http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/545033
- 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]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:19:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/545033 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/542105

]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:03:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/542105 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/542099
dare to compare....

V6 mockup



V5 current version of Country Page

]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:31:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/542099 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/542095
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?
]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:13:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/542095 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/543685
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!
]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:38:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/543685 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/541625
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:

]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:32:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/541625 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/532331
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
]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:23:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/532331 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/513573
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):

]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:29:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/513573 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/513571
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. ]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:16:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/513571 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493411
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):


]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:08:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493411 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493281

Join TIG
-permanent eye-catching 'join TIG' (when not logged in)
Login
-has separate logins/signups for organizations and educators (takes organizations, educators to pages relevant to them)
I want to:
-easy drop down lets you go straight to posting your own content/ also gives new members an idea of all of the different things they can do [* doesn't have to be "I want to"] – examples: I want to post a blog, send an e-card, submit an article to Panorama, etc.
Browse Bar – [on left] [example from http://www.connect2earth.org/index.cfm]
-sections drop down and minimize
-clicking on an 'issue' takes you to the corresponding understanding the issues page, ex: http://issues.takingitglobal.org/culture
-what's hot can contain whatever we want – could browse content by popularity, # of views, could also be a 'staff picks' section where we recommend content to users
-languages will show all 12 languages, clicking will let you surf site in that language
Map
-icons at the bottom (not pictured) could allow you to switch btw content displaying on map, ex. One map will show active org profiles, one will show member stories, one could show upcoming events. Map will default to showing member stories, with one story already 'open' on map with a preview of the content, then you can click on the opened story to be taken to the full page, possible ways of displaying members on the map discussed were showing the latest 10 members to sign in as separate points on the map, as well as providing numbers such as: total number of member's online, and total membership.
-note: move members online list (on current homepage) to member search page
Member Content
-divided between the Make Connections, Take Action and Browse Resources section so that members can compare content at a glance, can also see the diversity of what the site has to offer
-will show three items for each section at a time, view more will take you to that site section homepage
–potentially content displayed is rotating between 10 popular/highly rated items from that section from a certain period of time
Spotlight Partner Spotlight
-big
-flash and video potential
-can browse through all active spotlights (numbers at bottom)
-spotlights automatically rotate every few seconds
Video
-permanent spot for video, initially would be welcome video with space to link to other videos as we add them
-link to About Us Section, 'Check out the latest at TIG' would link to our staff TIG blog


In response to this spec, here are links to the designs that we received!

http://nmadesign.com/index2.html
http://www.sharka.info/tig/TIG1.png
http://www.sharka.info/tig/TIG2.png
http://www.jpdesigns.ca/tig_ver1/
http://www.jpdesigns.ca/tig_ver2/
http://www.delamerced.com/tig/redesign/home.jpg
http://nmadesign.com/images/tig_mockup_2.jpg
http://www.delamerced.com/tig/redesign/TIG1.jpg



]]> Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:13:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493281 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493261
Guiding questions and factors to consider:

1. Visual Representation of Online Community
How can we provide a 'pulse' and sense that a lot is happening?
How do we illustrate members who are online/active?
What member content can we show?
How do we highlight dynamic and accessible content?

2. Guiding Members to Participate

What can we offer as clear pathways to action?
How can we direct people to what they might be interested in? (issues? tools? language? stakeholders?: educators/youth/organizations)
How can we balance cool and new for existing members with easy and broad for new people?
How do we appeal to different learning styles of our key audiences?
Should we have a site tour and if so, how would it work?
Should we have a welcome 'video' and if so, what would it include?

3. Member Stories and Content

How do we tell stories of our members and our impact? What guidelines or frameworks should we consider?
How do we prioritize the content that we feature in a meaningful way?
How can we best motivate and invite participation?

4. Spotlights
How many spotlights?
Would the sizes change?

3. Headers and Tabs
Is there a simple solution to the drop-down menu issue? (where links are often not clickable for some browsers)
In what ways can our header be improved? (i.e. add a 'for organizations' link, Where are tags? Need to revamp 'what's hot?')
]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:47:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493261 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493227
After about a year since our last frontpage redesign meeting, we decided to come together again and revisit our hopes and aims for a new and improved homepage:

Here are the outcomes of our first 2008 meeting

Question: What are three things you like and three things you don't like about the homepage?

