Advanced CSS/Design changes

[nix]

So, a while back I created Realty Signs Fast. I think it's safe to say that I know how to edit the CSS and code enough to make it look decent. But I want to take it a step further.

I've seen some HIGHLY advanced ZC sites. How can I take this site to the next level? What are some techniques that you all use to make to make the very creative stores?

I appreciate any help and constructive criticism.

[BlindSide]

Great question, and I would love to see it generate some discussion. However you'll get more response if you offer some prompting.

You mentioned some highly customized sites that you like; can you share those sites with us, along with what you like about them? That way the experts can wander along and offer some insights into those specific cases.

Here's one of my personal favs:
http://www.shopdi.org

[davewest]

I've seen some HIGHLY advanced ZC sites. How can I take this site to the next level? What are some techniques that you all use to make to make the very creative stores?

My ZC store was the first one for me that relied totally on CSS for it's layout. What work for me was running on a live testing server to tweak the CSS code until it look good on three different browsers.

My first site relied on tables for it's layout, but use CSS and script to make it viewable in 3 different browsers, cell phones, PDA's along with web TV. Depending on what you was using, you had a different view. I haven't had much time to fix some things sense I move the site, but it does use some cool CSS tracks. http://beardivideengine19.com

Now that I'm done building my ZC store, it's time to start tweaking the CSS and adding things. I'm working on setting up a WP blog and designing a flash guestbook.

Good books and a good testing server will give you a good start.

[kuroi]

@ nix

You may want to take a look at my Zen Cart Hall of Fame to see some cool
Zen Carts. Some based on older versions, thought the techniques still apply. The number one technique for creating this type of store is to start with a blank piece of paper and let your imagination run riot. There's not a lot you can't do with Zen Cart, but you won't easily break out of the conventional formats if you try to develop incrementally from them.

@davewest.

I'd recommend that you run your Zen Cart through the W3 validator. It's showing an enormous number (789) of validation errors.

[yellow1912]

Well, if a designer can design it, we can certainly turn it into a working site (99%). The question should not be in the code, it should be in the design. Start with a design first, then turn it into ZC template.

[nix]

Well there are several sites that really do it for me.

One of my faves is http://www.o2gearshop.com/catalog/ while it's running OSC, I'm sure it's pretty much the same concept as Zen is based on OSC. I was looking for some gear and bought from these guys a) there stuff was priced well but most importantly, to me is their store was well designed and it was very easy to use.


I also like http://www.mitea.com/

I don't know if it's just that I'm my own worst critic or what, but these sites just look great. They seem like they are on a different level altogether. I don't know if I'm just being dense but it seems like these sites are more than just the CSS adjustments.

[yellow1912]

No, it's not. It's a total new (re)design. You wont get anywhere with just css adjustment.

[gjh42]

A Zen Cart template will have little to nothing in common with an osC template, beyond the fact that they describe the same visual appearance. ZC has a CSS/div based structure with a lot more specific control points, while osC is still table based.

[nix]

@yellow

Could you elaborate?

[yellow1912]

Well, think about this: A zencart template is nothing different from any normal html template. It's just that the html codes will be divided into multiple files (header, footer, etc...), and there are php codes in those to generate dynamic content as well.

So I wouldnt really worry about "how to code", anyone with good knowledge of html/css and zencart can change almost any design into ZC template.

Does it make sense?