No offense taken :)

I'm a back-end programmer without much UI experience. I was trying for a simplistic layout. Any specific suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

The page doesn't work very well without Javascript. In my opinion/experience it's better to create a page in a fully usable form without javascript first. Then write a nicer/flashier/*er interface in non-intrusive javascript ( i.e. not inline javscript on elements but in a seperate .js file )

Don't forget to include a friendly reminder "This page has features that require javascript" for the paranoid freakjobs who have javascript off ).

I see that you're pulling in: Prototype - from GoogleAPIs, YUI - from YahooAPIs, Tab.js - from Uservoice ( Who I've never heard of )

As a Tinfoil hat wearing NoScript user that's alot for me click allow on and seems very messy.

Surely all the functionality you use/need/want could be provided by Prototype OR YUI ( or my favourites Mootools or jQuery )

On the design front. Please, please, please get rid of those Image Headings that look like they're from cooltext.com in favour of a Text Header and a Text Link. The Black Border around the whole site probably isn't winning you any friends and the text layout needs some fixing.

For the section about installing the bookmarklet I would: Put a heading on it like "Get Started Now!". Change the tense of "Help me" to "Need help installing?". use a border/background-color/different font to separate it better, although a heading could do this. Align the top of it with the top of something else.

Nice point about the page not working without Javascript - making it friendlier to those with it turned off.

UserVoice is a customer service site. I'm seeing it used more often and I really like the features. The JS for UserVoice on this page is for the Feedback tab on the right.

I use YUI for layout, buttons and tab controls. I don't think Prototype would help here - however perhaps YUI may have features that could cover the Prototype I use.

Ha! The logo was from cooltext.com Perhaps I need a disclaimer on the page saying that this page was designed by a programming hacker with no sense of style :)

You don't like the black border? That was one of the pieces I actually thought looked nice :(

I definitely got the hint though about the page being ugly. I agree. Please try the bookmarklet though. Of the 5 or so months of part-time effort, 99.9% went into the back-end and .1% on the front page. Yeah - guess I need a homepage facelift ...

Why so much time on the back-end? Catalyst had a big learning curve for me, and I was trying to design a flexible platform.

I agree on the ugly factor. A simple, temporary fix might be to center everything (after moving the "just drag.." text below the two subtitles near the logo). Some things are aligned left, some centered, doesn't flow well.

Also, the logo (specifically the font used) is very 90s. Pick something cleaner.

Boo. Don't center everything.

Its a 4 second fix that makes it look better. It's not a recommendation for common practice or a long term solution.

You're telling me this doesn't look better than it currently is: http://i34.tinypic.com/2iaelav.jpg

I too would like advice on how to find a UI designer to clean up an existing site without paying a fortune?

Designers are not all super expensive. I'd recommend hitting your regional Craigslist and posting on there, ask for resume / portfolios, and negotiate a price.

Tip #1: Pay them, and make it clear you'll pay them. Designers get shit upon so much and get all sorts of 'hey just do this design for me to build your portfolio' - 99% of them are sick of hearing that.

Tip #2: Have a clear vision of what you want. The quick way to suffering and painfully dealing with a designer is to not give them any limits or guidelines. Don't design it for them, but if you don't tell them where you want to go, how can you get pissed at them when they go their way and it isn't what you're looking for? Most of them won't take a job without a clear layout of what it is you want anyways.

Tip #3: Communicate. If you like a design, try to figure out what you like so they can replicate the look in other parts of the site. If you don't like a design, tell them why so they can fix that one part.

I would also add that speaking on the phone or better yet in person does wonders for working with someone.

Going through Craigslist can enable you to find someone local and meet them at a local coffee shop.

It may not seem like much, but actually meeting someone you are going to work with can make a lot of difference later on.

"Here are my goals. How can we achieve them?" is a great way to start a dialogue with a potential designer without 'coaching' them or designing-by-proxy.

Well put.

becoming a competent ui designer, not exceptional, is a task that can be undertaken in a manner similar to learning a language or technology. you won't be able to make a visual masterpiece, but you'll be able to make something that is color coordinated and somewhat visually appealing.

I ll second that. Appearance is more than most think.