Question on speed...

[Dug]

I have developed my site using photoshop 7 and used imageready to do the rollovers etc but the page is very slow to load. imageready 7 using javascript to preload the images .

Does anyone know a better way to layout the GFX and have them load faster?

thanks in advance

[RodrigoRosa]

could you post the link for the website?

[Dug]

http://dug.n3croshideout.com/Glossyfx.html

Remember this is a development and proof of concept for me using imageready.

I have already decieded to change alot of the layout but the initial question stands.

8-)

[RodrigoRosa]

Originally posted by Dug
I have developed my site using photoshop 7 and used imageready to do the rollovers etc but the page is very slow to load. imageready 7 using javascript to preload the images .

Does anyone know a better way to layout the GFX and have them load faster?

thanks in advance

Does anyone know a better way to layout the GFX and have them load faster?
did you try decrease the quality of the *.jpg?

and another way to make it faster would be make some layout change... e.g., imo the text GLOSSYFX on the top of the page is too big and large..... and the menu is a little big too... reducing the size of this images, it should be much faster... and show more the content of the website... ;)

and you could use javascript to show a loading bar while the page was loading

[Faust]

well, its just one big image. Do something more simple in layout, if you are showcasing your 3d work, dont let your interface hog the attention, the sites purpose is to display your work, not the interface its self. To be honestly blunt, I would ditch the photoshop effects, bevel emboss etc, for lack of a better word, its useualy what a photoshop newbie would use, no offense, any web designer has been there. I personally do everything manually , I dont like using photoshops effects, cause they look cheap and lazey.

I would focus on a very simple lowout, simple is way more effective, and easyier on your server hosting bill, most html sites shouldn't be over 50k for the interface, but depends on the audience, if its a gaming site, or something you can be heavier on the graphics, and polish it up more. and people will take you seriously if its clean and professional

Some great example of nice simple sites, that are professional:

www.attik.com
http://fcukstar.com
http://www.design9.co.uk

these are flash sites, but you should get the idea, simplicity, with smart colors is the best way to go.

html brings alot more limits to your design aswell, stay away from big round corners etc. and stay away from heavey detailed graphics, unless its well worth the load time, like this site :)

http://www.24-7media.de

[enjoiskating543]

loading bars on html pages are nearly worthless :/

try reducing the jpg quality like said above it really shouldnt take that long to load that page..also image ready tends to put in extra code not needed to display everything..hence slowing everything down.

if you know any html coding you could remove the uneeded code, but otherwise you will have to reduce the jpgs and settle for that i think

[Faust]

yah imageready is good for slicing images, but thats about it, maybe animated gifs, but who uses animated gifs anymore ? :)

[enjoiskating543]

its all about the flash mx or 2004 now :D

[Dug]

Thanks for the thoughts and comments....

I will take it all on board and try a few other things.....

I will be sure to post back any updates.....

Dug

[Dug]

I know its still very Photoshop tricky......but I think this header has a more nickalodian feel about it.....

Thoughts?

http://dug.n3croshideout.com/images/Header2.jpg

I know its just the header and there is still alot of work to do but I figured a try and get a style sorted before I move on.....

Dug

[Dug]

Well I have a beta site up.....still needs alot of content published but the structure is solid.....

I would like your thoughts and comments....

GlossyFX (http://dug.n3croshideout.com/index.html)

8-)

Dug