Today we had a meeting about revamping our Project Pages. Here are some of the outcomes from our discussion:

- need to separate the public listing/directory of projects with the collaboration tools and create more incentive for groups to post their projects, so we can more effectively aggregate strong youth-led action projects happening around the world

- we established that there could be 4 types of project page options:
(a) FREE - public listing in project directory - to devleop a very basic template (info page)
(b) FREE - collaboration tools (project blog, wiki, discussion, member listing etc)
(c) $10/month for Custom Header & upgraded storage space for files + livechat
(d) $100/month for custom template + storage space + up to 20 affiliated project pages

- important to develop a series of template design options, possibility of allowing people to move elements of page around in design

- important to link the concept of 'best practices' or sharing lessons learned to be posted with projects/initiatives.

- need to merge functionality of TIGgroups (mailing lists) into projects. we also discussed revamping the TIGgroups functionality. since it is complex and heavy on our servers to manage, our thinking is that we rewrite the code to make the technology more efficient and then only have the mailing list functionality available to for projects/initiatives. We would then transform the current TIGgroups space to be more informal and into an online 'feed/bulliten board' posting of content that would send alerts to people but not actually contain the full contents of the message in the emails. this would ideally drive more traffic to the site and reduce maintenance costs. we currently have 3800 TIGgroup mailing lists.

- increase options of privacy levels so project page administrators can decide which sections are public/private

- change review process of projects to allow public listing/posting prior to approval on admin, but have a mention on the page that it has not yet been reviewed (to improve search results - as it is hard for editors to keep up with approvals on demand)

- Link to Global Issues section from project pages (ability to easily draw in useful links/resources)

- social bookmarking functionality within TIG bookmarks (ability to see who else has bookmarked the content & post comments on the bookmarked content) - ability to see your TIG bookmarks in other social networking spaces

- explore option of Text based live chat for the free version of collaboration space

- how can we more effectively promote collaboration and networking between projects and initiatives? suggestion of recommendations / search/tags visible to project members.

- need for ability to track impact - people can state goals + progress made towards goals (i.e. people reached, people trained etc)

- change project 'category' to project 'issue'

- add ability to relate commitments & petitions to projects and easily promote

- RSS feeds

We have been making a great deal of progress on V6 - here is a snapshot of our roadmap (and a sneak peak into how we track progress internally - this is updated on an ongoing basis and we've had weekly meetings to review priorities):

Here is the mockup for new TIG Country Pages. With the shorter URL (tigweb.org) we hope it will be easier for members to promote TIG - and will design banner ads that people can use to promote TIG. The current country pages have too many modules of content which is simplified in the concept of the feed (which is also implemented elsewhere on the site). Having a smaller flag size was feedback (as it is perhaps too nationalistic) and having a larger map size has also been recommended to provide greater visual and educational context. The link to quickfacts will remain - with less stats on the homepage. The placement of the Global Gallery images is meant to have more visual elements to the page. Also, rather than our current 'featured member' that requires a separate submission form, we will showcase the bio from our active members (having higher chances of available content). This concept has removed the google news feed (as some say that this is not relevant or the reason that people go to TIG - as in - they want member content and not news online). Also, this concept removes the 'banner collage' with images of the country as some say that it came across as too touristic.

dare to compare....

V6 mockup



V5 current version of Country Page

With the V6 Nav, we removed Open Forums from the header and agreed that it would be linked to from our Events section. The question now is what we link to from the events section.

Possible options:

1) Link to our current page (as is) – keeping it functioning as is. Problem – is that it is not very intuitive, content & functionality needs updating. On the admin side, we need to create an online admin for the ‘Open Forum Partner Organizations Application Form’. We would require dedicated volunteer/staff oversight. There is some confusion on how it relates to the existing events database.

2) Merge into main Events - Integrate Open Forums process (including application questions, reporting questions etc) into our online submission form for the events page. This would allow for a streamlined approval process on the back-end and a clearer entry point on the front end.

