Rate my startup: Simplton It has been almost 8 months since I was shellacked in the hacker news comments (which I totally appreciate btw) for bad design/ui/ux. http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1282132 Simplton is back after a total overhaul. I am hoping it is better but don't pull any punches. Please be "that guy" (or gal). http://simplton.com and http://simplton.com/screenshots |
Two things stand out in particular: first, my laptop's resolution is 1600x900 and I have to scroll down to see the links on the left; secondly, that's a HUGE amount of empty space on the right hand side, and it looks like it could accommodate the "What is Simplton" text quite nicely.
Honestly, I'd advise doing what I do - although I'm not terribly successful, so perhaps you should disregard this advice ;-) Anyway, go to ThemeForest, find a decent sales page theme, and another one for your user area. It'll cost you $30-40, and whilst some will object to what are pretty obviously cookie-cutter themes, you'll find out pretty quickly if people will pay for it.
I was in the same place as you a year ago, with a tool whose design was 100 times worse than yours is, and I was signing up 1 trial account per day. Many months later I bought a design for $15 and an admin theme for $20, and that increased free trials to 20 a day!
Good luck! :)
Other than that, I like you art and design quite a bit more than a prefab theme. If you do try it, don't throw out what you have :)
It saves so much design issues, and time.
For something that focuses on simplicity, you sure have a lot of words. If I were you, I'd look to cut 75% of your verbiage.
I don't understand what the companies represent on http://simplton.com/pricing. Is that companies that use your service? Am I buying real estate in this imaginary town? I think you're overusing your town metaphor.
Use gradients or don't use gradients, PICK ONE. If you use gradients, then all (or most of) your elements need gradients. I recommend removing gradients, as sometimes gradients are hard to make work.