Planning and information page for a proposed complete rewrite of the Public Lab website on a new platform, with a whole new look. This project, called "plots2", is specifically intended to address many issues with the current website, which we've outgrown in many ways. The new website should: * boast more usable, friendly, but also more powerful interfaces * simplify and refine common tasks like posting research notes and filtering spam * enable faster development (based on Ruby on Rails and Twitter's Bootstrap frameworks) * completely revise and streamline "following" other contributors or specific keywords, with email alerts * work on tablets, smartphones, and in recent versions of Internet Explorer However, in order to minimize disruption to your use of PublicLaboratory.org, and to build on user feedback and input as we go, we're going to be launching an "alpha" website, first. You can browse this site now at: http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org The alpha website will continue to retain many of the same URL paths as the existing site -- the idea is that you should be able to add "alpha." at the front of any URL from the existing site and see the "new" version. We'll add a "switch over" button soon to maket this easy. ##Features (also see the [gallery at the bottom of this page](#gallery)) * new simpler/faster [note posting form](http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org/post) (view-only) * vastly improved [advanced search](http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org/search/advanced/curriculum) (usable) * fast and easy auto-complete search (usable) * faster, nicer wiki revision interface](http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org/wiki/revisions/plots2) * revamped integrated [subscriptions interface](http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org/subscriptions) (read-only demo) * events and mailing list info for [place wiki pages](http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org/wiki/new-york-city) (read-only demo) * recent notes, wiki pages, and active contributors per topic [in page sidebar](http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org/notes/warren/10-1-2012/gowanus-inflow-now-contained-boom) (usable) * easy [tag-based pages](http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org/tag/plume) (usable) * "follow" and "star" for each page (demo only) * new simplified/improved [wiki editing form](http://alpha.publiclaboratory.org/wiki/edit/new-town-creek) (read-only demo) * sorting and prioritization of notes and pages by popularity metric (not yet implemented) ##Timeline We won't be able to do this all at once, and initially almost all of the features will be "read-only" -- you'll still have to use the "old" site to post notes, comments, and edit wiki pages. Slowly, we'll build the site out and add working author interfaces. Note that due to the unpredictability of the design process, this is just a proposed schedule. We may make faster or slower progress! **Nov-Dec 2012** * review of web survey and additional brainstorming & refinement of plan * build out of read-only site * variations on sidebar design, different navigation paradigms, advanced search and site-wide look & feel * archive display and interface design * pilot log-in system * spam filtration interface **Jan-Feb 2013** * subscription management and test email system * drag & drop file upload testing * integration of Google Groups * commenting tests **Mar-Apr 2013** * initial tests of research note and wiki posting * registration testing * staged "helpful hints" system * SpectralWorkbench and MapKnitter integration with post templates * probable Beta site launch for wider public testing **Apr-May 2013** * beta testing, bug fixing, final feature adds * heavy push for "trying the new version" through alerts on old site * reviewing feedback and if all goes well, switching over to the new site ##Alpha tester group We're specifically asking the more adventuresome and patient of you all to volunteer to join the "alpha user group". We'll be asking folks in this group to: * subscribe to an "plots-alpha" Google Group to be part of ongoing discussion and brainstorming * respond to occasional requests for input, such as jotting down your thoughts on a new page design or process * check how specific pages render in specific browsers & devices, and upload screenshots * try out new interfaces and provide constructive criticism This is a longer-term project, probably of some months, and we'll try to keep these sorts of requests to once per week or so at a maximum. The benefit of joining the alpha user group is that you'll have a greater say in how the new Public Lab site is designed and implemented -- so if you're opinionated about or dissatisfied with the current site, please join! > [Read more about the alpha testing program and sign up](/wiki/plots2-alpha) Thanks for your patience with the current site and here's looking forward to a newly refreshed PublicLaboratoy.org website! ##Gallery Public Lab 2.0 website relaunch previews: place pages **Place page sidebars with list subscription & upcoming events** Public Lab 2.0 website relaunch previews: autocomplete search **Autocomplete search, sorted by type** Public Lab 2.0 website relaunch previews: like/follow **Like/follow buttons on most content** Public Lab 2.0 website relaunch previews: note posting **Completely new simplified authoring forms with preview and easy formatting** Public Lab 2.0 website relaunch previews: spam moderation **Fast and easy spam moderation** Public Lab 2.0 website relaunch previews: wiki sidebar **Recent contributors on a given topic** Public Lab 2.0 website relaunch previews: subscriptions **Integrated subscription management**