New Articles Section Design

Due to the increasing popularity of this site and to support better definition of content types, it is time for an updated design. The new design (by elastikpixel.com) will differentiate more between content types (articles, news, download, etc.) and current sections like JavaScript and CSS will be sub-sections of articles, tutorials. etc. The new design also will better integrate the forums. I could go on and on, but it would be better to read the article. This intro is already long enough! And there is a ton more to say about the new design and content types.

Site Architecture

Using an information architecture approach, the new site design is built on a new architecture based on content types:

• DHTMLdev.com - home page and news
• Articles - all existing and future articles
• Tutorials - a new content type that will include excercises and quizzes
• Forums - the existing user forums with a new look, same funtionality
• Downloads - anything to be downloaded will be here (currently spread around the site

DHTMLdev.com Section

The DHTMLdev.com section will be the home page and the news section. They will not use exactly the same template, but it will be the same style. Each section will have it's own type of layout/style and the home page and news pages will be consider one section in those terms.

Articles Section

The articles will remain very similar to what they currently are, except that addtional page content (ads, announcements, etc.) will be better integrated so the page will be less busy, which is distracting when trying to read an article. So the articles will be more enjoyable. I have not received any negative feedback about the current design, but I think it could be better.

Tutorials Section: Tutorials on Steriods

I am most excited about the new tutorials section. Currently, articles and tutorials are lumped together. And the tutorials are not as robust as I would like. I want to add excercises and quizzes to the tutorials, to make them a better learning experience. Plus, everything will be done using DHTML, since this site focuses on DHTML.

Forums Integration

The forums will be better integrated in two ways. First, the design will be part of the actual site design. Right now, it's similar but not fully inline with the rest of the site design. Second, other pages, such as the home page and section pages, will feature relevant forums postings. For example, new posts related to JavaScript might appear on a JavaScript page. All the details need to be worked but that's the basic idea. Also, people will be again to see the newest posts on the home page, where they can also login in or register.

Downloads

Right now, the downloads section is rather lacking. It needs to be beefed up. Downloads are scattered around the site. And so people don't know everything that is out there. Also, I have more downloads to offer that are not currently up.

Stay Tuned!

The plan is not finalized on when and what will get rolled out in which order. But a lot of the new look will of course be implemented first. I will be making frequent announcements. If you want to give any feedback or make requests, there is still time to post feedback and requests for the new design.