Online Store Website Design - $250

[Brat]

Will, could you move the left navigation column to the left just a wee bit? That's all!

[Brat]

Whoops... forgot to mention...

Ifeelgood, I see the stylized FMP on the running header, but it is a too cut off at the top. Anyway that can be changed a bit?

And on that note...

THE CONTEST IS NOW OFFICIALLY OVER

No further entries will be accepted or considered beyond this point.

Thank you to all who participated.

The final decision will be made between the designs submitted by will and ifeelgood. Any minor suggested tweaks, if any, from the design review committee (and at this point they WOULD be minor) will be posted here.

I will post the final design winner by this Saturday late afternoon or early evening.

Again, thank you for all who entered.

[will]

*** IMAGES REMOVED ***

[Brat]

Perfect, will! Thanks.

[will]

No problem, B. I'll be waiting for your decision.

[Brat]

Ifeelgood, could you change "Depot" to "Outlet" in the header? Thanks!

And with that, gentlemen, I'm off for a bit to prepare for the review. When I come back on, it'll be to either submit the final suggested changes (if any)... or, if there are no further changes, the final comments and announcement of the winner.

I would like to take this time to extend to you both, will and ifeelgood, our deepest appreciation for the quality of your submittals. This will truly be a tough decision.

[Brat]

The review is in, and the decision has been made.

Before I reveal who won, let me first give you the feedback from the reveiwers.

They were very impressed with both designs. Polish, ease of navigation, nice use of color, and general user-friendliness were commonly cited.

However, what tilted the scale, ironically enough, was a reaction from someone who was not even on the committe - ironically, the owner's daughter. She looked at the screen, and said "OOO! Cool site... and I want THAT!".

Really, if you can believe it, THIS is what it all boils down to - the "gut level" reaction of a casual visitor. In addition to all the characteristics cited as critical for a good ecommerce site, in the end, THE most critical thing is that a shopper actually LIKES being there, and that the products are showcased in a way that almost makes you want to buy. There is no science to it, and sometimes even a great design may not draw that gut reaction. Sometimes, it's the nature of the products the site is supposed to showcase; what may work well for Shop X would just simply not work for Shop Y.

I truly believe both designs are "winners." However, for this contest, there can only be one.

The winner of this design contest is...

IFEELGOOD.

Overall, the team loved the classic design with a hint of "edge" that was popular with all ages and genders. This design was "clean" and "refreshing", with a "masterful" use of color and simplicity that truly showcases the elegance and appeal that a design can have.

So, congratulations to you ifeelgood for having the winning design. We can discuss the deliverables via PM.

To you, will, I say thank you for submitting a truly outstanding design, one that is also worthy of the winner's circle in my book.

To all here, I say again thank you for participating. This has truly been an educational experience for me, and I hope it was at least fun some of the time. And I will indeed recommend this site to others.

[will]

I can't tell you I ain't saw that coming, but let just say great luck ifeelgood. Congratulations.

[ifeelgood]

Thanks everyone!

[jlinds72]

Congratulations ifeelgood! Please PM me with your paypal address so that I can transfer the prize funds to your account once the design has been finalized.

Thank you to Brat for hosting your contest with us, and we're pleased that it was a good experience for you. Thank you also to both will & ifeelgood for putting forth such a great effort with your fantastic designs, it really was a close competition!

~Jenn

[Brat]

Deliverables have been received!

Thank you again, one and all, for a fantastic contest.