Proposed CS navigation
The statements and opinions on this page are solely those of its authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of CouchSurfing International.
User Interface Concepts
Read Me First
You might find it easier to skip this section and come back after you've looked over the pages. Keep in mind that this is not a design proposal - it's a content organization proposal. In other words, it's not about how the site looks but about what goes on what pages and why. Please add your comments to the talk page.
Objectives
The objective of re-organizing the content is to make it easier for all CouchSurfing members to become a part of the greater community beyond just hosting or surfing in a way that's not obtrusive. We want to entice members to become volunteers, donors, or at least community participants. We do this by:
- making community activities more visible (I didn't I could do that!)
- making community activities exciting (People are doing cool stuff!)
- rewarding members who become active (I want a gold star too!)
Two Column Layouts
The central concept is a two column layout for all pages. The wider right-hand column can be generally described as "my stuff" while the narrower left-hand column can be described as "our stuff". The right-hand column is where members do what they came to do. The left-hand column is where we present exciting and relevant community opportunities to members.
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Our Stuff
- Relevant community functions
(e.g. Meetings at location I'm searching)
(e.g. News messages)
- About my role in the community
(e.g. My active groups)
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My Stuff
(e.g. CouchSearch results)
(e.g. My inbox messages)
(e.g. My friends)
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Some key ideas
- "Our Stuff" rather than "That Stuff"
As much as possible the left-hand column is relevant to the core function of the page and relevant to my interests as a user.
- "Entice" rather than "Solicit"
We want members to volunteer and to donate, but we turn them off by solicitation (e.g. "Click Here to Donate Now!"). Instead we want to entice them by showing them cool things that people are doing and how volunteering and donating benefits them.
Appeal to the members' "I want to be a super-star" desire. Members who participate are the "super stars" of CS, and that fact is noticeable at a glance at their profile. The "our stuff" column is for super-stars and exciting activities. Members will want to see their face or their activity in "our stuff".
Top Nav
Bold indicates top level navigation. Non-bold indicates secondary navigation (e.g. second row as with current nav.)
If we use Icons for Top Navigation we would not need to sort out different languages with different long or short words... and anybody could use it. Maybe Mouseover could show the text version of what it is.
- Clickable Icon for New Messages
- My Pages or icon of a House for (Home like in a browser)
- My Profile
- My Messages
- Groups
- Chat
- My Referrals
- My Surveys
- Admins (only visible to admins)
- Ambassador (only visible to ambassadors)
- Ambassador To Do List
- Your Ethics Code
- List of all Ambassadors on CS
- Countries to target
- CouchSearch! or Icon of e.g. a Magnifying glass
- CouchSearch!
- Last Search
- Recent Searches
- Exotic
- Interesting
- Most...
- Online Now
- Near You
- Participate or Icon of - hmm - Ideas please!!!
- Easy Ways
- Volunteer
- Donate
- Meetings
- Collective
- Help or Icon of a Questionmark
- How to CouchSurf
- About CouchSurfing International
- Fun Stuff
- Contact Us
- Logout or Logo (e.g. Exit door???)
- Search (future functionality)
My Home
The white boxes are sections within the page. The camera icon indicates an image (e.g. group image or profile image).
Admin controlled news with less/more links
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock. with less/more links
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective with less/more links
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure. with less/more links
(2 most recent news items)
recent volunteer or donor with less/more links
( 1 profile)
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- Inbox (5 most recent message with less/more links)
- Friends Online (default 4 profiles with less/more links)
- Nearby Travelers (default 4 profiles with less/more links)
- Mikhail Bakunin
- Emma Goldman
- New Friends (default 2 profiles with less/more links)
Random introduction
Way you can participate (2 suggestions - only things that you are not doing already)
Meetings (3 upcoming meetings with less/more links)
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All fields should have a minimum of one item and the number of items you selected for each individual field should be stored and used as new standard for the next time you watch your My Home - page.
My Pages
See pages below:
My Profile
Community Designation Icons
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Personal Designation Icons
- Essential Information
- Name
- Mission
- Location, Coordinates, small map icon
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++ Send Message
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++ Contact List
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++ Make Note
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Description, availability
- Personal Information
- Personal Description
- Languages
- Philosophy
- Music, movies, books
- People I enjoy
- Where I grew up
- One amazing thing
- Opinion of CS
- Locations traveled
(5 most active with less/more links and a show all link)
(5 most recent with less/more links and a show all link)
(5 most recent with less/more links and a show all link)
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The ammount of items (References, Ref for Others, Friends) you selected in the "My Profile" section to display will apply for every profile you look at. a minimum of one item will apply for each section. Maybe instead of a more/less link for Ref and Friends a fiels where you select the number of items shown on CS could be entered as number (no number will not limit it and all items are shown)
Messages
Meetings (3 upcoming meetings with less/more links)
- Friends Online (default 4 profiles with less/more links)
- Click here to message Casey
- Click here to message Elsa
- Nearby Travelers (default 4 profiles with less/more links)
- Click here to message George Washington
- Click here to message Thomas Jefferson
- New Friends (default 2 profiles with less/more links)
Random introduction
Way you can participate (2 suggestions)
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- Inbox (Same as it exists now)
- From - Subject - Sent - Replied
- From - Subject - Sent - Replied
- From - Subject - Sent - Replied
- From - Subject - Sent - Replied
- From - Subject - Sent - Replied
- From - Subject - Sent - Replied
- From - Subject - Sent - Replied
- From - Subject - Sent - Replied
Additional with less/more links to adjust the number of messages displayed per page (stores as all less/more values on "my profile" - section
- Previous Page - Page 1-5 - Next Page
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Read Message
- Personal Designation Icons
- Community Designation Icons
- Sender Essential Information
- Sender General Information
- Sender Personal Information
- Personal Description
- Languages
- Philosophy
- Etc.
