What's that message at the top of the forums? We're upgrading

[Steven P. 14,233]

Today we are rolling out a new responsive design for the main page of Neowin news.

 

Once the prerequisites are done, the main page will be offline until it is completed. We've taken into account all the feedback over the past couple of years, and the design has actually been almost a year in the making. It will now be fully responsive, with larger fonts and darkside is back.. there's even an "Auto mode" that changes the default theme to darkside on sunset. While we know it won't be perfect and there will most likely be bugs from the offset, we've had the test site open to staff and subscribers for the last month (and two weeks for subs) for feedback and based on that feedback we feel we're on the right track.

 

A couple of points to make clear what is happening,

 

- Only main will be updated today, once we're happy that we don't have to make further changes and ensure it is bug free, the wrapper on the forums will also get updated.

- The "wrapper" is the header (navigation) and footer, the content area of the forums will remain as it is.

- The forums will not see any major update, IPB4 will happen this year, and that is when we'll look at the forum style again.

- We'll listen for bugs and feedback.

[Sszecret 2,500]

It'sHappening.gif . 

 

Eager to see how the new design looks. Also, yay for darkside. :D

[+Frank B. 7,151]

Good luck with the upgrade.

[Tigurinn 371]

Looks actually pretty good.

 

I usually really dislike when websites "upgrade" their designs (more often than not, it's a downgrade in my opinion) - but a big kudos to all involved in the new design

[123456789A 4,710]

Upgrading to what, Windows 8?

[68k 373]

The new front page is just horrible unprofessional. I'm very disappointed. I'm seriously considering switching to alternate news source. :(

 

Please give viewers the choice to switch back to the old look. I'm not a fan at all of the huge fonts and excessive white space, and all the scrolling that comes with it.

[pqt 275]

The new front page is just horrible. Very disappointed. I'm seriously considering switching to alternate news source. :(

 

Please give viewers the choice to switch back to the old look.

 

I too am actually very disappointed. I definitely prefer the last design.

[Jose_49 1,045]

I like it a lot!!!

 

:D

 

 

I hope we can see now post likes in mobile!!

 

Edit:

 

Loving how the comment is at the top!

 

 

Thanks Neobond

[Dot Matrix 7,437]

LOVE the flat look! :D

[68k 373]

LOVE the flat look! :D

And the large fonts, and all that white space/HUGE icons? It's ridiculous that I can only see five latest news stories on a 24" screen! I don't mind a flat look, but why does everything have to double in size?

 

I also dislike how news has been merged with app updates; even more time wasting with excessive scrolling.

[rfirth 740]

LOVE the flat look! :D

 

It's still nowhere near flat enough, though. So many gradients.

 

I'm reserving judgement for a few more hours/days, though. It's obviously not finished. Or it better not be. Too much dark gray text on dark blue background.

 

There should have been a competition to come up with a redesign.

[taim 89]

The top slidedown menu gets in the way when I scroll up, I like how Ars Technica does it.

[cork1958 1,710]

Looks actually pretty good.

 

I usually really dislike when websites "upgrade" their designs (more often than not, it's a downgrade in my opinion) - but a big kudos to all involved in the new design

 

I agree. When most sites "upgrade" their designs, it's usually more than a downgrade. I'll give kudos also, even if I don't like it as much as the old design. I know what kind of work goes into this.

 

The new front page is just horrible. I'm very disappointed. I'm seriously considering switching to alternate news source. :(

 

Please give viewers the choice to switch back to the old look. I'm not a fan at all of the huge fonts and excessive white space, and all the scrolling that comes with it.

 

Wouldn't say it's horrible, but not as smooth and easy on the eyes as previously. Yes, pleas give us the option to revert to old look!!

[Steven P. 14,233]

People who want to switch to the old look, can use their eyes and select the summary view for news listings :P

 

We opened up a little too early for everyone, we still need to sort out a bunch of news logos and what-not

[-Himanshu- 123]

Don't like it at all.

[dead.cell 4,374]

The "Forums" link on the main page goes to /forums/ instead of /forum/.

 

Just thought I'd mention that so that people can visit the forums properly while you guys are working on the front page.

 

Love the look btw!

 

Cheers!

[taim 89]

Darkside looks nice  :shiftyninja:

[Jose_49 1,045]

I'm wondering how does the Auto Feature work?

 

I  like how it is changed instantaneously!

[las84 23]

I like it guys, looks fresh and cleaner! well done.

 

Larger fonts and images are nice.

[68k 373]

Okay, it's not 'horrible', but certainly emphasizes 'unprofessional' in Neowin's slogan.

[taim 89]

I'm wondering how does the Auto Feature work?

 

I  like how it is changed instantaneously!

Changes the default theme to darkside on sunset.

[DrakeN2k 113]

Before everyone hates the new look and calls it horrible.

Nothing can beat this: http://www.lingscars.com/

That is horrible.

[darkrats 18]

Major disappointment here. Instead of at least taking its own path, Neowin has decided to go with the crowd. Giant fonts, giant images, lots of white, empty space and less content on the front page. Clearly another site going for a layout more suited to tablets and other small devices, rather than the traditional large monitor. I don't suppose any of our comments, even if hundreds are posted, will make any difference as to whether Neowin changes back to the old format. But, speaking only for myself, I will be changing my favorites/bookmarks to point directly at this forum and by-passing the main page. Ars Technica and many other sites seem to think that "dumbing down" their pages will bring in the viewers, and now Neowin has followed in their footsteps. It may bring in the numbers, but it's a real shame to see it happen here. Just my opinion.

[68k 373]

I'm happy after zooming out on the page, however the width of the main column resizes to 1/3! Please add zoom in/out (CSS) buttons if possible.

[Dot Matrix 7,437]

And the large fonts, and all that white space/HUGE icons? It's ridiculous that I can only see five latest news stories on a 24" screen! I don't mind a flat look, but why does everything have to double in size?

 

I also dislike how news has been merged with app updates; even more time wasting with excessive scrolling.

The large fonts, and tiles will make it easier to use the site with touch.