Wow! The new Enotes site is great-looking!Do you find this new format easier to use or overwhelming to navigate?

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kiwi's profile pic

Posted on

I like the blackboard format as it reminds me of my early days of teaching (and learning!). The layout looks much more spohisticated. The site seems fine to navigate but I agree that filtering is a slightly longer process - unanswered premium literature questions takes a three step process to get to. However, that is me being VERY picky: I love the idea that there are premium questions at all. I also think that the site is far more navigable for contributors than its competitors - keep it up, eNotes!

herappleness's profile pic

Posted on

I am a pure aesthete and sometimes I am as shallow as a frying pan when it comes to substance. Therefore, I am just glad I get to pick a background, that the background includes a chalkboard (totally cute), and that I still get to keep my badges. I just feel that the black background gives me, a red-tiara-wearing apple, a retrolicious appeal.

booboosmoosh's profile pic

Posted on

There were some things that threw me for a loop at first, but now I don't really notice those things as much as the things I like. The transition, I thought, went very smoothly considering the enormity of the task. Navigating is not a problem. I especially like the look of the site. It's nice to see who the people are that are asking questions and those who are answering the questions. I also think the site looks sleeker: more up-to-date. It's even better being a part of eNotes. I look forward to more surprises in the future.

linda-allen's profile pic

Posted on

I like it too--it looks more professional. Right now it's a little more difficult to navigate than the old version, but I'm sure that's because it's still new to me. I'm sure I'll master the new format in no time. Kudos to the folks at eNotes!

litteacher8's profile pic

Posted on

I agree! This new format is easier for iPad, but still has no editing buttons. We can't italicize or use the quote feature.
timbrady's profile pic

Posted on

There should be some way to indicate that questions are "out of play" ... I recently found out about the "one hour" rule ... but I still forget to look at the time when I come across an interesting question.  Since these questions are no longer available for editors, perhaps they could be grayed out or just not listed ...

 

 

kiwi's profile pic

Posted on

Hurrah for reinstating the detailed 'Expert' listings. I like being able to see the texts I have gained this award for so I can strive for more! I too like the clearer font and layout.

alexb2's profile pic

Posted on

As an editor I really miss the "new in my groups" or "new for you" tab.  I am frustrated to have to wade through a ton of discussion topics for math in order to run into topics in my specific areas of knowledge.  It is also much harder to follow a discussion that I might have posted in and then wanted to follow as subsequent posts where made.

I think the text fonts and layout are logical and visually appealing!  Nice update!

Hi there, how can we improve this, would you like an entire page devoted to the things you're following? We do have "new for you" on the homepage, but it shows only the last 5 discussions/questions. Let me know.

lmetcalf's profile pic

Posted on

As an editor I really miss the "new in my groups" or "new for you" tab.  I am frustrated to have to wade through a ton of discussion topics for math in order to run into topics in my specific areas of knowledge.  It is also much harder to follow a discussion that I might have posted in and then wanted to follow as subsequent posts where made.

I think the text fonts and layout are logical and visually appealing!  Nice update!

stolperia's profile pic

Posted on

It will be interesting, as time goes by, to see if students find the chalkboard "appealing" or "old fashioned."  Most of the classrooms in my school, mine included, use whiteboards and dry erase markers much more often than a chalkboard - and a projector for computer images more often than drawings on the whiteboard!

It appears that everyone who has affirmed the appearance of the chalkboard is old enough to have experienced that type of visualization of learning in their own student experience. I suspect contemporary students will not have that same experience...!

brettd's profile pic

Posted on

Seems like it is much easier to find questions that need answering, and I like being able to tell if it has already been answered without opening it up in a separate window.  It seems faster and more responsive, is easier on the eyes, and more easily searchable and sortable.  Well done!

alexb2's profile pic

Posted on

It is hard to see what was answered already on this new format. However, it looks more appealing. The fonts are easier to read and more eye-catching. I am still navigating through the new format but so far, it is very easy to use.

