MILAVIA Home / index page make-over in progress

[Webmaster]

Hello Guys,

Since it's 2008 already, I have started a make-over / redesign of the home page (index page - http://www.milavia.net/index.htm). I don't have the time to redo all 6000+ pages, so it will be fairly limited redesign, just aimed at the index page(s). It's a stop-gap between the current version and a entirely new version. In aircraft programme's terms it's a non-structural Mid-Life Update!

Just wanted to say that because of this work, there will be less updates and posts from me on the forum.

Feel free to make any suggestions on features or things you would like to see changed or added on the index page!

[Raptor]

We could use a colour change. Maybe gunship gray or something...

Oh i've always wanted to ask this. What is the MILAVIA plane? It looks a bit like the tiffy, but it could be a Gripen or a Viggen just as easily. Or it may be a badly drawn Tornado. I can't tell...

[Webmaster]

Sorry, no colour change with this update. Maybe in the future, but, it's like suggesting Coca-Cola to change to Pepsi blue  .

It was made unrecognizable on purpose. It's just a fighter. Actually, it's a Typhoon, but changed/simplified it a bit to make it more suitable for use as a logo.

Not a Tornado, that would have looked like this: http://www.milavia.net/tornado/3/

[Raptor]

Nono, it's a little different. We're asking Pepsi to change to coca-cola red.

Hehe so i'm right. Partly. So... What other logo variants are there?
Another thing i wanted to say. The header for this section. The one in Italics/Bold/Caps that says MILAVIA FORUM, just on top of the user info but underneath the nav. bars. Can be a bit difficult to see because of the shading. I'd suggest either removing the shadow, darkening the colour, or leave it as it is because no one notices anyway. No offense, i just find it a little too light...

[Webmaster]

Hmm, Q: is black really 'black' on your screen? I guess your brightness is set too high. It's light, but not that light... I changed it a bit in the new design, but not the colour. the navigation IMHO is quite natural/easy, so you basically know where you are all the time, the heading is thus not that important.

But I'm happy you gave some feedback, seems no-one else cares?

Here's a sneak preview of the work in progress:

(note: it's a resized screenshot)

[Elias]

Looking good! Great job man! 

[Gripen]

I mightve missed it, but are you making any more changes to the actual forum?


Thats like the only thing i go on, unless Im checking to see if you updated the RAAF page in Air Forces 

[Raptor]

Lol that new page looks alot cooler than the current one. 

[Globetrotter]

I like it! Very nice

something that maybe could be changed (but don't know for what ) is the left to right shading in the background (from light blue to lighter light blue). Don't know if I said it right but hope you understand....

[Raptor]

Hm actually i don't see anything that needs to be improved right now... Unless you want to design a custom internet explorer/firefox skin for Milavia. 

[Webmaster]

Gripen, for forum, see the other board. For your RAAF suggestion, you can add it to the wishlist.

Globe, I know what you mean, I'll look into it, but because I don't want to make the 'starting color' any darker, it will still be really close to white though (with 16bit-color instead of true/32bit colors it will definately turn out white).

Raptor, that would be a nice feature I know, but it's of little use I think. It's only useful if I would include short-cut links, toolbar, and favorites, but since this messes with the user's own preferences, links and favorites, it will be uninstalled soon after it was installed.

[Webmaster]

The make-over/update has been a bit delayed because of a few reasons:

1. I am currently busy with starting my master thesis project.

2. It turns out it needs a bit more 'structural' work than I envisaged, to achieve the new/additional functionality.

3. In line with the forum changes and news integration, some other parts need to be 'overhauled' as well.

4. Working on the new homepage, I found that it's neccessary to add several new support/misc. pages for a better user experience and improved professional look.

5. The flash menu needs to be adjusted or replaced as well. Flash objects are a pain to edit and I don't have the program (should be somewhere, don't worry). But I'd rather replace it.

I estimate it will take 4 more weeks. I'll look whether I can cut it in pieces, and leave some 'things' for later, to get it done earlier.

By the way, I need "beta" testers:
- someone using Win95/98/2000 and IE6
- someone using a Mac or iMac