03/13/2010 04:35:57 PM EST

TYT Redesign

posted by keaneys

I'm a big TYT fan like the rest of us, so much so that I spent some time making a sketch on how I'd redesign the TYT's Homepage take a look.

CHECK OUT THE MOCK UP HERE:

http://www.shanekeaney.com/ TYT.html

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The most obvious change was to install the log in area on the homepage, the only reason I can think of for having the log in area on another page, is so there's another opportunity for an ad, and that's lame and un-young turk like, so I'd drop it. Plus it's annoying to go to a second page to log in. 

Overall I approached with the idea of keeping most of the elements that are currently one the site, instead of trying to simplify to much and strip down redundant information. I did do some, for instance I got rid of "About the show" from the control panel, since it's in the bar at the top, and also in the footer at the bottom of the page, I could get rid of "viewing tips" using the same logic (on the real TYT site, "viewing tips" is just "Tips" in the Navigation bar at the top, I've changed mine to match) But for now I've left it there as well. I did get rid of "home" from the nav bar list as I would make the "The Young Turks" section on of the header image a link to the homepage which is very common, and well understood by the majority of users. 

I opted to use color to break up the main section where the video plays etc, instead of using the red bars, which take up unnecessary space, are a little distracting, and don't really break up the space as well as could be. 

For the TYT logo/header, I've used a easier to read and not so destroyed. With the rough printed texture, it's in the same vain, evoking a fly by night self published progressive newspaper if you will. 

Color wise, by putting the you tube logos, and credit card logos in one color, it helps make the page not feel so busy. 

I've also given a name to the TYT blog, "Latest from TYT" which may not be the best name, perhaps "TYT BLOG" is better, but I think it's weird not to one at all when all the other sections are labeled. Obviously different pieces would have roll overs etc.

I'm not loving the gray textured background, but hey it's a sketch.  

Anyway I'm curious to know what people think. Thanks,

-s

 

 

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TYT Redesign | 43 comments (43 topical, 0 hidden)
Well done (none / 0)

Agree on the grey text background, however a dark background does give the page depth.I like how the banner pick ups the background color on the TYT screen in video feed.

You could  bump the Forum to its own page or just link to diary section. That would give the home page a more open feel you could balance the basic elements, add some graphics rss feed from news sites ect.

Otherwise very nice.

 

 

 

 

by MRFred on 03/13/2010 05:27:54 PM EST

Thanks MRFred (none / 0)
Great points, thanks. Who knows, maybe we can get TYT to implement some things; making TYT that much better.  

by keaneys on 03/13/2010 05:37:54 PM EST

[ Parent ]
state of the site (none / 0)
Very pretty, and credit for the effort, but TYT needs a much bigger makeover that your 'redesign'. The site needs demolished and built from the bottom up, into a user friendly, sharp, presentable site, not the completely jumbled train wreck mess it is now.

by Adronias on 03/13/2010 05:34:36 PM EST

typo in previous post (none / 0)
An edit button might be sweet too.

by Adronias on 03/13/2010 05:36:56 PM EST

[ Parent ]
True (none / 0)
I know what you mean, for my sketch purposes I was only trying to take it so far, but I agree there's a lot that could be done.

by keaneys on 03/13/2010 05:43:48 PM EST

[ Parent ]
very nice! (none / 0)

and I'm not just saying that to be nice!

 

Chris

by chrisandyasemin on 03/13/2010 06:03:22 PM EST

Looks Great!!!!!!! (none / 0)
TYT should adopt it ...

A Proud Progressive!!!

by teron678 on 03/13/2010 09:06:27 PM EST

Thanks teron678 (none / 0)
I think it's clear we all respectfully agree, the site should be improved!

by keaneys on 03/13/2010 09:44:31 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I like it (none / 0)
it makes more sense that way. For whatever reason the controls seem to make more sense on the right and the forum information on the left, it draws the eyes more to the middle of the page more often.

Good work.

by Smokin on 03/13/2010 09:53:06 PM EST

Nice. (none / 0)

I agree with the other commenters who say the whole thing needs to be redesigned, hopefully by a PRO-fessional.  Look it up in the book. 

That said keaneys simply changes are very effective and would be relatively simple to implement.  Put me down in favor.

by publius on 03/13/2010 10:27:25 PM EST

Are you volunteerimg to contribute? (none / 0)
Professional web site designers (who would co,e up with a coolie-cutter site like millions of others anyhow) charge - usually they overcharge.

Now, if you are opening your wallet to TYT and want to cover those professional fees so the TYT funds on hand now and keep the show running, I'm all for it.

Oh, and I noticed Fred mentioning the Forum having it's "own page." It HAS had that, the whole time. Add this link to your bookmarks to go right to the Forum.

by MedfordTim on 03/13/2010 11:16:20 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Damn it! (none / 0)
come, cookie, and link

by MedfordTim on 03/14/2010 06:39:52 AM EST

[ Parent ]
forum tore'm (none / 0)
If you think THAT is a forum, I have a distinct feeling you've never been to any other site on the internet. "Ever".

by Adronias on 03/14/2010 10:53:42 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Forum Page (none / 0)

I said the forum has its own page Tim..

