New Header for Listeners
Hello Listeners!
Just a quick note to let you know that the new header will be rolled out to all listeners today. Members have had access to it for just over a week. The feedback has been very positive and along the lines of the site feeling more soothing, cleaner, and things are easier to find. Basically, it takes a lot less clicks to get places.
And from a stats perspective, it looks like chats, forum posts, and group chats are all up 10-20%. We think this is in part because all of these features are now easier to find.
You’ll also notice that the training and Academy pages have been updated as well. Look for further updates to the Academy pages coming soon.
Please let us know your thoughts and feedback below. Thank you!
@GlenM
Thankyou for the announcement and for the team to continually work on bettering the community/ platform for everyone! ❤
Honest thoughts though, I was hoping the listener side remains the same! xD
Natural, human, normal feeling to be aversive towards change, and unfamiliarity, super valid for anyone to experience!
This is going to need some time exploring, discovering, learning and getting to like the place all over again! *-*
While it looks cleaner and cool-er to look at (Yay), something prominently bothersome for me, at the first look is the missing notification count next to the bell icon, I hope it gets reinstated soon!
It's great to hear there's mostly positive feedback and impact from the member side update from earlier! *virtual pats @team* ❤
I agree with @Sunisshiningandsoareyou that I was hoping the Listener side would stay the same.
I like the cleaner look but I think it's really important to be able to see how many messages and notifications I have at the top as well as the pop-up box when we clicked on the envelope to see who the messages are from. I know they will be in the left hand side in the chat section but when corresponding with many users, they tend to get lost. I hope that the message feature can be reinstated soon.
@Lou73 thank you, Lou! Let me tag @jon7cups to get his thoughts.
By popular request, the notifications bell and counter is back!
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou thank you for this context and I 100% agree. There will definitely be some getting used to it like with all change. Let me check on the notification bell and update you!
@GlenM
Always appreciate y'all! 🌻
@GlenM one thing that is not easier to find is threads that a member or listener creates its not user friendly if a person starts a thread and the only way they can find it again to write more such as a diary thread is to search through different subcommunities hoping to find their thread again or if they remember what subcommunity they posted it still requires a person to manually dig through to try and find theirs every time they want to write an entry i can see this being a big problem especially with people who have diaries or multiple diaries in different communities and in fact several people have asked me how they can find a thread they started and i always tell them just click on your picture and go to my threads and they can find their threads they started or threads they were subscribed to now i know why they couldnt do that i do like the simplicity but i think now its a little too simple and just missing an important feature which is easy access to threads
@jennysunrise8 If you're wanting an easier way to find the threads you created, you can go to this search feature and just below the search bar, you will see an option that says "my threads". Tick that box then press "search". All your threads should come up 😊
@beck1 thanks! that is good that it still exists and i bookmarked it since theres no longer an easy access to this from the site only a person who happens to come across this thread and your post would know it exists but now i can let people know if they ask it seems like it would make the site more user friendly since it still exists to just put a link to it in the dropdown for everyone so they dont have to just be lucky and come across this thread or find someone who knows where to find it
@jennysunrise8
Hey hey jenny, I hear you and agree, finding our threads was way easier earlier, maybe having the title "My Threads" (if I remember right xD) was helpful. Clear labeling is always useful in distinguishing things and for us to get more familiar with them!
The search tool in forums that becki shared earlier is available for everyone, at their screens too, without a proper labeling for "my threads" now though, and a couple of clicks needed to get there.
The forum search tool bar is available when we click on the "forum" icon/ button on the header, or when we open any threads/ posts here! (I wonder if it's also linked as one of the quick links or on the main dash on the website version, I'm currently using a mobile browser and sharing with that respect)
And upon clicking on the search tool, it takes us to finding our threads or subscribed threads!
Would definitely take time getting used to the new way around, I feel the same as you about simplicity and convenience! Hope this helps for now though! 💛
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou it was called "my forum threads" and i actually found a thread all about the my forum thread in the dropdown that was made a month ago with a pic of the old dropdown https://www.7cups.com/forum/gratitude/General_2448/MyThreads_302431/ another thing missing is "my schedule" i never used it but im sure some listeners really miss that and was very helpful
@jennysunrise8
Ooh yes that, glad I wasn't too far off already lol! Miss the old stuff definitely! :')
That's a good observation, I didn't use the schedule feature either, but I agree, it could be useful to those that did, or willing to try!
