I understand that sometimes this resolution can be easier on the eyes, and
that is why Windows 95 (OSR2 release) enabled you to switch between
resolutions without having to reboot. As a matter of fact, if you don't
have OSR2, you can download this feature (I think it's called quickres or
something). If you design web pages (and use Windows), I recommend that
you use this feature so that you can ensure that your design looks good
under different resolutions.
>OK, "primarily about distributing information". I certainly want to see
>elegance, I don't want to avoid graphics altogether! But I think that as
>it is now the page is a bit flashy and cluttered with no good reason. I
>simply prefer the simplicity of - say - the Webmasters home page.
I also agree that elegance is important, but I disagree with your
impressions on the home page look. A good page, in my humble opinion,
should look tight and structured. You don't want your surfers to have to
search too hard for information (I think that we agree on this too). With
the links along the side and bottom of the page, I think that the test page
is easy to navigate; it's all right there. This is a smart, professional
style that many other sites designers have used. I agree, however, that
better judgement might be used in the placement choice of some of the links
(Alumni, etc.).
I would like to see the subsequent pages become a little tighter--lots of
scrolling going on here. I would like to see more horizontal-design and
less vertical-design. Take the "Prospective Students" page for example.
Instead of listing all the "Did you know's" in one column, I would opt for
a java or javascript applet that would condense this info into a confined
area--maybe in the black sidebar area. You could then cut the page length
in half by placing links in both columns instead of just one.
best,
Durk