Hi All,
Since I've volunteered and been drafted as a Ux/UI guy for the redesign of the website a couple of remarks and questions on the idea for the new website. For me and probably also for the designers as well it would be nice to define who the visitors of the new website will be. I came up with these three main groups. -new users -users (artists/designers etc) -developers These three groups have different needs and expectations from the site. This is my view on their needs and expectations, feel free to shoot holes into them/enhance them.
New users The new user group has been addressed by the 'Big Issue' talk on blenderguru. Short version: -they need to know what it is, what it does and where to get it. -frontpage is their first introduction to Inkscape and as such should be focussed towards their need (Short explanation, download button/link, 'learn' button/link) and visually attractive
Users They already have inkscape, they visit the site for a couple of reasons. -Check for/download new version (put version number on the download button/link) -Learn how to use inkscape/improve their skills through tutorials -Get help with (technical) issues with inkscape -Showcase their work -Get more resources like scripts/plugins/palettes etc. -...
Developers They already know inkscape and like to improve it. So they visit the site because: -They like to know how to get the sourcecode, compile it etc -File/solve bugs -...? (I'm no developer so help me out :)
The reason I ask this, is because knowing who is using the site and why makes it easier to design a site-structure. The current mind-map of the site, although very complete doesn't provide a very balanced site-structure. 'Community Frontpage' is 3 levels deep, 'Press and references' is one level deep and 'Open clip art' is not even part of the site, though all three are shown as equal children of the frontpage. Having a beautiful and consistent design, isn't enough. A logical and short site-structure is important as well; having relevant subsections close to each other is key.
Love to hear your thoughts. Having the discussion now makes it possible to incorporate the outcome in the winning design from day one.
Regards Steven