Page last modified 17:40, 20 Sep 2010 by kalida

Updated IDF Guide

Introduction

This spec is a placeholder to store implementation ideas for a redesigned IDF guide homepage (see bug http://bugs.developer.mindtouch.com/view.php?id=8562).

Initial scoping by kalida and PatriciaF

1. User can discover the subpages under a topic page without having to navigate away from the guide homepage.

2. User can discover what pages have changed recently (make the guide feel more dynamic)

UI Alternatives

Original Design Large amount of whitespace Redundant table of contents / featured topics Unable to see subpages beneath featured topics
Design A Top section for recent updates (including tab highlights) ToC in sidebar
Design B Tabs focus on recent updates/most popular Sidebar for categories
Design C Guide homepage combines featured articles + ToC Possibility for recent update sidebar / section
Design D Guide homepage combines featured articles and ToC in the center Recent updates are in the sidebar on the right
Design D1 (Hovercard) Mouseover displays card with list of child articles Conserves space, less discoverable
Design D2 (Inline children) Display list of child topic articles Child articles explicit, longer page (possible cutoff link for "see all...")
Design D3 (Collapsible tree) Hybrid approach - indicates there is more content Consistent with other site metaphors (image uploads)

Have sidebar be general area for quick reference - on the guide homepage, it's the collapsed ToC. On an article, it has the ToC for individual sections.