- Previous Messages Sent to Elsa
- From Subject Sent (2 most recent with show all link)
- Previous Message from Elsa
- From Subject Sent (2 most recent with show all link)
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Hi, I want to surf with you......
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Compose New Message
- Personal Designation Icons
- Community Designation Icons
- Recipient Essential Information
- Recipient General Information
- Recipient Personal Information
- Personal Description
- Languages
- Philosophy
- Etc.
- Previous Messages Sent to Elsa
- From Subject Sent (2 most recent with show all link)
- Previous Message from Elsa
- From Subject Sent (2 most recent with show all link)
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* share my postal address (checkbox)
* share my living address (checkbox)
* share my directions how to get to my place (checkbox)
* share my birthay (checkbox)
* add my email - address as "reply to" address instead of NOREPLY (checkbox)
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The checkbox will enable the person to view this details (on a person to person basis) and the checkbox will be a parameter that's stored as part of the connection between the recipient of the message and me
Message Sent
Returns you to My Home with "Message Sent!" indicator
Groups
My Groups
Admin Controlled News
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
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Find Groups
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
(5 recently active groups with show all link)
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Search Box, Keywords, Country, Language
Most Active Groups
List of Groups
- Didn't find what you wanted?
Create a New Group
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Group Main Page
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
(5 recently active groups with show all link)
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(5 recent posters with show all link)
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Read Group Messages
(5 most recent threads with show all link)
(5 recent posters with show all link)
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- Threaded Messages (same as now)
- Subject
- Message Body
- Reply to this message
- Subject
- Message Body
- Reply to this message
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Compose Group Message
(5 recent posters with show all link)
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Message Sent
Returns you to this Group Main Page with "Message Sent!" indicator
Chat
Unchanged.
My Referrals
Unchanged.
My Surveys
Unchanged.
Admins
Pages just for admins. No need to change them.
CouchSearch!
Admin controlled news
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
(5 from exotic list with show all link)
(5 from interesting list with show all link)
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Existing search with pull-down menus
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CouchSearch! Results
(5 upcoming meetings matching location of search with show all link)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
(5 from exotic list with show all link)
(5 from interesting list with show all link)
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Single Profile
See My Profile
Participate
Participate Immediate Solution
An immediate solution for reorganizing the participate page to be incorporated into a wider redesign.
Participate (Main Page)
- Easy Ways to Participate Now (link to easy ways)
Help build a stronger community with these simple but important activities that you can do right now.
- Become a volunteer (link to volunteer gateway)
Become a dedicated volunteer and influence the future direction of CouchSurfing.
Easy Ways
- Make a Donation (link to donation)
CouchSurfing could not exist without member donations. Choose your own donation amount and choose where your money goes.
- Expand Your Knowledge (link to wiki)
Visit the CouchSurfing library how to use the site to the fullest, how to be a better member, and how to build our community.
- Set Up a Meeting (link to meetings)
Create a CouchSurfing social to meet the other couchsurfers in your local area.
- Meet a Local CouchSurfer (link to couchsearch)
Have a coffee or a chat with an individual couchsurfer in your local area.
- Edit Your Local Area Guide (link to wiki)
Write advice for other couchsurfers visiting you local area.
- Take a Member Survey (link to ?)
Give your opinion on issues you care about.
- Refer Your Friends (link to refer)
Send emails to invite your friends to become CouchSurfing members.
Hand out CS business cards, put a link on your website or Buy products with the CS logo.
Volunteer Gateway
Column 1: Opportunities for Professional
We need professionals in the following categories to fill leadership positions critical to CouchSurfing's future growth. If you have the skills set and talents to fill one of these long-term part-time volunteer positions, please email the contact listed.
- Fundraisers - Jim Stone (email link)
Develop a comprehensive strategy, organize large events, and create an outreach program to large donors.
- Lawyers: International Business - Casey Fenton (email link)
CouchSurfing is are now a registered nonprofit in two countries, and more are on the way. Develop our international nonprofit legal status.
- Lawyers: Liability - Joe Edelman (email link)
Help us meet our needs for appropriate liability and insurance coverage.
- Headhunters - Leo Bassani (email link)
Help us find the best people for these key positions and others.
- Production System Administrators and Software Developers - Kasper Souren (email link)
Help us monitor our servers, refactor our PHP, and develop new features.
- Journalists & Knowledge Management - Joe Edelman (email link)
Research and document our global operations.