Results after prioritizing inputs from staff:

Strengths

1. Visual Representation of Online Community
Members online counter
Member content
Feeling the "pulse" of the community
current information
sense of a lot happening

2. Spotlights

3. Headers and Tabs
Tabs - My TIG, My TIGed, Country
Quick links to sub sections of website
Understand what we offer by the headings of the toolbar ("Make Connections" etc.)

Weaknesses:

1. Barriers to Member Participation
No obvious next step/no guidance
Beginners miss navigation and don't get a sense of full list of features/bad navigation
Multilingual drop-down hard to see
The various issues/projects we have are buried (ex. Climate Change, CLC)

2. Cluttered
Crowded/overwhelming
Information not prioritized
Site Tool Modules/Welcome Message are not useful

3. Member content needs to be highlighted
Member content needs to be priority
No storytelling/sense of impact of TIG on membership
Not meaningfully prioritized (only by current/popular)
]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:35:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493227 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/497297 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:36:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/497297 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493225 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:31:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493225 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493235
To attract new ( established) users our homepage will: ensure people understand TIG by providing pathways to action, and highlighting dynamic, accessible (re: to all stakeholders) content that shows the impact of TIG.

we went through an internal voting process to determine how we see our homepage priorities:

Our priorities:
1. Attract new users – 9 votes, 15 points = 1.66
2. Guide Users – 10 votes, 18 points = 1.8
3. Explain TIG – 13 points, 7 votes = 1.85
4. Show Impact of TIG – 4 votes, 9 points = 2.25
5. Highlight content – 5 votes, 14 points = 2.8
6. Multilingual – 1 vote, 3 points = 3

Our discussions also led to further reflection on our aims:

Explaining TIG:
-we need a concise explanation
-the text on the homepage needs to be reworked
-homepage should also provide a broad understanding
-people learn in different ways (visual/literal learners) + homepage should be appealing to all learning styles
-understanding will come THROUGH showing the impact of TIG
-explaining what TIG is will be part of attracting new/established users to the site

Pathways to Action:
-our tools
-site tour
-"guided sequence of discovery"
-impact = what you can do with the site
-site map – a permanent reference for finding things throughout the site
-consider that 'pathways to action' will be different depending on the type of user, i.e. organizations will consider their 'pathway to action' setting up their organization profile

Highlighting Dynamic Accessible Content
-the terminology that we use needs to be examined – working, phrases, is it appealing to our target audience?
-text/content that encourages people to click, to interact
-homepage that includes example of what you can create/contribute
-should be inviting – making it easy to contribute, not intimidating


Ideas/Issues to keep in mind:

• Multilingual – ensure that our multilingualism is obvious, easy for members to see that site is available in other languages
• Managing expectations – Have to be careful when asking people for advice/solutions for the Homepage, when you ask for advice they expect you to follow it, the survey could potentially solve this problem for some people being consulted
• Best way to grow is to meet the needs of the people you already serve

]]> Sat, 05 May 2007 14:40:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/493235 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/191293
At the moment we are currently prioritizing the vast amount of tasks that need to be addressed and are looking at a summertime window. Navigation has proven to be a thorny issue, but redesigning subnav content is a high priority right now. In the meantime, Yaz is moving the info for this project over to the internal tig staff workspace.]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:37:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/191293 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/166665
To discuss the structure of "see all", please comment on this post: http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/163345

We were able to reach a general consensus considering the subnav content. There were some good suggestions for improvement:

- rewording module titles (e.g. “languages” -> “change my language”)
- more prominence to spotlights, adding issues
- adding second tier of content that would be rated, not latest
- getting rid of breadcrumb nav (Yaz before meeting)

We also agreed that user feedback was sufficient enough that we needed to:

- reduce the current front page clutter
- make the purpose of TIG clearer. Purpose defined as 1) high level functions like “make connections” and 2) specific functions and actions a member can do.

There was only consensus at a high level elsewhere, it reflected our original goals from meeting #1. We agreed that the front page should have two functions:

- A) front page should be strongly branded, reflect the TIG purpose and experience and showcase our strong, active community. In other words, differentiate us from other communities
- B) be easy to use, especially considering the technical limitations of users in developing nations

Unsurprisingly, the nav bar was problematic. I’m trying to paraphrase the main problem; if my summary is incorrect, please comment!:

- the redesign team proposed shifting function A (branding, themes, experience, community) to subnav/site content and were asking for permission to continue in this direction
- Jen Mike felt they could not give permission to move forwards without more proof that this shift would preserve function A, benefit TIG and increase its usability

To make future meetings more productive, I would like to propose the following procedural changes. I have looked at outside sources (e.g. Robert’s Rules) and staff from other organizations in regards to meeting conduct and have found the following principles are used widely. I realize staff members are accustomed to having no rules of conduct during meetings, but having a basic structure DOES foster order and productivity. The better meetings are the ones where I had done more prep work and had a schedule of points to address.

