Debate.org Version 2.0!
Complete Design Overhaul
DDO got a facelift! We updated the look and feel of the site and all of the small design elements throughout DDO. Our goal was to give DDO a fresh look and improve usability throughout the site. The site width is better suited for standard screen resolutions and allows for more real estate on the page.
All-Encompassing Homepage
The previous homepage focused exclusively on debates. We wanted to surface all of the ways that a user can interact with DDO and allow them to dive right into whatever section was of interest. The homepage now serves as a representation of everything DDO has to offer.
Header Notification Bar
We created a persistent header to surface all of your new notifications and provide one click access to your dashboard. This has replaced the left rail login/account menu module. When logged in:
- Your avatar will display in the header
- You will receive real-time alerts in the header that will let you know when you have new notifications, messages, or action items
- You will be able to preview the notifications/messages in a new pop out, simply by clicking on your avatar
- You can remove notifications directly from the pop out
- One click access to your Account Dashboard, Profile and the ability to Sign Out
Now anywhere you go on the site, you will have easy access to your own personal Debate.org hub.
New Universal Search
We have created a new search on Debate.org. You no longer have to select what section you want to search. We have indexed content from all of the sections and included it into, one, easily filterable search. This includes....wait for it...FORUMS! Searching for content on DDO has never been easier. Give it a shot.
Revamped Account Dashboard
We have made improvements to your Account Dashboard, tweaking some things to make it easier to find some of the actions you would normally like to take. We have added action buttons at the top of the dashboard as well as added two new modules, one allowing you to control your connection with Facebook and the other that will surface updates from your favorite forum posts.
Other Super Awesome Things...
- Opinion Notification Controls - We have added a new tab in your account settings allowing you to control the notifications you receive from within the Opinions section.
- Voting Privilege & Identity Confirmation - We have attempted to streamline the identity confirmation process for members who wish to gain voting privileges on the site. There is now a new tab within your settings that provides you with the steps to confirm your identity and your current voting privilege status. In the backend, we have also made some improvements to our cell phone verification service.
- BIG Issue Page Updates - The BIG Issue pages got a little love in this release. We added a module that pulls in related opinion topics to the issue. Most importantly, if you are logged in, you can now choose your stance and leave your stance explanation directly on the BIG Issue page itself.
- Update FAQs & Help Articles - We have expanded the FAQs to provide guidance on all of the different site features. In addition, we added a few new help articles to provide members with some quick access resources.
- The list of updates could go on and on. A few other notable mentions, related content modules within debates and opinions, new sign up flow, and a variety of bug fixes.