- Public Relations & Press - Steve (email link)
Develop our PR strategy and contacts with the international press.
Column 2: Dedicated Volunteer Positions
These are fun ways to get involved as a dedicated volunteer.
- Become a CouchSurfing Ambassador (link to ambassadors)
Ambassadors help grow and strengthen the member community on a local, regional, and global level.
- Write CS Website Translations (link to translations org group)
Fluent in non-English languages? Help us meet our goal of translating the CS website into every language on earth!
- Greet New Members (link to greetings org group)
Welcome new members and introduce them to the CouchSurfing community and mission.
- Write and Edit CouchSurfing Documents (link to wiki)
Participate in collectively written documents such as help, guides, and more.
- Work at a CouchSurfing Collective (link to collective)
Hard-working volunteers may travel to and stay at the current CouchSurfing Collective.
- Other departments you can join or create (link to organizational structure wiki page)
Find a position in one of the many other teams in the CouchSurfing organizational structure.
Organizational Structure Wiki Page
Column 1: Active Running Teams
Column 2: Needed Teams You Can Create
Superstar Page
See Proposed CS Superstar System for more details on this page:
Admin controlled news
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
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- Selected Member's Star Level
- Member Name
- Superstar Level
- Awards Descriptions (description of each star level increase, including date awarded and by whom)
- Increase this member's star level (link)
- What is a CS Superstar? (synopsis of how superstar system works)
- You can become a CS Superstar by participating in the CS community beyond just surfing and hosting.
- You earn stars instantly by donating (link to donation page)
- You earn stars from other Superstars by participating.
- Your star level appears next to your image throughout the site (unless you choose otherwsise).
- You can participate a little or a lot. Everything helps!
- Without Superstars, CouchSurfing could not exist because they manage the website and raise sustainable income.
- Link to more detailed information on help pages
- How can I become a Superstar? (links to participate pages with brief explanations)
- Easy Ways to Participate
- Volunteer
- Ambassadors
- Donate (to become an instant superstar)
- Meetings
- Collective
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Easy Ways to Participate
Admin controlled news
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
recent volunteer or donor
( 1 profile)
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- Participate the easy way!
Blurb about easy ways to participate and their importance.
- Promote (Comes from wiki)
- Business Cards
- Media Tips
- banners
- Translate - Now not just for ambs!
Describes what translation is and why it's needed. Link to translation pages.
Find cool stuff at the CS store! Link to store.
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Volunteer
Org
Admin controlled news
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
recent volunteer
( 1 profile)
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- Participate by becoming a volunteer!
Blurb about what a volunteer is and steps to becoming a volunteer.
Keyword search through org structure
Easier to use, more graphic and pretty version of org chart.
list of my volunteer groups within org structure
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Ambs
This page is visible to everyone.
Admin controlled news
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
recent volunteer
( 1 profile)
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- Participate by becoming an Ambassador!
Blurb explaining ambassadorship.
- How to become an ambassador
- Ambassador hand book
- Three Levels of Ambassadorship (remove until it works)
- Ambassador To Do List
- Your Ethics Code
- Ambassador FAQ
- Greetings (if non-amb, leads to page explaining how to become amb)
- Answer Contact Us Questions (if non-amb, leads to page explaining how to become amb)
- Countries to target
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Donate
Admin controlled news
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
recent donor
( 1 profile)
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Blurb explaining why donations are necessary. Also explains that donations can earn instant star awards.
- Types of donations
- List of donation causes such as general, collective, travel show, magazine, etc.
- Each cause has a description and donate now button that leads to donation form.
- Donation form has drop down list of suggested donations and the star level they award
- About CouchSurfing Income and Expenses
- Link to yearly budget page (explains what CS earned and spent money on throughout the year)
- Link to live sustainable income vs. recurring expenses page (shows graph of money earned daily from recurring donations compared to averaged daily expenses)
List of member's history donations including amounts, whether recurring, and chosen cause.
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Meetings
Admin controlled news
(2 most recent news items)
Community Controlled news. Big Meetings. New Projects. Groups that rock.
(2 most recent news items)
Highlights from Collective
(2 most recent news items)
Volunteer controlled news. News from group within org structure.
(2 most recent news items)
recent volunteer or donor
( 1 profile)
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- Participate by attending a meeting!
Blurb explaining the importance and the fun of meetings
All meetings that match my current location
Search meetings by location, type, etc.
All meetings I've responded to
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Collective
From wiki
Help
How to CouchSurf
All from wiki
- Frequently asked questions
- Tips
- Site manual
About CouchSurfing International
- CS Mission
- History
- Founders
- Admins (who they are and what they do)
- Ambassadors (what they are and list of all Ambassadors on CS)
- Partners
- Privacy Policy
- Terms & Conditions
Fun Stuff
Largely from wiki:
- Stats (live from database)
- CS Testimonials
- Map of CS Users
- Heard about CS from? (ambassadors only?)
- CS In the Press
- Videos, Music & Media
Contact Us
Unchanged.
Logout
Self explanatory.
Search
Search box for searching entire site and the new CouchSearch!
Comments
Moved to talk.
article history
edit
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