Forum Theme Evolution. NET Sept. 27, 2019

[Robotbeat]

The old desktop mode with a large minimum width is gone, and not likely to return.

So we’re forced into mobile mode. How nice.

[George CA]

The old desktop mode with a large minimum width is gone, and not likely to return.

So we’re forced into mobile mode. How nice.

No people are NOT forced into a mobile mode, as people keep telling you and you should have worked out as you're the only person complaining. Consider not using a wacky browser/system combination, as your screenshots showed you are using.

[dglow]

The old desktop mode with a large minimum width is gone, and not likely to return.

So we’re forced into mobile mode. How nice.

But we aren't. The layout works the same on mobile and desktop browsers, in a responsive manner. There's a simple solution for scrunched columns: turn your phone on its side.


I agree that in the narrow (portrait phone screen) case, intra-table text layout could be dramatically simplified and optimized.

Do we really need the replies/view column when space is tight? Do the page number breadcrumbs really have to take up two lines of text, or should they even be there at all? How important it is to list the thread originator when space is constrained; could it be combined into the 'last post' column?

And repeating many others: why is the orange "NEW" button so #($%*& tiny??

Chris, has anyone considered this table layout from a clean-sheet design standpoint, and would anyone be open to that?

[harrystranger]

I know the dark mode is still an early version and I'm really liking it!

Just a quick note, if you click to see all who have liked a post it half switches to light mode again.

Otherwise great, thanks! 

edit to add- The drop down menus in profile, messages, etc need more contrast to see the options

[GWH]

Oh good I can turn mobile off and go back to full site.

Its awkward but the mobile version doesn't work for me at all.

I've mentioned it previously,  but it is still the case with mobile where if I am typing a long message the text field scrolls to the top with every letter I type, so I am essentially typing blind.

[Robotbeat]

The old desktop mode with a large minimum width is gone, and not likely to return.

So we’re forced into mobile mode. How nice.

But we aren't.

actually, we ARE. The old version wouldn’t force you into “enjoying” a mobilified version of the website. I hate the “smart” reflow of everything into a mobile version. There’s no way to zoom out to get easy full context like there used to be; it’s like sucking a milkshake through a straw.

There's a simple solution for scrunched columns: turn your phone on its side.

That’s NOT a solution. It makes it worse! Also, even if it did solve the problem (it doesn’t), it wouldn’t work if you’re reading the page while lying on your side. This is user-hostile design to force a mobilified, reflowed version on those using small screens when the previous version was great.

I agree that in the narrow (portrait phone screen) case, intra-table text layout could be dramatically simplified and optimized.

....

No. no more “smart” reflow! I want the same layout on desktop and small screen, not reflowed even more. This is literally the opposite of what I’m asking for.

[Robotbeat]

Still so frustrating to use this site on my phone now that it’s grating every time I visit. Site usability was better even on my frakking Blackberry...

[dglow]

This is user-hostile design to force a mobilified, reflowed version on those using small screens when the previous version was great.
....
No. no more “smart” reflow! I want the same layout on desktop and small screen, not reflowed even more. This is literally the opposite of what I’m asking for.

I do believe responsive designs can be superior when done properly, but nobody needs to change your mind on this. I think I get it. The fixed desktop design, when browsed on mobile, offered an experience which arguably felt more logically (or at least spatially) consistent. I certainly formed strategies around – and built up muscle-memory for – using what was, in all honesty, a more fidgety experience. But hey, sometimes fidgeting feels good.

There's a simple solution for scrunched columns: turn your phone on its side.

That’s NOT a solution. It makes it worse! Also, even if it did solve the problem (it doesn’t), it wouldn’t work if you’re reading the page while lying on your side.

Well, I don't think the old design is coming back. So, a friendly tip: look for the 'orientation lock' setting on your phone. It's usually readily accessible and easy to toggle. A lifesaver for reading in bed, or whenever reclining.

Cheers

[saundby]

So what's going on when I come here on my Mac? Why does it look like a giant cellphone screen? This is a laptop, not an iDevice. I get a better view when I tell my Android tablet to use desktop mode.

That's not an option here with my desktop browser.

And I wanted to see the links to current forum topics, which don't display on this.

[jebbo]

Now that images pop-out into a separate tab, is there a way of linking to a (non-L2) post that will show an image preview on platforms like Facebook, but still clicks-through to the forums?

--- Tony

[Chris Bergin]

Note, this thread is about the forum, but for now....

So what's going on when I come here on my Mac? Why does it look like a giant cellphone screen? This is a laptop, not an iDevice. I get a better view when I tell my Android tablet to use desktop mode.

That's not an option here with my desktop browser.

And I wanted to see the links to current forum topics, which don't display on this.

Someone will know. Looks like your browser is telling the NSF news site "Hi, NSF, mobile device here!" Someone will know how to sort it out.

[Chris Bergin]

Now that images pop-out into a separate tab, is there a way of linking to a (non-L2) post that will show an image preview on platforms like Facebook, but still clicks-through to the forums?

--- Tony

Heh, I wish (or hope someone knows a way) there was, but I don't know it. Hotlinking makes me cry Honestly, I'd be far more happier if people reuploaded an image and included a link to the post's URL (like https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=49109.msg2012505#msg2012505) if they had a burning desire to show a photo on another site. Best would be just the URL, but per the question. After all, if we see 100s/1000s hitting a hotlinked image, we'll just reupload it and that hotlink will send everyone on the other site clicking it to a "not found" page on the forum, so hotlinking isn't the way to go.

[jebbo]

Heh, I wish (or hope someone knows a way) there was, but I don't know it. Hotlinking makes me cry

Yes, that's what I want to avoid ... hopefully someone can devise a way

Honestly, I'd be far more happier if people reuploaded an image and included a link to the post's URL (like https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=49109.msg2012505#msg2012505) if they had a burning desire to show a photo on another site.

I've got quite a few interested friends who keep trying to entice and it is much easier with an image, though usually I try with just text. Personally, I dislike save & repost as it feels quite wrong somehow.

--- Tony

[Chris Bergin]

We have a genius person with the coding in NSF Towers, so once we get all the cowbell installed, we'll see if there's a way.

[Ionmars]

First, a shoutout to Chris and Team who keep NSF in such great shape! (When do you all sleep?)

Secomd, I still don’t have the “new thread” function. These are the functions I have on this page:
REPLY
ADD POLL
UNNOTIFY
MARK UNREAD
SEND THIS TOPIC
PRINT

Thanks, Roy Paul (Ionmars)

[gongora]

I still don’t have the “new thread” function. These are the functions I have on this page:

The "New Topic" button shows up when you're seeing a list of threads in a forum section.  It doesn't show up when you're in a thread.

[Ionmars]

I still don’t have the “new thread” function. These are the functions I have on this page:

The "New Topic" button shows up when you're seeing a list of threads in a forum section.  It doesn't show up when you're in a thread.

Yup, shouldda remembered that.

[ehb]

I am liking the early version of "dark theme" and have one request.

Can you keep the text light? The dark text on a dark background is difficult to read
and a also a bit jarring when reading.

[ehb]

I am liking the early version of "dark theme" and have one request.

Can you keep the text light? The dark text on a dark background is difficult to read
and a also a bit jarring when reading.

Not sure why the quotes in pictured L2 thread switch to a very light background which I find even more "jarring".

My preference would be for dark mode to always have dark backgrounds with light text.

[Ken the Bin]

Well, as long as we're discussing dark mode in this thread ... in a post preview URLs are white on white, making them invisible.

IMO the preview color scheme should match the reading color scheme.