The community team has been so receptive to our feedback, I feel and I have good faith in them for the same reason, in case (and that's a highly likely possibility) there's some feedback and suggestions on bringing back certain features/ tools or implementing something to make things more convenient or better in someway, hopefully it's adhered to sooner!
It certainly helps when people share their honest feedback and thoughts on things, I believe all of us have a part to play in getting things right and doing things right for one another.
This brings me to say, thank*you* Jenny for being always so open to sharing your thoughts, asking questions where clarification is needed (and it certainly is, also might help others who may be wondering the same) and being a wonderful part of the community, thinking for the collective good always! ❤
@jennysunrise8 great feedback! let me check with the product folks on this and update you :)
@jennysunrise8 I agree with you!
@GlenM I knew what to expect on the listener side because I had peaked at the member side after the update over there.
I do agree that there are less clicks to get places. I do also like the the forum button is present instead of "community" as a lot of newbies were having a hard time finding forums etc.
Something I have seen a few listeners mentioning is how bright it is. So maybe offering a 'dark mode' option could be a possibility?
@beck1 I think the dark mode idea is a good one. I use dark mode on most things too. I'll sync with the product team and update you!
@GlenM Yay! Thanks Glen 😊 Always appreciative of everyone who is part of this team and those working behind the scenes to better Cups
@GlenM
The forum update is amazing, but the new bar of the main page is confusing.
To be honest, the icon to go to the forum, moreless this one "👥", it's not the best, the most suitable in my opinion.
I could try to give you another examples of icons, would you like to?
Kind regards,
Anthony.
@thisisanthony sure, post them here if you can and we can ask folks for feedback. thank you!
Loving the new update! I was just curious if there was still a way to see listeners that are active. Might still be getting used to it, but couldn’t seem to find that.
@Heretomakeyouufeelbetter I think you are meaning Browse Listener where you can see the list of all Listeners? If you click on the Chat Icon, then on the left under your messages you will see browse listener 😊
@beck1 yes! I still can’t seem to find it. Is this the same on a browser?
@Heretomakeyouufeelbetter Yes 😊 The Chat button should lead you here . Then if you scroll once you're on the page, you should see Browse Listeners on the left hand side. Alternatively you could also bookmark the Browse Listener link 😊
Hey @Heretomakeyouufeelbetter are you using the mobile browser as well? Because I can't seem to find the browse listeners page/ link on it either lol!
Something again, that I hope is restored for everyone! :')
Hmm <looks around> seems to have gone missing! Will get it back up.
@Jon7Cups
Thankyouuu, awesome hooman!
loving to make the clicks so far😮 it is calming and soothing💛
Hey @GlenM
I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent update to the forum's header design. First, kudos to the team for embracing a minimalistic approach—it brings a sense of elegance and simplicity to the site. However, I have some feedback regarding the color choices that are vital for creating an optimal user experience, especially on a mental health platform.
The transition from a dark blue header to an all-white design has raised a few concerns. Firstly, the abundance of white can be overwhelming for individuals with sensitivity to light, including those who struggle with mental health challenges. Brightness can exacerbate their symptoms and intensify negative emotions, counterproductive to the platform's goal of supporting mental well-being.
Additionally, the shift in color poses accessibility issues for individuals with color blindness. There needs to be more color contrast to make it easier for them to distinguish between different sections (ex. body and header) on the site, hindering their navigation and overall experience. It's crucial to ensure the platform remains inclusive and user-friendly for everyone, regardless of color vision abilities.
Lastly, the bright design may lead to eye strain, especially during extended periods of use. Providing a dark mode option would alleviate this issue and cater to users' preferences and comfort. Dark mode has gained popularity for its ability to reduce eye strain and create a more visually comfortable environment.
In conclusion, I want to express my appreciation for the team's continuous efforts to improve the platform's design. While the recent update embraces a minimalistic aesthetic, it's essential to address the concerns regarding the overwhelming brightness, accessibility for color-blind individuals, and the absence of a dark mode option.
By considering these factors, we can create a user experience that fosters a sense of calmness, accessibility, and visual comfort, aligning with the platform's mission to support mental well-being.
Thank you for valuing user feedback and dedication to enhancing the platform's effectiveness.
