Merge answers/search with main questions display [#1387458]

The two displays are nearly identical except for a small filter form at top; why not just have one display? Seems bad user experience.

It seems like questions/unanswered could also be merged in, ie filter form would have 'search' and 'show all question vs show unanswered questions'. If worried about cluttering too much, could put the form inside a fieldset or such.

(Personally, this doesn't actually affect me as not using the answers menu so nothing links /search. Not going to do anything on this till others weigh in).

Comments

Comment #1

chipcleary commented 30 December 2011 at 01:10

I'm also interested to hear what others think.

As background, the original idea was to allow site builders to choose between the two versions to see "all" questions (with or without the search box). That said, it's not necessarily the best reason for sticking with it. For example, drupal.stackexchange.com has the search box on the main page, with the main question listing.

As far as "unanswered questions", I would be concerned about clutter. My thinking is that only a small number of users will want to see unanswered questions ... those who are most interested in providing answers. My feeling is that the current "tab" treatment leaves these "in the background" for the majority of users so simplifies their experience.

FWIW (really a separate issue), I actually think there's a great possibility to extend the module here, to allow tag questions with taxonomy terms and allow users to "subscribe" to taxonomy terms in which they are interested. This would allow experts to self-organize to answer questions about areas of interest.

Appreciate the great ideas, @hefox.

Comment #2

hefox commented 30 December 2011 at 07:49

I'm very much interested in figuring out ways to add more functionality without adding clutter (it's tough issue; I get so frustrated with some sites where I can't adquently find content).

For example, show unasnwered -- by default that'd likely be some long label with a checkbox, however, what if it instead was an icon (rather, two icons -- a 'all' icon vs an unanswered icon, both with an on hover title)... not totally sure how one would make clear icons for that.

One thing I have seen is the 'advanced' options hidden behind a collapsed area unless someone is using options from it).

+1 to adding tagging to questions and at least a tagging exposed filter. As far as taxonomy subscription, should probably look into existing notifications systems and seeing how can integrate with them. (Should open a new issue for that (I'm going to bed after this comment, so feel free to issue-ize this))

Searching on keyword vs searching on tag is something that I'm not sure everyone understands the difference to; area to think about in how that relates to the filter form.