Upcoming Site Re-design: I need your thoughts on this.

[ClarkP]

Hello all!

The inevitable is happening:  We are being forced to migrate DK to an updated website platform.  There is not a firm date yet, but it sounds like we will have to be updated within the next 6-8 months

This upgrade is both good and bad.  I wanted to give you a heads up and get your opinions on a few things.

First the GOOD:

• DK will remain wild and free for everyone.  :-)
• All our content from the beginning of time will be available on the new site.
• The new site will have a more contemporary, clean look to all features
• The site will look pretty similar... same logo, colors, etc.
• Improved functionality on many features that we use daily:  forum, groups, blogs, photos, etc.
• The new site will be faster.  This current one is a slowpoke (84% of sites load faster).
• It will work much better for tablets and mobile devices.

Now the BAD:

• We think we might lose functionality that we like
  - points that determine Hopeless Doodle Addicts might not be possible (this is a BIG problem... and we are working on it.  We want this as much as anyone.)
  - music player will not be included (but embedded music will be available)
  - no native video upload:  Videos will all be embedded from YouTube / Vimeo / wherever.
• I'm sure there will be bugs and glitches when we "flip the switch" to start using the new design.
• There will be a learning curve as we all get used to the new layout and how it works.
• It will force us to invest substantial money in the design/upgrade

Here is an example of a different site that has just been upgraded to the new platform.  [Edited to add:] This example site looks completely different than ours will.  It has different navigation & features than ours will.  Only look at this site for it's better functionality across all devices, NOT for how it looks.  [end edit]:  http://lenscience.ac.nz  Try it out with different devices and screen sizes.  You can see how it is much cleaner and handles tablets / mobile devices so much better.

And that is the main reason for this upgrade.  Our current site is slow(ish), dated, and doesn't work very well on tablets / mobile devices.

Now where I need your help.  We need to know what features of DK you value to the most.  We want to know how you use DK and what features you can't live without.

Take this short survey for me if would be so kind:  DK Site Upgrade Survey

Comment below when you've taken the survey.  Comment below with the ONE thing you value most about the current DK site.

Thanks so much!
Clark "DK tech slave" Pearson

[Added]  PS.  I will be creating a "sandbox" version of the new site.  It's a separate site where we test the new design/features before we go live.  If any of you would like to be members of the sandbox site to give additional feedback, just let me know.  Thx!

[BG and Gavin]

Done.

[ClarkP]

Thanks so much for all of you taking the survey and commenting here.  It has helped us clarify some priorities.  :-)

We'll keep you posted as we move forward.

Cheers!
Clark

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Hi there.  Just seeing this after a few weeks away and responded to the survey (I hope it's not too late).  Thanks so much for doing this (and all you do for this site). The thing I value most about this site is the incredibly knowledgeable and supportive community - I've learned so much from so many people.  For that reason, I'd have to say the groups are the most valuable part of the site for me, especially as a relatively new dog owner.