New FIRST Beta site

[Christopher149]

Did anyone else notice the link to http://beta.usfirst.org/ on FIRST's website?

This isn't actually that bad of a redesign (mainly considering that all the existing links are still there). I have a question of whether http://frclinks.com will need any redesign.

[Monochron]

I like it a lot. Feels much more modern compared to the current site and keeps all the most relevant links front and center. Good front for the organization.
As long as they don't push the "simple interface" mentality to some of the more resource heavy pages I won't be bothered. For instance I like the density and ease of navigation of http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc just the way it is.

[hardcopi]

It is also mobile friendly.

[Jacob Bendicksen]

I've thought that the FIRST site could use a redesign for a while--this is awesome. Great flat UI, responsive design...it just looks good.

[safiq10]

I feel like the website now is much simplier to use to someone who is seeing FIRST for the first time. So good job to FIRST for the major overhaul!

[BBray_T1296]

Selecting a program no longer requires you clicking on a 3 letter, 8pt font link! That in itself is a step up.

[runneals]

From the FIRST Alumni LinkedIn group...

Don’t miss our Welcome Page at http://beta.usfirst.org/about/our-new-site to learn about new features, where to go for important season-specific information, and our plans for the official launch.

We welcome your BETA FEEDBACK on the site. Please keep in mind that this is Version 1.0 – a “Minimum Viable Product” in engineering-speak – and like most first versions, we will use the feedback we receive from our community to determine the features we will add in subsequent releases.

[DaveL]

When talking up FIRST, I would frequently have to add instructions on how to find the frc link. So having a simple navigation bar is a plus.
I would include "(FRC)" and other abbreviations as that is how most of us talk about our group.

The thing I'm not seeing is an easy way for frequent users to access TIMS, STIMS, Resources and other frequently used links. This should also be on the top navigation bar instead of requiring users to scroll to the bottom of the page.

Build Mentor Dave & UX Designer

[natejo99]

I like it. It's so much more visually pleasing and inviting. It seems pretty easy to navigate as well. I think it's a big improvement

[Jimmy Nichols]

I noticed it yesterday and clicked around a bit. It is more inviting. I like my navigation tree, on the left, on the current site. I'm sure all the same links are there, just spread out. I clicked on the chat and there was an attendant who came on to ask if I needed assistance. I told them just checking it out.

[SenorZ]

Looks like a fancier (and all-around better) version of our site: vikings4276.com

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by DaveL

When talking up FIRST, I would frequently have to add instructions on how to find the frc link. So having a simple navigation bar is a plus.
I would include "(FRC)" and other abbreviations as that is how most of us talk about our group.

The thing I'm not seeing is an easy way for frequent users to access TIMS, STIMS, Resources and other frequently used links. This should also be on the top navigation bar instead of requiring users to scroll to the bottom of the page.

Build Mentor Dave & UX Designer

The problem is that while all of us know most of FIRST's TLAs the general public doesn't have a clue what they mean. So the TLAs and FLAs need to go away.

[dag0620]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Nichols

I'm excited about this as well. I'm hoping they are finally merging all of the systems together so that when a person logs in they see everything they have access too. Its so tedious to have to go to multiple different links for VIMS, TIMS, STIMS, VMS, and EMS and log in separately with the same login name and pass.

My fingers crossed as well this is happening as well! While this doesn't effect everyone, those of us involved in multiple aspects of the program would appreciate if.