3) Link to the Guide (.pdf) to facilitating an Open Forum (as well as a link to our Workshop Kit). Archive current Open Forum page for future reference and keep back-end database fields with content but remove all links to the page and do not allow future submissions for open forum proposals. Also remove references to the openforums [at] takingitglobal.org email address (and/or redirect) – and delete link to the word document of the Open Forum Partner application form (that people have been completing and sending via email).

4) Link to Guide and delete/remove the rest.

My sense is that the best option is Option 3. My only concern is that the original aim and purpose of Open Forums was to have an easy way for active members who want to get more involved with TIG – be able to lead and run a ‘TIG’ event that was aligned with our global campaigns/monthly themes and relevant to local issues. The benefit to the system that we designed as it is now – is that it is trackable. The disadvantage is that we don’t have anyone focused on oversight and there are usability issues. If we decide to shut down/archive or go as far as deleting what we have – we should rethink what a better manifestation of these ideas may be. Perhaps our entire community connector initiative is the best evolution of these ideas that were launched in 2004 – and the solution is to better track and manage the events that our community connectors run?

Been reworking the sub-nav for what used to be our 'Understand Issues' section that is now 'Global Issues' and linking directly to the issues.

Changes made:

Issues - the prominent focus with the sub-nav showing the issues, linking to issue pages

Educational Games - moved to the 'Youth Media' section (will also have a spotlight on TIGed and specific issue pages will link to relevant issue based games)

Featured Themes - will be linked to from the sub-issues with a spotlight (rotating) on the landing page of 'Global Issues'

International Days - we were originally thinking of moving this to 'Resources' however we don't want to have too many links in the nav so we found a better solution which is to link upcoming international days from the 'Global Issues' landing page!

Based on all the usability inputs, an updated version of the homepage has been in the works! Our multilingual team has started to focus on updating translations to the page.

We have also completed designs for each of the site section landing pages that are being built - and a range of modifications to our 'For Organizations' landing page have been finalized.

Other upcoming priorities include merging the databases & design for our Financial & Professional Opportunities sections - that are currently separate and will become a single 'Opportunities' section.

We also need to move the 'Open Forums' section to become a sub-section of Events, and need to redesign the country pages.

Over the month of October, our Education Program Manager - Katherine Walraven - has been conducting interviews with educators who have been making use of our TIGed platform. Based on insights from her discussions with teachers, we had internal brainstorm sessions and have developed a new homepage for TIGed (which is also the 'For Educators' page linked to from the header).

We shared this design with the teachers who were consulted earlier and have had a very positive response!! Next steps include a redesign for the sub-sections along with creating more custom design templates for the virtual classrooms (and of course updating content).

Here is the V6 mockup. You will notice that it is brighter - with colours closer to the rest of the TIG site (as part of our aim of making the experience more seamless). We have created a much simpler navigation that will remain on all the pages of the site and are redesigning the landing pages for each of those sections to include content that may currently have its own 'link' from the TIGed homepage (i.e. thematic classrooms and activities database will be in resources section and the discussion forums/TIGed blog/collaboration tools in the community section'. We hope that the little icons in the new nav will simplify and clarify options for educators - along with the three boxes that each have a one phrase description that helps to explain what TIGed has to offer. In order to have some dynamic content on the page, we will feature an educator and an activity below in the bottom component.



Here is the V5 - current version:

EXISTING TIG members on Current Version of TIG Site

1.Join TIG catches the users eyes
Bullet points very readable
Box could be smaller

2. Introduction is very useful, but there is a lot of text

3. Eye catching Icons aid in navigation

Like the tabs, but they should stay until you click on something else

NEW USERS on Current Version of TIG Site

1. Users liked the Welcome box that let them know what TIG is about.
a) suggested it should be centered or more prominent, especially for new users

2. Home is normally on the top left of a website.

3. Navigation bar
a) Feels familiar
b) The colour gray looks “corporate” and not “youthful”
c) It is not immediately obvious what can be done on the website.