Sources:
Anthony. (2018, May 22). Why you should avoid bright, saturated background colors. UX Movement. https://uxmovement.com/content/why-you-should-avoid-bright-saturated-background-colors/
Moussa, M., OD, R. G., Ha, S., Patel, B., & Herder, D. (n.d.). The Impacts of Screen Time on Visual and Mental Well-being. Vision Therapy Canada. https://www.visiontherapycanada.com/vision-therapy/position-statements/the-impacts-of-screen-time-on-visual-and-mental-well-being/
Schafer, C. (2021, October 18). Color blindness accessibility. Siteimprove. https://www.siteimprove.com/blog/color-blindness-accessibility/
Swain, E., & Huang, M. (2023, May 1). Is dark mode better for your eyes? Here's what science says. Vision Center. https://www.visioncenter.org/blog/dark-mode-eye-health/
Wu, Y., Hallett, M. Photophobia in neurologic disorders. Transl Neurodegener 6, 26 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40035-017-0095-3
💕 I absolutely love the minimalistic design 💕
🌟 It's very beautiful and brilliant! 🌟
I have chronic migraine and bright screens do not make things easy for me.
So being unable to have dark mode requires me to have my screens red.
It helps to have a colored header when everything's red, I must admit.
@GlenM
I would absolutely love it and appreciate it if dark mode was an option.
I know that I am not be the only one who would use dark mode.
Thank you so, so much for all the wonderful and amazing work that you do!
✨💙✨
✨
@GlenM
Thank you for the announcement.
I love the new training page. I like how the tabs there have their own URLs. It makes it easier for me (as a Listener Chatroom Supporter) to share the links to those looking for certificate/hours etc.
A thing that could be improved, is the dark mode. As some have already mentioned, the new header design is too bright for some, especially those with sensitivity to bright light. Plus, my dark mode extension isn't perfect. So, in dark mode, sometimes, the text appears black when it's supposed to be white. It makes it harder for me to read.
Another thing I'm missing is the Browse Listeners on the home page. I feel that some leadership roles require frequent communication with listeners. Perhaps would it be faster and easier to find a listener from Home page than from Chat page?
Once again, thanks to you and the team for continuously working to improve the experience on 7Cups!
@charmingFlower8111
Yay good observation and feedback, Flower!
Definitely need the browse listener page to be back/ more prominently *visible* on the screen! And a big yes to dark mode on web!
@GlenM Hey Glen. I use bold because I can see it much better so if you are wondering why I am using bold then here ya go lol..
Okay well I am all about honest and being wide open as you know I Am sure and I have been here almost 5 years .. Mmm Dude what were you all thinking lol :P seriously .
I am laughing as I type this lol because that is just me but I am not near as smart as these people to explain very well but anyway..
I sincerely hate it with every fiber in my cheap matching tye dye pj set lol.. :)
I gotta say when I logged on I thought Oh NO HOLY COW what vision I have has finally went further south because I see no color at the top lol.. Then the rest well anyway what a mess for an old senile woman to figure out once again :)..
I will adjust of course but I have to just throw my 2 cents in because I went shopping and 2 cents is all I have left just about..
In other news My Brother passed away and this here on the site is not even compared to my loss so losing the old and bringing in the new is okay.. :) Life Happens ..
Peace and Love of course Laughter !
Tye
Hope this made ya laugh .. :)
@Tyedyedbutterfly65 I'm so sorry for your loss ❤️
I'm not a listener but tbh I cheered a little reading this because I hate the changes on the member side too. It was awesome to see someone truly speaking their mind
@mytwistedsoul Thank you and I do appreciate your kindness <3 it really is so sweet.
I am being honest and funny yes but does it help no not really lol..
I do kid allot also.
@Tyedyedbutterfly65 You're welcome ❤️
@Tyedyedbutterfly65 @GlenM and others reading this..
I am truly sorry for my comments made which were suppose to be funny but evidently they were not taken funny or in a manner which I meant.
I will still say that I do not like the new set up but that is nothing to overcome with the right attitude and mind set, skills or whatever you wanna call it .
I am so sorry I really am and I am someone who tries to use a sense of humor all the time and sometimes the humor is not needed or wanted.
Yes I did lose my younger brother to an overdose in May this is true 😔.
I do think this site has many many amazing gifts to offer so many people . I know it has helped me .
I do love helping others and I am not a mean person just a human that makes mistakes.
I can not lie and say I like something when I don't .. I can not say I agree with things when I don't because to me that is not being honest but once again I need to learn to just stay in my own lane and move along with the flow because sometimes you kinda have too.
I am Me and non perfect human trying to make in this crazy wild world.
Peace and Love to all.
Tye
@GlenM It looks neat and well-organized! 😄
