In response to the suggestions, we decided to break down our main page into three basic content boxes (excluding the logo/header):
1. Simplified dropdown menu. This means: a) renaming the “External” category to something less confusing, such as “resources”, etc.; b) limiting each dropdown column to no more than two levels.
2. Expanded JavaScript slideshow, featuring: a) an initial slide describing “what is” the CDG; b) additional content relocated from the “popular data sets” and “featured topics” boxes; c) and additional slides for rotating content.
3. A very bright/distinct, aggressive box sharing the central part of the screen with the slideshow, containing an invitation for new users, and/or a login for existing ones. This will be the touchstone that all users can recognize as a starting point. This will link to the same “About” page as the “about” header in the dropdown, as well as the initial slide in the slideshow.
Let’s see what this looks like.
Climate Data Guide Redesign 