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[H-source-users] Making database easier for visitors to search
From: |
Ciarán O'Riordan |
Subject: |
[H-source-users] Making database easier for visitors to search |
Date: |
Tue, 01 Oct 2013 20:03:02 +0100 |
User-agent: |
Gnus/5.13 (Gnus v5.13) Emacs/23.3 (gnu/linux) |
Hi all,
I sent a mail to the info@ address, but some people here might also have
ideas for improving the site interface.
I recently used the site for the first time and I think it could be much
easier and faster. I'm assuming that people come to h-node to check if a
piece of hardware works with free software or not.
They have a model number and they want to search: so there should be a big
search box right there on the home page.
The "category" drop down box should be noted as optional. A lot of the
time, it's not really necessary.
For example, if I want info on the HP printer, model p1102, I should be able
to type just "p1102" into the search box on the front page. If there's a
video card and a motherboard that also have that model number, then I'll see
three results:
* p1102 - printer - HP LaserJET - DOESNT WORK WITH FREE SOFTWARE
* p1102 - video card - NVtech - Works with free software
* p1102 - motherboard - BlaCOM - Works with free software
So, starting at h-node.org, getting the crucial info (it works or it
doesn't) should only require typing the model number and hitting return.
Then if I want more details, I can click on the printer and see that
device's page.
So my three main suggestions are:
1. A search box on the home page
2. The search results page should say if the device works/not/partially
3. Top of device page should have a big red warning if it doesn't work:
"DOESNT WORK WITH FREE SOFTWARE - DO NOT BUY!"
What do others think? Any other suggestions for making it easier for
visitors to find the info they want?
--
Ciarán O'Riordan
+32 (0) 485 118 029
http://ciaran.compsoc.com/
http://EndSoftwarePatents.org/ - http://en.swpat.org/
- [H-source-users] Making database easier for visitors to search,
Ciarán O'Riordan <=