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I realize (now) that the site design was a community process, and this feedback may not be desired or appropriate, but, well, here it is. Vote to close if and as necessary...

I find myself not participating in Android Enthusiasts simply because of the new theme. It's been a couple of weeks now and instead of going away my feeling are intensifying. I almost don't know how to put what I don't like about the design into words, but I realize I have to at least try. The whole design is too...light? Bright? Monotonous/monolithic? All of which combines to create an almost literal blur. The beta design had non-subtle (but still non-obtrusive) color, the questions were easily distinguishable, questions with tags I like were well-highlighted. Different elements had texture or edges or were otherwise easily distinguishable from the background. The new theme is just too...subtle? All-encompassing? Overwhelming?

I open the site each day (via the Firefox Morning Coffee extension), and have participated daily since I joined 6 months ago. The last two weeks...more often than not, I simply close the window. I hope I'm the only one feeling this, but in case I'm not, I felt I should post it.

I know how much work a cohesive site design involves, and I in no way wish to denigrate the work that went into this site design. Tastes and styles are highly subjective things, and I don't expect to be liking everything I see on this great net of ours. The result of this design though is almost physically pushing me away and I just wanted to give feedback in case others were feeling anything similar.

Thanks for listening!

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  • I don't know of anyone else who dislikes the new design. Check out the comments on meta.android.stackexchange.com/questions/417/… Apr 7, 2011 at 13:45
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    I'm sorry you don't like the new design. You are, of course, entitled to your opinion. It really keeps you from participating? Anyway, there are a number of ways you can impose your own style sheets on the site. You could probably revert it back to the beta look-and-feel if you wanted to. Or just make it less "bright".
    – ale
    Apr 7, 2011 at 13:57
  • That's what I plan on doing, Al... Apr 8, 2011 at 2:57
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    Not the entire design, but certain parts could do with some contrast work to make them stand out. Also, a wider, fluid layout would ensure monitors with multiple resolution widths can comfortably see the site.
    – Sparx
    Apr 18, 2011 at 16:33
  • Thanks for the feedback! By all means, please specify in detail which elements you think need to be improved. I normally fix usability issues right away. However, please keep in mind that I rarely make changes based on subjective personal preferences.
    – Jin
    Apr 21, 2011 at 9:32
  • I find the buttons and badges hard to read. I think it's a combination of low-constrast grays, plus detail -- gradients, shading, circles and cirlces. SO-mothership has simple triangles. Obvious and readable! May 11, 2011 at 19:31

4 Answers 4

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You might be interested in MinimalOverflow, a userscript that essentially unthemes any SE site. Here's what it looks like applied to this site:

Screenshot of MinimalOverflow applied to Android http://so.mrozekma.com/android-minimal.png

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Is the complaint simply that the site is too monochrome?

I guess I could see that.

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IMO, the current design is the most beautiful among many SE sites. It's prettier than SO, PSE, PMSE, and English Language. I like the header and the background and I think the border around the client area is nice idea.

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I really like the design - very clean & elegant.

It does occasionally feel a little bit washed out / monochrome however. I'm sure there are specific elements that could be a bit darker or more colourful without changing the overall elegant feel.

I think the most constructive thing to do would be to try and identify specific elements like this, as GAThrawn did here. A few more little accents and highlights like this and I'm sure it would all click together beautifully!

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