Hi folks,

I'm working up some visuals for a redesign. The site needs to stay fresh, with plenty of white space, and a simple/minimal feel.

I've been reading the Subtraction post on grids (http://www.subtraction.com/archives/2007/0318_oh_yeeaahh.php) for inspiration as well.

http://www.3stripe.net/beta/ah_news_mockup_01.png is where I've got to so far

But I'm not sure if the layout is working. Do you think the logo has enough prominence? I'm also unsure if the top section needs more differentiation.

I'm also thinking of doing a variation on this with some 100% width backgrounds to give it some breadth.

Thanks for listening.

Thanks for the feedback, good point.

I should have mentioned the layout will be centered when it's built.

There is still a gap to plug there though... hmm...

just some thoughts I had while glancing it over, looks great so far though!

general layout: will the centered layout also stretch the gray area on the left? if so, you may want to re-consider that design choice since you will be extending an additional visual line while creating a lot of negative space that may be deemed unecessary.

menu system: is the menu structured by importance? you may want to talk to you client to what will the be most clicked link and place that on the top of the vertically aligned menu, just makes the system a little bit easier for the users.

logo placement: have you considered placing the logo on the left hand side of that division (white & grey)? it seems a bit right-heavy at this point if this will later be used as a centered page.

great job with the organization of the 4 elements for the main news, and I think when this site is completely finished, it will be extremely optimized for download speeds :)

-Sean Hsieh