Definitely looking better. Thanks for valuing the feedback and responding in detail! I would consider it nearly back to the old system now in terms of presentation, but with all the added content.
The school name/location is alongside the mascot now. That tightens up the empty space nicely.
The darker gradient of the right side collapsible menus is much easier to read. One thing I meant to mention previously that might help visually is to move those up higher, alongside the school info and records sections. That way, the page is better balanced side to side. With the menus collapsed, it shouldn't interfere much with the placement of ads. (If there are site supporter features up there that I'm not seeing, then disregard.)
Removing the bolding of dates on calendar entries with results makes it much easier to read. I see what you mean about the dual purpose highlighting necessity. I missed that previously... The new system is down to a single link to results, instead of one for all results and one for just the school. One possible way to address that is a narrow column between the date and meet title, using a small icon, to signify the lesser used (probably just that team's results, so maybe a '-' or something) of the two link methods.
The previous years results looks less blocky now, although a different color link font (currently blue on blue) would help.
Joshua Bowdoin:As far as adding Custom Lists to the header - it's an idea we'll have to consider. It isn't a defined number of lists, though (a school can be part of any number of custom lists).
Good point.
Joshua Bowdoin:Somewhat feel that switching between schools and sports is a more advanced feature (not required for initial use of site). In addition, it's current location is a constant. Thoughts? (We aren't completely happy with it's location, either, just trying to reduce amount in left column).
Maybe next to the school mascot, right below school location? I consider the XC/TF links a more primary means of navigation than many of the other features, and with the main school info seems fitting.
Dan
Dan Kaplan: clip... Joshua Bowdoin:The old layout required parents and fans to navigate away from the team page to find meet info. On the other hand, it requires just as many clicks as before to get to info like meet location, plus the additional time of having to scan the collapsible menu for which link takes you to the most commonly desired page -- the meet results themselves. Perhaps that will get better in time as people become accustomed to the new navigation, but it seems to slow down the primary aspect of the interface right now. I do see the added value, though. clip...
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Joshua Bowdoin:The old layout required parents and fans to navigate away from the team page to find meet info.
On the other hand, it requires just as many clicks as before to get to info like meet location, plus the additional time of having to scan the collapsible menu for which link takes you to the most commonly desired page -- the meet results themselves. Perhaps that will get better in time as people become accustomed to the new navigation, but it seems to slow down the primary aspect of the interface right now. I do see the added value, though.
I like the new look and feel, but to me, this is the biggest problem - it's harder to see results than it was before. This seems like THE key feature of the site and one that a vast majority of people use it for. I understand that you're trying to bring things together so that one team meet calendar can serve as the calendar for uploading, editing, and viewing results - but this is at the expense the primary feature. Perhaps a column to the right of each meet that would take you directly to the results could be considered?
Dan Kaplan:One possible way to address that is a narrow column between the date and meet title, using a small icon, to signify the lesser used (probably just that team's results, so maybe a '-' or something) of the two link methods.
Alternatively, use a +/- column to expand or collapse the meet details, saving the meet title to be a direct link to the results like before. That should be pretty intuitive, especially after it's been used once or twice. Something would need to still be resolved for the School/All results link(s), but the direct link to results would address the major issue.
Bill and Dan - we realized that you were right - we were sacrificing a key aspect of the site. We've added a Result link to the left of the meet title.
Another change that will go live later today will be to move the coach tools to the bottom of the box that expands under a meet. I'm hoping this will make it less of a jumble at the top of the box.
Joshua Bowdoin:We've added a Result link to the left of the meet title.
I noticed that change yesterday. Much better!
Joshua Bowdoin:move the coach tools to the bottom of the box that expands under a meet.
Nice. That was another item on my mental to-ask list...
Is there any way to remove the duplicity of the "Meet Info" and "___ Results" links in the expandable boxes? Most people probably know by now that they point to the same thing, but the occasional person might be lost without both titles... Maybe something like "Meet Info / ___ Results"? (I know, very creative of me!)