Sythe Design/Function Suggestions

Keep in mind; I'm trying to improve the website's appearance and do not mean to offend the designers by making these suggestions. These type of sites were a huge part of my childhood, and I would love to see them change for the better.

Navbar
Why is the navbar locked to the top of the forum page?

I believe it would be more convenient to have to move while you scroll down each page. This would give users easier access to navigation features.

Navbar: https://gyazo.com/c236ea682f305f6981018cd980bdab3f

Advertisement Bars
I noticed the advertisements in the top right of the website were sort of clunky in the design. They obviously need to be seen, but I was trying to think of alternative places for them. I came up with one idea that could creatively implement them.

What do you guys think about making section headers slightly larger, maybe double in size, and place alternating advertisements within them?

They would still be clickable, the size would be slightly smaller, but they would be compacted above the section they relate to.

Potential customers would be able to see them when they scroll down to enter that part of the forum.

Advertisements: https://gyazo.com/8ccf125611b6e684274149da63838e31
Placement: https://gyazo.com/bb937804e7c73056e0facfe96e8c2190


Folder Icon
This folder icon is found all over the website, and I believe it should be replaced by a custom icon. It isn't very appealing and doesn't match the rest of the custom icons all over the place.

Folder Icon: https://gyazo.com/b2d38d8c264df838c9d4236f8a183be9


Recent Post Hyperlink
How difficult would it be to add in a "Quick Links" option for the recent post you have made?

If there is an easy way to view your latest post without going to your profile, please let me know. I always use that to find threads I have posted in, so I can view responses. If this isn't implemented, then it might be useful for active users.

 

I can't agree with any of these suggestions.

A persistent navigation bar would be annoying.

Relocating the advertisements to the places you mentioned would be more obstructive.

The folder icons looks good by default.

 

A scrolling navbar is super annoying, so no support.
The current advertisements are in my opinion in the perfect places. They don't get in the way and don't stretch the website. Adding more stuff to the headers on every thread isn't something I think I'd find appealing.
I believe Xenforo (the forum software we'll be moving to very soon doesn't have the folder icon.
A quick link probably wouldn't be hard to implement at all, but a bookmark works just as well.

 

Okay guys, thanks for the feedback.

To be honest, I'm curious on how the navbar would be annoying? Is it uncomfortable for smaller monitors?

https://gyazo.com/a67a6e1564e0d484da36802900750d01

That bar is such a small portion of the screen, and it would be for utilities. I find it a common practice to incorporate a dynamic navbar now-a-days. Facebook would be an example of a place you'll find a similar setup.
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They don't stretch the website or get in the way, but I'm surprised you don't find them visually off-putting.

Bookmark? Do you mean your browsers bookmarking ability? I wouldn't want to bookmark every time I make a post. When I make a post, I expect a response or want to see other replies. My suggestion was regarding just keeping track of recent post made because it would be convenient to check back to recent discussions.

That is great to hear !

 

You can go to your profile and bookmark the link to your latest posts there.
There are also notifications available per thread, check the top right corner
Xenforo will also come with a bit different of a notification system so hang tight for that

 

I didn't realize there were notifications or a bookmark system that could supply your newest post. Thank you!

The Xenforo sounds like it is superior to vBulletin! I'll look forward to the update!

 

Xenforo is right around the corner. Denying this. If you have any suggestions or recommendations following our migration, feel free to open a new suggestion thread.