Wow. Every design I’ve seen here is simply fantastic! You are a very talented group.
This one is my favorite so far because I think it has the most usability. I like that the majority of the links that have more utility are at the left (including that top horizontal nav). This way, when users who are in a hurry first encounter this page they will quickly be able to eliminate two-thirds of the page when they visually scan it. The middle and right side leave plenty of room for the developer to convey the pride/emotion/identity and could be reconfigured easily as needs arise. I don’t think it looks too boxy.
I think of the mall analogy—some people like to go to the mall and wander around. Other people know exactly what they need and just want to go in and out. This design seems to do a service to both.
I’m glad you decided to share. I’m really enjoying watching this develop.
"For what is worth, I think “Round 1A Alternate†is the one I prefer- for one, it does not deviate too terribly from what we are used to as, as far as going to the left side of the page to find links and information that would be important to students and staff, etc. Also, it is very clean and things are obvious. The information is clearly laid out, you can easily determine which category you need and what links to click on, and if you want just general info about ASU it is clear that those types of things are over to the right. The colors are bright, and make things easy to see. I am not sure if it is clear what the sign on button would sign you in to (my asu??) but I really liked this site. It is less wordy and easier to navigate."
I would have to say this one is my favorite; it seems like it would be the easiest to navigate around, with no flashy background or header to distract from the page content. It's simple and clean without being boring. I like the large main image relating to the right column story, but I also like how the left column is somewhat of a menu column that allows you to get to the other areas of the page quickly and easily. My vote is for this page!
This design is the best of the lot. I like the centered image. It adds to the boldness of the page. Regarding function, will the left nav. be viewable on an opening screen? I suggest that the entire left nav be viewable when the page is opened so users have to scroll as little as possible.  I also suggest listing academics at the top of the left nav, then communities, NAU, etc. I think that we should want external audiences to know that we value academics primarliy before splitting up the university structure and audiences i.e., alumni, parents, students, fac & staff...
This one is the most eye-catching to me. I like how the verticle photo splits up the different information making the content less overwhelming for the viewer.
I am not sure I understand the method behind the navigation. I don't know why there needs to be section names such as communities, academics...This seems a little confusing. Would those icons, link to anything? They take up a lot of space.
this design is my second choice. The photo in the middle breaks up the text nicely. I would have only half of the right column be news and the top half used for something like your personal log in - which is what students tend to come to the web for. Leave the left column for things that prospective students need to see.
I really like this site design the best. It is very easy to quickly determine where you want to go. I like the image in the center; It breaks up the large amount of content that is required on this page. Not sure if I like the headings on the left Communities, Academics, etc. I like my headings to be consistent in appearance (personal preference). I like the boxes, content, colors, etc., just not the "label."
Wow. Every design I’ve seen here is simply fantastic! You are a very talented group.
This one is my favorite so far because I think it has the most usability. I like that the majority of the links that have more utility are at the left (including that top horizontal nav). This way, when users who are in a hurry first encounter this page they will quickly be able to eliminate two-thirds of the page when they visually scan it. The middle and right side leave plenty of room for the developer to convey the pride/emotion/identity and could be reconfigured easily as needs arise. I don’t think it looks too boxy.
I think of the mall analogy—some people like to go to the mall and wander around. Other people know exactly what they need and just want to go in and out. This design seems to do a service to both.
I’m glad you decided to share. I’m really enjoying watching this develop.
An email I received:
"For what is worth, I think “Round 1A Alternate†is the one I prefer- for one, it does not deviate too terribly from what we are used to as, as far as going to the left side of the page to find links and information that would be important to students and staff, etc. Also, it is very clean and things are obvious. The information is clearly laid out, you can easily determine which category you need and what links to click on, and if you want just general info about ASU it is clear that those types of things are over to the right. The colors are bright, and make things easy to see. I am not sure if it is clear what the sign on button would sign you in to (my asu??) but I really liked this site. It is less wordy and easier to navigate."
I would have to say this one is my favorite; it seems like it would be the easiest to navigate around, with no flashy background or header to distract from the page content. It's simple and clean without being boring. I like the large main image relating to the right column story, but I also like how the left column is somewhat of a menu column that allows you to get to the other areas of the page quickly and easily. My vote is for this page!
This design is the best of the lot. I like the centered image. It adds to the boldness of the page. Regarding function, will the left nav. be viewable on an opening screen? I suggest that the entire left nav be viewable when the page is opened so users have to scroll as little as possible.  I also suggest listing academics at the top of the left nav, then communities, NAU, etc. I think that we should want external audiences to know that we value academics primarliy before splitting up the university structure and audiences i.e., alumni, parents, students, fac & staff...
This one is the most eye-catching to me. I like how the verticle photo splits up the different information making the content less overwhelming for the viewer.
I am not sure I understand the method behind the navigation. I don't know why there needs to be section names such as communities, academics...This seems a little confusing. Would those icons, link to anything? They take up a lot of space.
this design is my second choice. The photo in the middle breaks up the text nicely. I would have only half of the right column be news and the top half used for something like your personal log in - which is what students tend to come to the web for. Leave the left column for things that prospective students need to see.
I really like this site design the best. It is very easy to quickly determine where you want to go. I like the image in the center; It breaks up the large amount of content that is required on this page. Not sure if I like the headings on the left Communities, Academics, etc. I like my headings to be consistent in appearance (personal preference). I like the boxes, content, colors, etc., just not the "label."