Home Page Redesign
What is this wireframe for?
This home page wireframe precedes a proposed design which intends to tell a story to prospective users, contributors and supporters, and it aims to encourage retention and advocacy from the current user base.
Please note: The wireframe is not a complete design. Elements and words are placeholders, demonstrating the flow and purpose of the end design. Colors have been used as a code to define the objectives and do not represent colors used in the final design.
The finished design would be crafted around the resources we have access to and successively adapted as resources (such as tutorials, documentaries, artwork...) become available.
The objectives of the proposed design
1. Build understanding and advocacy
color: pink/purple
What is the problem?
Inkscape receives mixed reviews about it's capabilities. Some of the negative comments may be echoing outdated information. Misinformation and ignorance of the project, arguably, has a negative affect on other goals such as user on-boarding, donations and contributions (also discussed in this document).
What can we do about it?
Below the top banner, this wireframe includes a section to display factual data which would help users to understand what Inkscape (the software) is, what to expect from Inkscape and, also, build excitement and advocacy for the project.
These facts will help to correct some misunderstandings about the project and qualify Inkscape to the potential user — further supporting the Inkscape project's other objectives (discussed below).
How can this be measured?
Regularly reviewing community discussion, we will look for overall changes in attitude toward the Inkscape software and project. We can also survey the community in the months following for feedback.
2. Attract new users
color: blue
What is the problem?
Potential users may be put off as there are numerous outdated reviews on influential websites, and YouTube videos which describe Inkscape as lacking in features, unstable or slow.
What can we do about it?
The proposed design aims to neutralize these arguments. It communicates to the reader that the project is up-to-date, has been actively developed for 20 years, is being used by millions and is well supported and funded. The design would also provide a 'Home' for this information as it becomes available.
Adding recent reviews to the homepage may also help to attenuate off-putting rumors.
How can this be measured?
If and when Inkscape implements the design, we will assess the number of downloads.
3. Encourage contribution
color: red
What is the problem?
Inkscape (the project) has many ambitions (translations, documentation, articles, tutorials, videos, development, testing...) but few contributors to carry out these tasks. This means a lot of the tasks remain on the back-burner.
It is clear, Inkscape would benefit from more contributors.
What can we do about it?
The proposed design aims to reveal Inkscape as a leader in the field of open source vector graphics, and to qualify Inkscape before inviting users to contribute.
Most Inkscape users are not programmers, so the focus of the contribution banner is to remove any false assumptions that Inkscape only needs software developers.
The banner takes a 'soft' approach to on-boarding contributors, encouraging those interested to chat to our team about possible contributions.
How can this be measured?
If the proposed design is implemented, the team can assess the number of new contributors. We can also ask them why they chose to contribute.
4. Promote learning and community building for user retention
color: green
What is the problem?
The project aims to support Inkscape users and encourage the use of Free Open Source Software. As Inkscape (the software) requires some skill and experience to fully benefit from its features, some users report moving back to proprietary alternatives after losing confidence in its capability.
One reason a user may prefer proprietary software is the level of user advocacy, community size and available tutorials.
What can we do about it?
The users section of the design would visually signpost users to challenges and contests, communities, tutorials and inspirational examples of what Inkscape can do.
Also, promoting learning and community groups would support user retention and advocacy within the Inkscape community.
How can this be measured?
Monitor user communities such as the Inkscape forum and the Inkscape challenges for participation and compare to previous dates.