Can you give me a more specific example of how this isn't working for you? We'd like to make sure editors can see what was answered as easily as possible. Thanks!

trophyhunter1's profile pic

Posted on

It is hard to see what was answered already on this new format. However, it looks more appealing. The fonts are easier to read and more eye-catching. I am still navigating through the new format but so far, it is very easy to use.

mwestwood's profile pic

Posted on

That the questions are followed by answered or not answered is handy.  The graphics are very neat, modern, and the blackboard background lends a familiarity, to be sure.

Also, manuevering around is much speedier--a definite improvement.

creativethinking's profile pic

Posted on

As a highly visual person, I find the larger, bolder fonts and graphics much more appealing. It's way easier to navigate. Also, the new design really helps define the "look" of the site. Before we were fairly similar, at least in palette and fonts, to Wikipedia and eHow. The new design, though, defines eNotes as its own space. Furthermore, it makes eNotes a more worthy competitor, visually, to the Sparknotes site, which has done a similar branding overhaul to appeal more readily to its clientele. I think the selection of the chalkboard as a background is a brilliant one... It's an easy color for the eye to rest on, yet has some texture for interest, but more important than all of that: it gives you the instantaneous feel of being in a real brick and mortar classroom from the first moment you spend on the site. That's something that I think will make students feel welcome, signal to them that this is a place of learning, and demystify the virtual space that eNotes inhabits.

scott-locklear's profile pic

Posted on

Thanks for the feedback! If you have any questions about the new site, feel free to post them here as well:

http://www.enotes.com/enotes-editors/discuss/editor-help-new-site-design-95458

accessteacher's profile pic

Posted on

It is definitely trendier, I suppose, and I am finding it OK to use after answering a few questions. My one issue with it so far is that in the old website you could bring up a list of new premium discussions you could respond to, whereas on this new website it only brings up a list of all discussions. Is there any way we could look at new premium discussions rather than all of them together?

Otherwise, a good job well done!

alexb2's profile pic

Posted on

Hi guys,

 

We're still working out all the kinks and we'll have the whole summer to test and get used to it before the students arrive back in force in the Fall. In the meantime, please let us know what isn't working for you. We know that at first it might be a big change, but after awhile I think you'll agree that the overall design and organization are superior to the old site. Thank you!

bullgatortail's profile pic

Posted on

So far, I've found it just as easy to navigate as before, and the new design is terrific. It has a much more sophisticated look, and it should especially be more appealing to adults.

wannam's profile pic

Posted on

As a whole, I think it is much easier to use. I like the way to new layout has everything clearly spread out and easy to find rather than all the drop down menus. There are still some things that I'm not quite sure how to find, but it will just take some getting used to. Unfortunately, the website still needs flash in order to use the editing functions and a few other features. I wish they had switched to HTML or something else compatible with an iPad/apple products.
lovepeacea's profile pic

Posted on

I love using this website, I mean, It gives you ALOT of questions and information, I have not yet found a website that is much better than Enotes, I asked my questions for Science, Math, and Reading, and I got all of the answers I needed, Therefore This is my favorite website to use when I need a question to ask:D I can make friends and start a conversation that is on topic because there is just SO many answers right in front of me!! when I type in something appropriately spelled, I watch my mind learn new things and Thank God, Enotes was made:D It helped me alot

 

                    Thank God for Enotes, Kiana (Lovepeacea)

mizradane's profile pic

Posted on

﻿The interface is superb! This is really creative and appealing. Esy to navigate through the site too..

Just a suggestion: It would be much convenient for the users if you could inform them about the new answres for their questions, new posts in discussions etc.

swimma-logan's profile pic

Posted on

Much more user friendly in my opinion. A lot of the bugs I used to encounter have been fixed to. The user interface is more aesthetically appealing also. I feel it also reflects the popularity of the site.

"It's an easy color for the eye to rest on, yet has some texture for interest, but more important than all of that: it gives you the instantaneous feel of being in a real brick and mortar classroom from the first moment you spend on the site. That's something that I think will make students feel welcome, signal to them that this is a place of learning, and demystify the virtual space that eNotes inhabits."

Very true =) It makes me think of a blackboard, and I get the sense that not only is this a community, but also another classroom. Well done eNotes

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