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

[MooreteP]

Do not want. (But I am averse to change in general.)

NEFIRST has a similar site: NEFIRST, Which I do not like.

How easy is it to find the teams registered for Regional/District Events?
How many clicks? How many inputs to fields? I used to just use the cursor, now I have to use my keyboard.

Will frclinks still work? IDTS.

This beta site may be good for the General Public, but for FIRST savants like me, the process is now arduous.

[JustinCAD]

I'm really liking this new design; it's clean, simple, as well as it is much more accessible. Links are organized into each individual category, which makes it easier to find if you're looking for something specific. It'll help new members find registration easier!

Overall, I'm really liking this! Nice job!

[Nathan Streeter]

Originally Posted by MooreteP

This beta site may be good for the General Public, but for FIRST savants like me, the process is now arduous.

I agree... but think the phrasing "...but for FIRST savants like me, the process is now EVEN MORE arduous." The webpage may look better, but doing simple, regular things like looking up event team lists and results is becoming even more tedious.

The only reason why the FRC community gets by is because many are smart enough to make their own, better sites (i.e., TBA, FRC Links, etc.) and give up on the official FRC site for the event results and such. I was hoping FIRST would actually try to become better about this... if you go to mlb.com or nfl.com you may not have the BEST game results and player statistics, but they're at least pretty darn good!

[Ty Tremblay]

Originally Posted by Nathan Streeter

I agree... but think the phrasing "...but for FIRST savants like me, the process is now EVEN MORE arduous." The webpage may look better, but doing simple, regular things like looking up event team lists and results is becoming even more tedious.

The only reason why the FRC community gets by is because many are smart enough to make their own, better sites (i.e., TBA, FRC Links, etc.) and give up on the official FRC site for the event results and such. I was hoping FIRST would actually try to become better about this... if you go to mlb.com or nfl.com you may not have the BEST game results and player statistics, but they're at least pretty darn good!

But the third party sites already exist and do a great job of displaying and notifying people of match results (and links, webcasts, team lists, etc). Why put all that effort to compete with a good solution that already exists when competing has no benefit?

I think it's good that FIRST put so much effort into reducing the barrier of entry for new teams and the general public. The more people that see how awesome FIRST is the better.