  Forum to its own page (With a header ect...)or just link to diary section

.not that it matters.

The Forum was , is and will always be an afterthought. Dumping it to a simple link vice a side bar will finally recognize its status in the big scheme of all things TYT plus unclutter the front page. The feature column could host guest writers and selected blogs that are significant.

The real issue is the continued use of scoophost. It is not being supported by developers as open license software, probably because not enough major outlets use it. In time TYT will be forced to move to an engine that supports newer web technology.

AS time goes on the workarounds to get new features to work will break...and fixes will cost as much as going to a new platform...what then?

 

by MRFred on 03/14/2010 11:08:06 AM EST

[ Parent ]
I do open my wallet to TYT... (none / 0)
and I think it would be money well spent. 

by publius on 03/14/2010 02:14:11 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Looks good (none / 0)

I agree, please try to convince Dave and Cenk that this is needed.  We can redesign from the ground up using Wordpress and make it much faster and more user-friendly.  The software they are using stopped development 3 years ago.

 Now the issue is of course it will be labor-intensive and /or cost $$$.  

by qsoundrich on 03/13/2010 10:32:42 PM EST

No, please NOT Wordpress (none / 0)
Buggy, a pain in the ass, sucky design.

If you want the site to upgrade, then don't go with a half-assed program like Wordpress.

It'd be like trading in a '76 Pinto for a '77 Pinto...

by MedfordTim on 03/13/2010 11:19:50 PM EST

[ Parent ]
ok (none / 0)
I'm gonna go ahead and disagree with you here. 

by qsoundrich on 03/14/2010 06:25:25 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Well...okay... (none / 0)
...as long as I get to keep my stapler...

by MedfordTim on 03/14/2010 06:42:01 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Forum (none / 0)
I like the design.

And a real forum would be great.

by Young Turk 87 on 03/13/2010 10:50:31 PM EST

Sincere question. (none / 0)
What do you mean by "real forum?"

by MedfordTim on 03/13/2010 11:21:02 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Details (none / 0)
A forum with its own dedicated page.

The forum would be divided into different sections: foreign policy, economics, politics, etc as a way of organizing threads and diaries.

vBulletin has a pretty good set up:

Sample Page:
http://www.debatepolitics.c om/

by Young Turk 87 on 03/14/2010 12:18:21 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Link to vBulletin Main Page (none / 0)
They offer a full service package.

Content Management System and Forum.

Looks like its selling for $500 for a new license on the software suite.

by Young Turk 87 on 03/14/2010 12:36:15 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Link (none / 0)
http://www.vbulletin.com/in dex.php

by Young Turk 87 on 03/14/2010 12:37:37 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Oh I see. (none / 0)
A Bulletin Board style.

by MedfordTim on 03/14/2010 06:44:41 AM EST

[ Parent ]
A real forum (none / 0)

one with a moderators who enforce standards of conduct and contenet.A forum where users who wish death upon the participants ie: CD ,myself and Hubble are disciplined or prohibited from participating on the Forum.

--A forum that prohibits trolling

--A forum that prohibits cyberstalking.

You know, a real forum.

 

 

 

by MRFred on 03/15/2010 09:40:23 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Well... (none / 1)

I'm a professional web developer (not the same as a designer) and like many of you, this site horrifies me in its presentation, functionality and structure. It's a bit of a mess and about as far from user friendly as you can get. A new skin is all well and nice but doesn't address the actual problems.

I e-mailed Tom Hanc (he did a spiel about TYT Jobs on the show one day) volunteering my specialities, asking if there's any way I could help out with the website side of things.

Disappointingly, I got a reply a week later that was a copy and paste of a generic e-mail talking about helping out by voting in polls, spreading the word, etc.

I'm sure there's a collection of professionals in the field of web design/development in this membership that would be happy to donate time and effort to a new site. Shame the guys at TYT don't really see the website as a pressing issue to address.

by pfxcarty on 03/13/2010 11:49:14 PM EST

Thanks for that, pfxcarty. (none / 0)
Embarrassing response, however. I'm sure you would be able to work wonders. I'd settle for a forum that works as well as (dare I say it) Daily Kos. AAARRRRGGGGHHH!!

by toosinbeymen on 03/14/2010 01:43:01 PM EST

[ Parent ]
The Site Is A Disaster (none / 0)
You're redesign is better than what it is now, but I'm sure it could still be better.

They have to be losing money right and left from peeps not knowing how to sign-up and just saying, aww, f_ck it.

My website: History By Day
Follow my on twitter @historyday.

by HistoryByDay on 03/14/2010 09:53:14 AM EST

Redesign, schmedesign (none / 0)
Fine. Nice effort and all but all I care about is a forum that works for those of us that use Safari, please. It's like a throw back to the 80s.

TYT is the only forum that I know of that doesn't allow iPhone viewers to enter text except in the subject field. What's up with that? Come on, now.

by toosinbeymen on 03/14/2010 01:38:31 PM EST

Hmmm (none / 0)
I used to have that problem on my iPhone, then it went away.  Are you upgraded to the latest version of Safari?

