Testing forum changes

[brian]

I'm testing a couple of changes to the forums to try and make them easier to use.

This is not least because normally the TW forums just look like a huge mass of boards that can be difficult to navigate through to find different sections.

I've therefore squished everything on the forums homepage so that it's easier to find the different sections.

I've also changed the width of the forums, to move into line with the site front end. This should make presentation issues easier to control. The only downside should be that people should no longer be able to upload 100MB photos without them breaking the forum tables - but really we should discourage should large uploads in the first place.

All simply an experiment, though - even at present the forum index does look a little bland, so I'll look to see if I can sharpen this up a bit.

All changes are quite reversible as well - simple changes easy to roll back as necessary. I'm just trying to explore ways in which to make the forums more user friendly, not least for encouraging new members in.

EDIT: Current forum index - only need to view 12 sections, as opposed to 36 boards

[richkez]

must admit when i first logged on i thought the site had failed to load correctly

Got to say my first thoughts it needs a bit of colour in the section banners but yer i like it

[brian]

Quite agree - editing still in progress - trying to set up custom image icons for each section, but it's not working for some reason. Either way, once I'm finished, should not be so plain and white.

[scarlettxxx]

Just logged on after being away for 2 months, a bit of a shock at first.

Off to have a look around and give feedback later.

[FlyerUK]

Originally Posted by brian

I'm testing a couple of changes to the forums to try and make them easier to use.

This is not least because normally the TW forums just look like a huge mass of boards that can be difficult to navigate through to find different sections.

I've therefore squished everything on the forums homepage so that it's easier to find the different sections.

I've also changed the width of the forums, to move into line with the site front end. This should make presentation issues easier to control. The only downside should be that people should no longer be able to upload 100MB photos without them breaking the forum tables - but really we should discourage should large uploads in the first place.

All simply an experiment, though - even at present the forum index does look a little bland, so I'll look to see if I can sharpen this up a bit.

All changes are quite reversible as well - simple changes easy to roll back as necessary. I'm just trying to explore ways in which to make the forums more user friendly, not least for encouraging new members in.

EDIT: Current forum index - only need to view 12 sections, as opposed to 36 boards

sorry, 1 vote against new layout, makes my 27" monitor seem a bit redundant, since it's only using half the screen, looks way too cluttered as well.

P.

[G77]

just installed ie9.... not that crazy about browsers but the forum and ie9 combined looks pretty good.

quite easy on the eye

[abu baniaz]

I too do not like the width of the forum page being restricted. It's the same on firefox and ie 8.

[scarlettxxx]

The forum page is not very easy on the eye.

There is no real distinction between the boards, it all feels a little cramped and overcrowded.

Only my initial thoughts, first time seeing it tonight.

Good to be back, hope everyone is well.

[fnr3master]

seems good to me, it does need some colour to jazz it up.

it also seem nice and simple to browse on my htc desire phone

[andyjill]

Ok Tw screen is 2 inches smaller each side to my screen, scrolling down to each area is great, one click and that opens up all areas you are interested in. Its all more compact and after a few mins you find eveything you need in less time than the way Brian had it set to before. Colour needs adjusting like said above. Thumbs up for me.