I’m proud to launch the new PV.M Garage today! It’s the first complete redesign for the blog and I hope you like the new layout.
Behind a deeply redesign there should be great motivations. My desire to redesign isn’t only aesthetic-driven, but it is purpose-driven. In fact in this case there are three main reasons on why I’ve launched the new version. I want to emphasize the contents, highlight community’s work and refresh the graphic for a clean layout. In a few words? A fresh change!

The main objective of this new version is to make usable and immediate the website. I have worked hard to improve look and feel, holding some peculiar elements, to simplify the browsing and the reading.
So what’s new in this version?

New Logo

The PV.M Garage has not had a real logo. Sure, since its launch the website has always used a face with the glasses as part of its image, but it wasn’t a “working logo”.
So the final concept for the logo mark was the combination of the old icon and a freah typography.

In a second moment it has been adapted for the new PV.M Garage design using a textured background and some “grunge effects”.

Header and Menu

I love large and working header and in my opinion header should contain useful features that allow a quick navigation. For this reason on the header there are serch form, quick menu to know more about the site, navigation menu and links to stay connected with the garage (Twitter and RSS Feed).

Search

Menu

Navigation Menu

Twitter and RSS Feed

Main Container and Sidebar

This sections was created with a basic scheme: two columns, the main container for the posts and the sidebar to show further informations.
This part of the site is quite similar to the old version, but metadata for each post are displayed in different way.

The sidebar contains sponsors, community news, the archive and some useful links. It is classic, simple and well-proportioned.

Footer

The footer is completely up-to-date. Yes, It is huge… maybe this is a challenge, but I’m sure that it works!
The last trends in modern web design show a frequent use of this kind of footers, but the user’s reaction is unpredictable. My goal is to present other important contents and informations in a clean and fresh layout… my hope is that you like it.

That’s all folks guys! Now a special gift for you…

Special Giveaway: 3 free copies of the Smashing Book

The Smashing Book is a printed book about best practices in modern Web design. The book shares technical tips and best practices on coding, usability and optimization and explores how to create successful user interfaces and apply marketing principles to increase conversion rates. It also shows how to get the most out of typography, color and branding so that you end up with intuitive and effective Web designs.

Here at PV.M Garage we will give away a total of 3 copies of this great book. This is only a simple way of saying thanks to the readers for being part of the our community. Leave a comment about the PV.M Garage Redesign and you could win a free copy of the Smashing Book.

Do you know Concept Feedback?
It is a free design review community for websites, logos and more and for the three lucky winners there is also a free premium concept on this great service.

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