Re: [libreoffice-website] Improving download page

On Sat, 2012-02-11 at 10:44 +0100, Cor Nouws wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Recently we discussed the need to improve the download page (on the 
> marketing list).
> Christoph was so kind to help us to find again the existing wiki page on 
> the subject with the mockups, Download page whiteboard page:
>   http://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Design/Whiteboards/Download_Page
>
> Without doubt, this is the best we have at this stage. However, with 
> discussions from the last months in mind, I've been thinking and looking 
> a while about some possible improvements: How to offer our latest 
> greatest as much as possible, though in a responsible way, and soon?
>
>
> The idea:
> --------
> So:
>   a. how to show the default / other download
>   b. when do we switch the development lines 'default' <> 'other'
>
> AD a
>    - The intention is to get people download the latest as soon as 
> reasonable safe.
>    - Condition: the version can be installed by all, without trouble, 
> and no problems in basic use
>    - How: Start with labelling 3.5.x asap as default, possibly already 
> the 3.5.0, + a clear link nearby, explaining the availability of the 
> 'more conservative release'.
>    - Rationale: that should be enough for people with some understanding 
> about software. And the people that do not understand it, probably make 
> use of so little features, that there is no problem for them that the 
> 3.5.0/1 has some more glitches :-)
>
> AD b
>    - Basically is answered with a.: the version can be installed by all, 
> without trouble and we show a clear link leading to information.

I would strongly argue in the reverse.

They likely use less of the application and therefore:
- are least likely to benefit from the new features
- least likely to appreciate the value of new features they find
- least able to deal with any stability issues found
-- unable to quickly recognize workarounds on their own
-- least capable of giving quality feedback in the form of entering
issues into the bug tracking system
-- most likely to abandon the application out of frustation

The more capable users are the ones likely to exercise more aspects of
the application and therefore:
-- recognize the new features, enhancements
-- best able to work around any stability issues in early version
releases
-- most likely to give useful feedback via the bug tracker

In other words I feel that it is the casual user that should be directed
to the trailing release 3.4.5 at this time, and the exception (for lack
of a better term) treatment to direct our experienced users to the
latest feature release 3.5.0.

IMO this offers the best experience for both the end users and the
efforts of the foundation as it avoids frustrating those least able to
deal with the leading edge, and maximizes the likelihood of getting
timely, useful and quality feedback into the QA/developer loop.

Thanks,

//drew

> Result:
> -------
> I think we must distinct between three situations/phases
>   1. 3.5.x must be promoted but with care
>      (might be 3.5.0, maybe 3.5.1 or might even be skipped)
>
>   2. 3.5.x considered good enough
>      for non-expert installation and use
>      (might be 3.5.0, maybe 3.5.1)
>
>   3. 3.5.x is simply default
>      (for probably 3.5.1 or 3.5.2 and up)
>
>
> I've done three simple, rough mockups and added them to the wiki
> https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Design/Whiteboards/Download_Page#Mockups_2012
>
> Compared to the previous mockups (1), I suggest to skip the explaining 
> texts. Those are always debatable, and we link to a page (popup?) with 
> some more words for understandable explanation.
>
> The ideas for download buttons, offering help packs  (windows/Linux) and 
> Language packs/OS (Linux) as suggested in the previous mockups are OK, 
> must haves.
>
> Also links for/to 'we've guessed wrong', 'handy resources' should be 
> there too.
>
>
> Can this be done?
> -----------------
> So ... I hope this is technically possible.
> Of course this makes it necessary that we discuss about the status of 
> (earlier) releases in order to get the download page in proper shape. 
> But we have those discussions anyway ;-)
>
>
> Cheers,
> Cor
>
> 1) Linked from the wiki
>   - windows default example:
> http://wiki.documentfoundation.org/images/7/7c/2011-07-01_DownloadPage_Default_Windows_Collapsed.png
>   - Linux download page example
> http://wiki.documentfoundation.org/File:2011-07-01_DownloadPage_Features_Linux_Expanded.png
>
> -- 
>   - Cor
>   - http://nl.libreoffice.org



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