4. It’s a very tall web site. Objects at the bottom will not be noticed.

General comments:
‐
Some felt it was a resource/information based site, others felt it was a social networking site.


EXISTING TIG members on V6 (New Version)

1.Users first noticed the spotlight and mentioned they could not click the image to investigate further

2. Map is very interesting/attractive to users.

3. Video did not explain what TIG was.
a) Videos need captions or titles describing them.

4. Liked the “I want to” box.

5. Liked the navigation, colours were a hit.

6. Liked the old login box size much better, but getting rid of the faces was good.

a) Some though the new log in box wastes a lot of space

7. Remove home from breadcrumbs on homepage (multiple links to home, but we’re already on home)

8. For educators/for organizations confused one user.

9. Liked the expandable Issues list.

10. One user did not like member stories

11.Search is more visible/noticeable

General comments:
‐
One user said the colours seem “juvenile”, another found colour coded tabs odd
‐
Layout is less busy, new site is easier to explore
‐
One user liked the colour coding and logo.
‐
Definitely likes the new site
‐
Complained about no mention of which users were online
‐
No information about TIG. (similar to welcome on the old site)
‐
Missing a box that describes TIG

NEW USERS on V6 (New Version)

1. Users were confused by not being able to click on image or text
a) Picture, text and “check it out” seem like separate objects
b) Banner was the first thing most users saw/noticed/found the most interesting.
c) Users felt that the banners played a large role in defining the site’s purpose or goal

2. Map is very interesting/attractive to users.
a) Not clear why some users are on the map and others not?

3. Video is nice but videos did not explain what TIG was.
a) Videos need captions or titles describing them.

4. Go button is not necessary.

5. Multiple navigation bars and options were confusing/disorienting to some users.
a) Titles, subjects and categories are not very clear

6. “Join TIG” is much less prevalent on new site. No incentives given to become a member.

General comments:
‐
Pretty
‐
Like the tag cloud
‐
Seems clean, more logical structure
‐
Much less emphasis on the social networking aspect of TIG
‐
User mentioned they were unsure of the site’s goal, to educate visitors or to inspire action. There is still too many actions/options and it is unclear what people are supposed to use the website for.
‐
If the possible actions were briefly listed another user mentioned that might encourage others to login/register
‐
Seems international because of map and member profiles
‐
No mention of mission statement
‐
A user suggested main page be simple with only a few actions listed. Following pages can be as complex as wanted/needed.
‐
Users mentioned that there seems to be no need to log in at all.

Users like the tag cloud
a) Some found it unfamiliar or unsure of its context
b) Ie: Does Africa link to a search for Africa, African members, a page on Africa, etc…


NEXT STEPS - changes to make based on feedback:

Login Box: got ride of 'educators' and 'orgs' buttons - 'not a member? join!' bigger font, and will add a 'remember me' checkbox to keep people logged in

-get rid of 'Home' tab and keep breadcrumbs (to avoid redundancy)

-get rid of 'learn about takingitglobal' - new header for videos? 'TIG videos'?

-add an obvious one sentence explanation of TIG with link to learn more in About us

-get rid of 'Featured Member Map' replace with 'Member Map' then below: Check out some of our most active members!: and then icon to switch from active members to online members

-I want to: (select) changed to (select action)

- do something with the spotlight image and text to make them look more connected

-spotlight image will link to main link provided in spotlight admin, with ability to add additional link buttons

-spotlight text title will be able to be coloured to match spotlight image

-members adding each other as friends will no longer show up in the feed

-'Tags' to 'Popular Tags:'

-a default 'Join TIG spotlight' that explains benefits of joining? Or is the welcome video enough?

-explore TIG button (to be added later) potentially will help guide users through the different actions they can take on TIG

The process of revamping our homepage is a catalyst for various new developments and rennovations of existing site sections.

A driving concept for the new homepage design is to change the landing pages for each site section to show more than 'site map' descriptions and information.

