Records Search Page Feedback
I received this feedback from a patron:
I help other people with family history, most of whom use Family Search only occasionally. Many older people, especially, have trouble learning to use the computer. So any time something changes--especially a change as dramatic as the new Search page--it is a BIG DEAL. One of the ladies I work with said she might as well give up because "they keep changing things."
I mostly use filters for "Type" of record and "Location." Now I have to scroll a significantly longer distance to get there. Another filter I use a lot is "Family Member." Once again--way down the page.
The order of the filters didn't change--only the spacing. The extra space comes from blank lines between every field and "Remove ----" links instead of the "X" that used to do the same thing. Were those changes really needed?
Also, why was it necessary to change the side of the screen for More Options? Once again, it feels like a change just for the sake of change, and that can be confusing. If the More Options had remained on the left, the scroll bars would have been easier to use. I didn't explain very well when I talked about two scroll bars, but I meant the scroll bar for the More Options and the one for the Filter Results. (I usually leave More Options up, as I'm continually tinkering with my filters.) They are now right next to each other, so it's easy to grab the wrong one. Also, trying to scroll through the Feedback tab (which is hiding part of the More Options scroll bar) can be disconcerting to some users!
There are some really great features to Family Search (my favorite is the Source Linker--please don't change that!!), but I feel like it is becoming less user-friendly instead of more. This change (and the previous change to the page of Records resulting from a search) didn't change functionality. They just changed appearance and use. I hope this helps to show some of the issues that come from changing Look and Feel. "If it's not broke, don't fix it!"