Whoa whoa whoa, thank you for putting this past us! A few comments:
Generally, I wouldn't think this is necessary, but in the aim of improvement, there are a few tweaks you could make. I'll address your points of interest:
Navigation
The navigation on the new website design offers a simple, easy to use navigation bar at the top of the page. This keeps the navigation across both the Old School and RuneScape websites consistent.
**-- I like the navigation bar, useful feature, could be further developed and added to.
__-- I would drop any notion of wanting consistency with the main game, immediately, Including layout. I know it apart of your branding, but the community play this because it is different, and doesn't follow same the design/content/advertising patterns as the main game. As long as layout is pragmatic, logical and ordered, it should be easy to navigate.
New structure
The structure of the new design is similar to the existing website with some improved textures and images. It remains reminiscent of the 2007 version of the website.
The new design makes it very easy for new visitors to know exactly where they need to go to get an account and to play the game.
__--Improved texture? Cool, higher resolution maybe? DO NOT MAKE THE SITE MERELY "REMINISCENT" OF RS2. Why? Your 2007 brand is the most recognizable, and familiar.
__-- I think the current 3 (HUGE) buttons are about as clear as it gets. You could probably compress the f2p/p2p button into just one. (don't change these)
Improved performance and reliability
Getting the website up-to-date would mean it would be more reliable and faster. Builds a better foundation to allow for more updates in the future.
__-- I have had no reliability issues as such (only with java loading). There is no reason the page can't be re-created with new programming. What is OSRS after all?
I personally find the new page far too simplistic and lacking of character. That said, improvements can be made: search hard and find them.
27-Apr-2015 10:54:54
