, which is the reason for it. Plus, my favorite color is blue when it comes to Web design.
Jigzaw
I don’t have a URI for the site yet. I’ll write a new post to update everyone on the status of it.
byron
I’m lagging behind on the “blog” theme. Actually, I started two different normal blog themes, and the original has been pushed back. Right now, I’m working with a no-sidebar theme. It’s been fun just playing around with the open space and typography in that type of theme.
I’ve toned down the blue since this post in a few spots. Plus, I’ve added a couple of extra colors to spruce it up a bit. Still working on it though. Thanks for the feedback.
Just looked at the first glimpse again - I couldn’t help it… http://www.f1racing.dk/em/m.jpg