Looking To Redesign WPTavern.com

[Jeffro]

I'm currently in the process of looking for a theme that places the emphasis on content. Something that's not to fancy but seems fresh and or modern. While the design of WPCandy is nice, the thing I like most about their site is the presentation of content both what's on the front page and what's happening elsewhere on the site. Any ideas on themes you think would be a good fit for WPTavern?

[Jeffro]

So, I found someone who likes messing around with theme ideas and convinced them to give me a mock up of a modernized looking WPTavern website. Here is what their first idea looks like. I'm already pleased with how it looks. There is a list of things I have on my mind that I want the new design to accomplish.

Support for Post Formats with a unique approach at displaying each one. Basically, easily being able to pick out each post format.

A way to display categories. I'd probably find a way to combine the categories menu with the search box and put the search stuff on the right. This frees up that spot for 468X60 banners which I sort of have a use for that will benefit the community, I hope.

A front page that puts the focus on content from multiple categories without making the site look too cluttered or busy. Hard but doable.

I'd probably find a way to create smaller RSS, Email and Twitter feed icons that go where the date is within this mockup to free up a widget spot for something else.

Have a main menu at the top of the site while having a footer menu at the bottom of the site, both of which can be administered from the menus area in the backend.

wptavern_mockup.jpg

A larger version http://www.wptavern.com/images/wptavern_mockup.png

What do you all think about the mock up?

[Ipstenu]

I like that. Keeps the feel you have rather nicely.

[chrishajer]

I like it too. I agree with you Jeff that the date should go and you can use that space for some icons. Looks like it was done (or could be done) with the Genesis framework.

[Jeffro]

Now what makes you think it was done on the Genesis Framework? You're correct by the way.

[JLeuze]

The mockup looks good Jeff. I agree that you could lose the date and put the social icons in there, they are taking up a lot of room in the sidebar and would look good in the nav. For the categories, I think a dropdown under the main nav would be a good home for those.

You could move the search to one of the footer widgets. In fact if you really wanted to focus on the content, you could ditch the sidebar entirely and move those widgets to the footer.

[chipbennett]

You could move the search to one of the footer widgets. In fact if you really wanted to focus on the content, you could ditch the sidebar entirely and move those widgets to the footer.

This.

Though, I would really like to see something cool done with Post Formats, maybe putting quotes or links, etc. in the sidebar, instead of in the primary Loop?

[JLeuze]

Splitting up the post formats could work really well to use that space better.

[chriswallace]

I'm not a huge fan of the proposed new design. I'd love to throw a mockup into the mix, but I can't really offer anything beyond an initial mockup due to my current commitments. Let me know if you're interested.

[Brad]

FWIW - Please note that the mock-up was a quick (about 1 1/2 hour) late night put together. There was not a lot of time or discussion put forth prior to the layout concept.