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Ha! Reading through my reply here I'm totally going balls-in obsessive mode. I don't mean it to be dry or argumentative, so please please please do not read my tone as such. OK, now that that's out of the way: We now return you to a very special episode of YN's Replies.
Previously, on YN's Replies...
But that is sort of my point. What new user inherently knows to click Tools>Subscribe to this Thread>Add Subscription? I'll be honest, I just looked in the menu for a Tools list. I didn't see it. I do now, as a non-obtrusive text link placed below the primary navigation and banners, and slight above and to the right of the page content.
There's what, four or five tiers of navigation located in roughly three unique locations on a page? They are all either white or a dark gray, so yeah, things can get overlooked. Further, what new user inherently knows what a User "CP" is to question if that link may potentially lead to a location that stores subscriptions? It would be more apparent if, when logging in, that our default page landed us on our User CP screen but that's not the case. I don't think? I always just use my browser's bookmark to land in the Questions forum because that's where I was first when I bookmarked the site.
Please know that I am not complaining or even really arguing that the tools do not exist, or that those tools are bad. I'm only really trying offer a perspective from which new (or in my case, year+ users) might interpret the site as it is. That some may completely miss opportunities for a continued discussion simply for not knowing or understanding the site structure or the tools available to help with that.
Finally, people and tech move faster and faster. A nested sub-section for specific forum types may help increase staying power. Intuitive navigation is a key factor in interface design (in general). The more time it takes for new users to learn where things are and how things work allows more opportunity for those users to give up and move on. This is relevant for most any interface, and I'm speaking broadly here and not specifically to MOFO; though the logic is global.
When I'm designing sites or navigation or apps or whatever, I try to approach things from the perspective of the average user. At least the average user of users that are most likely to use my site or whatever I'm working up. There are things that I personally prefer, but that's not always helpful to the average user or the target user's awareness. in those cases, my preference takes a backseat to what would better serve the average. For example, if I'm designing a tech manual for military aviation I can assume the average reader will already know certain things. I could not apply that same assumption to an interactive eBook for grade-school children. So I adapt to the target because I typically want as wide of a net that I can throw without making things too awkward or difficult for everyone that may have interest in the product. Sure there are outliers and customization might be necessary for unique instances, but for the most part I want things accessible to as many as possible. That's my philosophy when it comes to print and site design in general. YMMV, which is totally fine. Just context.
I am trying very hard not to end on a joke btw. I have become self conscious of that pattern and am trying to break it. o.O
Previously, on YN's Replies...
The bookmark option is called Subscribe to a thread. It's easy and effective. When you find a thread you want to Subscribe to (bookmark) you do this:
Tools>Subscribe to this Thread>Add Subscription
Then to check your subscribed threads click User CP and there listed is all the threads that you've subscribed to...and it shows you threads with recent post.
Also there's a link to View All of your Subscribed Threads. It's one of the best features on the board. I'm currently subscribed to 73 threads. You can delete subscriptions at any time too.
Also there's a link to View All of your Subscribed Threads. It's one of the best features on the board. I'm currently subscribed to 73 threads. You can delete subscriptions at any time too.
There's what, four or five tiers of navigation located in roughly three unique locations on a page? They are all either white or a dark gray, so yeah, things can get overlooked. Further, what new user inherently knows what a User "CP" is to question if that link may potentially lead to a location that stores subscriptions? It would be more apparent if, when logging in, that our default page landed us on our User CP screen but that's not the case. I don't think? I always just use my browser's bookmark to land in the Questions forum because that's where I was first when I bookmarked the site.
Please know that I am not complaining or even really arguing that the tools do not exist, or that those tools are bad. I'm only really trying offer a perspective from which new (or in my case, year+ users) might interpret the site as it is. That some may completely miss opportunities for a continued discussion simply for not knowing or understanding the site structure or the tools available to help with that.
Finally, people and tech move faster and faster. A nested sub-section for specific forum types may help increase staying power. Intuitive navigation is a key factor in interface design (in general). The more time it takes for new users to learn where things are and how things work allows more opportunity for those users to give up and move on. This is relevant for most any interface, and I'm speaking broadly here and not specifically to MOFO; though the logic is global.
When I'm designing sites or navigation or apps or whatever, I try to approach things from the perspective of the average user. At least the average user of users that are most likely to use my site or whatever I'm working up. There are things that I personally prefer, but that's not always helpful to the average user or the target user's awareness. in those cases, my preference takes a backseat to what would better serve the average. For example, if I'm designing a tech manual for military aviation I can assume the average reader will already know certain things. I could not apply that same assumption to an interactive eBook for grade-school children. So I adapt to the target because I typically want as wide of a net that I can throw without making things too awkward or difficult for everyone that may have interest in the product. Sure there are outliers and customization might be necessary for unique instances, but for the most part I want things accessible to as many as possible. That's my philosophy when it comes to print and site design in general. YMMV, which is totally fine. Just context.
I am trying very hard not to end on a joke btw. I have become self conscious of that pattern and am trying to break it. o.O
__________________
"My Dionne Warwick understanding of your dream indicates that you are ambivalent on how you want life to eventually screw you." - Joel
"Ever try to forcibly pin down a house cat? It's not easy." - Captain Steel
"I just can't get pass sticking a finger up a dog's butt." - John Dumbear
"My Dionne Warwick understanding of your dream indicates that you are ambivalent on how you want life to eventually screw you." - Joel
"Ever try to forcibly pin down a house cat? It's not easy." - Captain Steel
"I just can't get pass sticking a finger up a dog's butt." - John Dumbear
Come on, search function....