My website: History By Day
Follow my on twitter @historyday.

by HistoryByDay on 03/14/2010 04:42:55 PM EST

[ Parent ]
rebuild the site (none / 0)
Yea I agree this website needs a total make over ASAP if they want to be legit in any sort of way

by ilockitdown on 03/14/2010 02:54:02 PM EST

my reactions (none / 0)
We are in the early stages of a redesign. It's a very complicated undertaking in ways that many people don't realize.  I am definitely open to good suggestions from all of you. Of course, the more specific the better.

Some of the really minor changes in the sample mock up at the top of this thread, like removing duplicate links, I can do easily.  The more involved  changes will have to wait for the redesign.

I know the site has a lot of problems and doesn't "function" well. But I'd like to hear SPECIFICALLY from you guys what doesn't function well.

One important piece of input we can use from the users is whether you prefer the current (DailyKos style) blogging function, or the discussion thread format (like we had many years ago, like Democratic Underground uses, or like most tech discussions use) organized by categories and topics.

David

by yturks on 03/14/2010 08:05:55 PM EST

Early stages (none / 0)

That's great David, you should include us/the TYT community in the process. At a bare minimum let us help you choose you new look. I'm assuming you updating you identity as well? Anyway, looking forward to the improvements.

As for a specific list of recommendations, perhaps we should start an another post inviting those very criticisms? It seems there are enough designers/programmers among our ranks.  

-s

by keaneys on 03/14/2010 11:56:29 PM EST

[ Parent ]
organize (none / 0)
by categories and topics

Better bigger video    front and center   .. right now it looks like an afterthought .. something more 6x9

the layout of TYT is an exact copy of another site .. make it more unique.. cant get specific there are a thousand ways of making it more unique..  Some CSS sites are fantastic.

More newsy type stuff  .. make it more of a one stop shop.. instead of clicking around to huffpo and talking points memo just have the stuff right here

Guest blogs

More posts by the TYT gang  continuing the discussion from that days show.

boundaries... no more  hoping I die of aids crap . Total anarchy is nice  .. until someone gets poked in the eye

Make the link to the chat more obvious... people like community


by Chinese Democracy on 03/15/2010 03:40:04 AM EST

[ Parent ]
my request (none / 0)
I would like the descriptions for the post game shows on the Post-Game Archives page.  On the home page you have a "Members Video Sneak Preview" with a description of that particular show.  I would LOVE it if you copied that description over to the Post Game Archive page so when I wanted to catch up on old shows, it would be easier for me to select the ones I haven't seen.  I don't often remember what dates I've missed so a description would be super helpful.  (Make the newbie do it! hee hee)

by reba on 03/15/2010 02:11:44 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Doesn't matter much to me... (none / 0)
...as long as you leave the espresso machine where it is. Last site change, it tool me 6 mos to find it!

by MedfordTim on 03/15/2010 04:52:44 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Nice. (none / 0)
But I would miss the flag background of the header logo.  Also, I'm willing to bet that your monitor's aspect ratio is 4:3.  Unfortunately, the world is moving to 16:9 or 16:10 faster than vertical resolutions are increasing, so the high logo takes up a lot of valuable real estate on widescreen displays that might only have 768 or 900 vertical pixels -- or even less!  But that can be fixed.

And how would you feel after watching a three-hour show with all that red around it?  I can imagine wanting to kill someone before too long.  We want to focus on the contents of the frame rather that on the frame itself.

Still, it's a nice, clean arrangement, with the menus in the right location, and it solves a couple of problems with the current layout.  But what I really want to see is a layout that doesn't have a fixed width.  We've got a lot more width available to us nowadays.  A web site should be able to take advantage of it when a visitor maximizes their browser.

by EveningStarNM on 03/14/2010 11:29:17 PM EST

I'm not the only one! (none / 0)
LOL! I can't believe you did this because I actually did the exact same thing!!!! I created a new homepage on Publisher but then I was too embarrassed to submit it. I have HATED the website from the first visit and I hardly ever come here because of it. It is ridiculously busy and confusing and I can't ever find the info I'm looking for so thank you so much for stepping up! I love TYT as much as anyone, but I totally agree- the current website has got to go!

by imanygirl on 03/15/2010 12:15:42 PM EST

Thanks (none / 0)
Thanks imanygirl, I'm sure you're being hard on yourself! I mostly use the site to watch and or listen to the show, and don't use to many of the sites other features, mostly because I don't have the time, but also because it's easy to get lost/confused.

by keaneys on 03/15/2010 01:58:02 PM EST

[ Parent ]
good job (none / 0)
I like it. They should hire you.

by tlrdevere on 03/15/2010 02:30:33 PM EST

Good Job! (none / 0)
I like it a lot! 

by putzthemouse on 03/15/2010 09:29:54 PM EST

Young Turks site function (none / 0)
A lot of the good ideas posted here are not actually related to site design - they are content oriented, and a different problem entirely.

Although I won't defend the effectiveness of the site functionality, it's actually not as bad as people think for the simple reason that there isn't much function at all on the site.

David

by yturks on 03/16/2010 01:02:59 AM EST

TYT Redesign | 43 comments (43 topical, 0 hidden)
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