1) State a clear agenda, points of order and a flexible schedule for our meetings. Goals will focus discussion to keep us from veering into tangential points which waste time. In speaking with others in different organizations regarding meeting conduct, I believe this would increase efficiency of our meetings and reduce stress levels for those involved.
2) Appoint a chairperson who is relatively uninvolved and not emotionally attached to any particular outcome. The chair is essentially a panel moderator and conducts the meeting. This also reduces incidents of people speaking out of turn as well as allowing quieter people to have input. In meetings prior to this I have been both chair and "minute taker" which does not work well b/c they are such different tasks. An ideal chair would be someone who has demonstrated good moderating skills, is not directly working on the project and commands respect and trust from staff members.
3) When members need a break, or discussion is devolving into non-constructive arguments, we take one.]]> Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:54:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/166665 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/163345
front page: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/400233137_420a69f7e4_o.jpg
MyTIG: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/400233138_2614292196_o.jpg

Just the first version, will run it through some peer reviews and hopefully come up with something better. The names aren't set in stone.

OK, time to go out for dinner!]]> Fri, 23 Feb 2007 19:56:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/163345 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/162243
Week 9 (Feb 12-16)
- prep meeting #3
- meeting #1.2 (with multilingual team)
- meeting #3

Week 10 (Feb 19-23)
- create wireframes (with Sush)
- redesign welcome/join, member nests
- design MyTIG

Week 11-12 (Feb 26 - Mar 9)
- line up peer critiques (Yaz/Paul)

Week 13 (Mar 12-17)
- meeting with Mike, Jenn, Kate
- stats from Mike

Week 14-15 (Mar 19 - Apr 6)
- improve current mockup

Week 16 - ??
- peer critiques
- usability testing]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/162243 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/162241
- TOOLS tab
- MEDIA tab

- open forums
- voice
- panorama ]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2007 16:59:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/162241 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/162239
- ajax "see all" will keep old nav categories (e.g. make connections) and demoted to the header
- nav will change from drop down menus to the following tabs:

1) TIG (default logout)
spotlights
member stories
member search
explore your world

2) "TOOLS" (name still under discussion)
groups
discussion baords
e-cards
open forums
projects

3) RESOURCES
professional/financial opportunities
events
voice
organization
toolkits publications
issues

4) "MEDIA"
global gallery
panorama
TIGmagazine
podcasts
TIGblogs

5) ABOUT
newsletters
promote TIG

6) MyTIG (not discussed yet)
my countries
my languages
my feeds
my content

7) TIGed]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2007 16:53:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/162239 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/162115
direct:
- scaling down front page content so that the bottom nav with all languages will be immediately visible
- using multiple languages in the spotlight; using a rotating spotlight to directly highlight languages. (remember, we are considering more than one spotlight)
- initial language splash page (like wikipedia.org)
- making it harder to log out (security issues?)
- MyTIG language tab

indirect:
- member nests in multiple languages
- tag cloud in multiple languages

for more background on changes in frontpage content, please see the post for meeting #1: http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/123497]]> Thu, 15 Feb 2007 11:43:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/162115 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/161975
We will be discussing design solutions. Apologies if the date/time is inconvenient. Summary will be posted for those who cannot make it.]]> Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:44:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/161975 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/160941
As I was trying to sleep last night - a strong thought came to mind (not
a new idea - it's actually what was discussed during the last
revamp)...we really need to bring interesting member content to our home
page in a simple way - partially as a way to promote what the site has
to offer and partially as a way to keep people coming back with
interesting content.

I was thinking that it would be ideal to have something different each
day (and the other language sites could put forward interesting content
ideally on a weekly basis). Perhaps we need to have another volunteer
editorial position that involves having someone search for content on
the site - perhaps it relates to the theme, or a current issue, or is
simply really inspiring. It could possibly rotate - for example, on
mondays it's a blog, Tuesday a gallery image, Wednesday a panorama
article, Thursday a discussion board post, Friday a project.... It
could be something that was either recently posted, or really popular
and timely - but the point is that it is something we choose and is not
randomly selected. Ideally, the volunteer or madelaine would also post
a comment on the submission as well - to encourage others to do the
same.
]]> Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:30:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/frontpage/post/160941 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667