"this has been done before" is the least useful feedback in all of design history of course it has been done before. that is the whole point. "good design" does not equate to "new and undiscovered patterns" you can do cool things even following standard patterns/layouts designers are very bipolar about this in general -- like in some instances, something is sacred and should never be touched, but in others it is boring and lame if you don't try to do something entirely new in software design and web design, people are used to how things work. is it ok to change that and try to introduce a new pattern? of course. but you should be aware that it comes at a cost that is paid by introducing friction to your users. you can feel strongly that the friction is worth it and make a bet -- as long as you are willing to acknowledge that you are gambling with usability and familiarity