Here is a mockup of the future Action Tools section (note: the image of the map would display dots for actions based on the location of the person taking the action)::



Here is the current V5 landing page for our Take Action section (will be renamed to Action Tools). Notice that there is no dynamic content - it is essentially a listing and description of site sections:



This is a mockup of the future regional page for Africa (regional pages do not currently exist) - we are all excited about the development of regional pages as this is something we have talked about and has been requested by members and volunteers for several years now! The regional pages will have a gradient flash map with countries shaded based on the number of TIG members in the country. When you roll over the country on the map, information will appear and a link will be available for further background.



Another new page we are creating is a special link 'For Organizations'. This page will provide information on how organizations can benefit from TakingITGlobal with direct links. We hope this will help to increase the number of organizations that post resources and opportunities as well as encourage more groups to join the Global Youth Action Network. Here's the mockup:



Another exciting new development will be the redesign of our Global Gallery!

Here is the V6 Mockup:




You can compare the above design of the Global Gallery with the current V5 design (below). Note: the current design has static images and does not display member created artwork - which is the driving motivation behind the redesign (to have a more dynamic and engaging entry point):

We have revisited the discussion on the TIG navigation.

Option A - Maintain Current (nav based on purpose)

Advantage: having more active descriptions ('Take Action') gives people context on purpose of TIG & section, consistency with how the site has been structured (avoiding confusion for existing members), connection with icons

Disadvantage: risk of resisting change that could be to our benefit

1) "Make Connections"
Discussion Boards
e-Cards
Groups
Member Search
Member Stories
Newsletters
Promote TIG

2) "Take Action"
Guide to Action
Commitments
Open Forums
Petitions
Projects
Voice/Policy
Workshop Kit

3) "Browse Resources"
Organizations
Events
Financial Opportunities
Professional Opportunities
Toolkits & Publications
Best Practices

4) "Express Yourself"
Global Gallery
Podcasts
Panorama (writing)
TIG Magazine

5) "Understand Issues"
International Days
Educational Games
Featured Themes
Issues

6) "Explore the World"
Country Sites
Aboriginal Canada


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OPTION B - Simplify the Nav to Focus on Function

Advantage: shorter nav descriptions may make it clearer for users (especially those new to TIG), it is also more consistent with other types of navigation descriptions on the web

Disadvantage: possibly oversimplistic descriptions may weaken the uniqueness of TIG site experience also - the sub-sections are not always so clear (i.e. blogs are 'media' as well as a tool)

1) "COMMUNITY"
Discussion Boards
Member Stories
Member Search
Newsletters
e-cards

2) "ACTION TOOLS"
Groups
Projects
Petitions
Commit
Guide to Action

3) "RESOURCES"
Events
Opportunities
Organizations
Toolkits & Publications
International Days

4) "YOUTH MEDIA"
Blogs
Games
Global Gallery
Podcasts
Panorama
TIG Magazine

5) "GLOBAL ISSUES"
Arts
Culture
Environment
Health
Human Rights
Education
Peace
Technology
Work

6) "REGIONS"
Africa
Asia
Europe
Latin America and Caribbean
Oceania
North America
Middle East


This current version of option B is actually the 5th version based on a round of internal discussions. We have decided to proceed with piloting this version.

The other debate we have been having for a while is the URL of TIG. We unfortunately have not been able to retain the rights to www.tig.org (after 8 years of attempts), so we have created a new URL that will serve as an alternate to takingitglobal.org and be easier for multilingual versions of TIG - it is tigweb.org.

After reflecting on the various designs proposed - with so many unique creative inputs, put together a concept of how we wanted the homepage designed based on mixing and matching our faviourite aspects of the various concepts. The process literally involved printing out each of the designs and cutting/pasting various parts together to share with our design team!!

Here's what they then came up with (after a series of feedback sessions):



we are now working on preparing this for an alpha launch! Once it's live, we will have usability studies to understand areas that work well along with what can be improved upon.


this is a screenshot of our current V5 homepage (so you can compare):