A few weeks ago we asked for some feedback as we prepared to update ToolGuyd’s look, feel, and overall design. So, how do you like the new look?
There are still quite a bit of tweaks and refinements that need to be made, but hopefully you have already noticed a few changes and tried out some of the new features.
First, we’ve got a new menu, and pushed the search bar to the upper right corner. The search bar might move again soon, but for the time being we hope it’s visible enough. The menu features a few new category and archive links.
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You may have also noticed a “Brands” link, and a “Stores” link. We went back and sorted every single past post, review, and article to provide a new way for readers to browse our archive. Integrating this filtering feature into all posts is on our to-do list.
The main reading page has been widened by about 20%. We still plan on shortening the size of each post on the front page to make new posts more “scannable”. Additionally, we hope to de-clutter the sidebar. This means possibly truncating the category navigation list and further tidying things up.
There is still time to tell us what you think. The layout is not set in stone, so if you find any usability issue or inconvenience, let us know.
One more thing – in the feedback survey, someone requested a place for open Q&A. Here you go! No, we don’t plan on launching a full-featured forum, but if you’d like to pose a quick question, share a deal, or start a tool-related public discussion, you can do so here. If after a month or three we find that readers are using this forum feature, we’ll then spend some time on its layout and design.
Thank you to everyone who offered their feedback, and hopefully we continue to provide you with an enjoyable reading experience.
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ET
Ditch the dashed blue line at the end of the article… its kind of annoying.
IndyEngineer
As ToolGuyd knows, I was quite happy with the website before the changes. With that said, the changes are so subtle that I’m still just as happy with the website.
uthscsaedu
When clicking on ads, my personal preference is to have a new tab or window open up.
It makes it easier to switch back and forth to the main toolguyd page.
Stuart
@ET, the dashed line was replaced by a subtler solid line border similar to in the previous design. I’m working on an alternative separation, but the light blue border seems to do the job while being less in-your-face.
@IndyEngineer, thanks – I’m glad that you’re still pleased with the layout!
@uthscsaedu, I’ll try to put that in place, at least for any button or sidebar ads that are up now or may go up in the future. It used to be that ALL links opened up a new tab or window automatically, but it was decided that the choice to open a new window should be left up to our readers.
Text links will still open in the same browser window (unless the reader presses control or shift while left-clicking), but graphical links will open in a new window.
Thanks for the feedback, guys!
ET
Thanks for the dashed line fix. Looks much better!
Stuart
Thank YOU for the feedback, I aim to please!
uthscsaedu
Weird. A couple days ago, after you made these changes, I was clicking on ads and a new TAB opened up.
Today it opens a whole new WINDOW.
Was that changed?
uthscsaedu
((I’m using IE 8 and it does have the tab feature))
Stuart
The previous behavior for the few button ads in the sidebar was to open up in the current window. Per your suggestion, the links were changed so that they open up in a new window instead.
I’m not sure why new tabs were opening up – that’s not a behavior I’ve experienced in IE8 without doing so manually. The changes were made a few days ago over the weekend.
uthscsaedu
Never mind. I was using Firefox on one computer, then IE8 on a different one.
Firefox opens TABS.
At least that’s what my browser settings must be set to.