APRIL 19 2021 - NEW AND HORRIBLE USER INTERFACE CHANGES
Answers
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This thread was originally prompted by the change to individual index entry pages, from the old one where everything was just there, to the new one where everything is hidden by default and there are acres of wasted space. I'm sure I'm not the only one who sees a trend there, and it's not a trend for the better.
For example, I got the Wayback Machine to cough up this old person detail page:
And here's how much of it I could get into one screenful in the new version:
Aint progress wonderful. Not.
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To me it looks like they are fitting more on the screen ... Not less. There appears to be less 'wasted space' than in the previous view??
A nice bold banner across the top indicating who and what record you are viewing ... The same index record is still sitting front and center - but no longer bordered/boxed and line ruled/separated. Yes you have to click the Document Information drop-down to view it now. But otherwise there is the same plus more (similar records hints) on the screen?? The 'cite this record' is visible at left where formerly it was below off your screen. And right is now left ... I guess they want to train both sides of the brain... And to print use familiar browser print options ... Unless it's also under SAVE? Yep, it's still all there ... plus more features added since then ...??
I guess I would more call it change - progress might be in the 'eye of the beholder' ...
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"Progress" it certainly was not, when the record view went from something like the one that used to be displayed to how it is now. What is not shown in the second screenshot, but well illustrated in Julia's one (above) is the literal "waste of space" that now appears as the heading.
Why should any developer believe that the spacing and fonts now make it easier to view records?
Unnecessary spacing, etc. has caused the loss of two children from the screen display. And try switching to another family member whilst viewing the record and see how the display gets even messier.
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Thought I'd illustrate. I switched to make William's wife Alice the prime person, but his record still dominates the screen, as the "Head" of household, and now none of the children can be seen without scrolling down!
Note - in all examples (for "direct comparison") I have used the person's "Age"detail as the start-point for my screenshots.
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@Paul W I'm a little uncertain as to the comparison here...are you saying this is duplicable somewhere?
It looks like the old took you to a new page while the new expands all on the same page - thus scrolling off the initial view? I don't know that there's a hybrid - you either repaint the screen (more processing resources) or you expand on the same screen and scroll (less processing resources)?
I guess you had old view image laying around somewhere?
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No, I'm just illustrating (looking at Julia's screenshots again, maybe I shouldn't have bothered) how the huge headings and large / bold fonts that were introduced (on 19 April 2021, apparently) take up too much space and - when changing the prime person - makes the record's appearance even worse. I believe @DonMartinThomas1 raised the issue at the time, but his comments were largely ignored by the many users who are seemingly quite happy to "Carry on Scrolling" up and down the page instead of having the not- unreasonable expectation of being able to see the whole of a small family (in a census record) in one view.
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I see - yes the scroll basically saves repainting a new page. I get what you are saying now... Yes scrolling will take up more screen space.
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As I just admitted, I think @Julia Szent-Györgyi's "before and after" screenshots made it rather unnecessary for me to illustrate the issue any further. If users generally don't find viewing records more difficult now (especially as part of the source linking process) then perhaps it's just a very limited number of us who are experiencing extra effort in evaluating and adding sources since these (April 19?) changes were made.
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No- I'm more confused about how Julia's screenshots show less information in the new interface - as my post indicates - than your explanation of how the new index record takes up more space when expanding others on the same record.
As far as Source Linker I wasn't aware this newer view affected it? Doesn't it still display record index left and tree persons to match on right? What is different about the view there? Is there more scrolling there too?
It sounds like you are saying the 'view record' in Source Linker is causing this same index view to appear and you find it more difficult to view than the old view of the index ... As you illustrate here. Ok, sure it might take a little extra effort. I can see that point.
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@genthusiast, notice that my screenshot of the old layout includes all of the header/menu rows, not just for FS, but for the Wayback Machine as well -- and still manages to show everything that matters. If I had closed the WM header and scrolled down, the citation would've fit, too.
I agree that the right-hand column of the new layout can be useful, if you know what you're doing, but for most users of FamilySearch, it only serves to further confuse. This is especially true for people who only come here for historical records. Because they're unaware of the existence of FS's Family Tree, nevermind its user-contributed nature, they think that those profile links lead to some sort of different presentation of their historical record, and they believe that all of the Similar Records have been verified by some authority as definitely applying to the same person. Depending on the state of the Tree at their point of entry, such users may decide to discard all of FamilySearch as utter junk, and the worst of them will post to every genealogy forum they can access, saying that nobody should ever use FS for anything anywhere.
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Understood - but it almost looks like WM header is taking up space that FS would have anyway...
Yes I wish there were a better way of educating newer users as to features on the page. Some of the banners they are doing now may help...hopefully.
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Just wanting to chime in that I'm finding this new interface nearly unusable. It's so much harder to see things with a glance, and I'm having to search out basic search functions. I'm glad to see that my thoughts have been posted already, but eloquently. I would absolutely love if there was some way to change back to the old interface. I can't see myself wanting to sit feeling frustrated for hours, knowing that it's possible to have it function the way it used to.
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I agree with everyone one here. the new interface is USELESS.
I found the Feedback support.... Click on the Question Mark, Click "Contact Us", Scroll ALL the way down to the bottom, and click on the Link for North America FamilySearch Support, Click on Chat Support.
This is the message I received: FamilySearch Support is closed. We are open Monday through Friday from 6am to 10 pm Mountain Time. Saturdays from 8am - 6pm and Sundays 2pm-8pm. If you wish you may try contacting us during those times or you my send us a message or go to https://familysearch.org/ask/help to send us a message Thank you.
Maybe they'll listen there... fingers crossed.
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I have used this source, which is invaluable, since the days of the IGI.
However, this new version does not work properly so I am close to relegating FS to occassional use when desperate.
For example if you try to find records for Newbury, Berkshire, UK you get zero.
Please revert asap and ten get a UX company (like Lighthouse in London who I have used for App development) to start again.
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I agree that the new format is not user friendly. I was easily able to navigate though the previous one, but am having great difficulty with this one.
The ancestry format is now so much easier to use. I am seldom using family search now since I find it not very helpful with the new format.
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This is the first time in a while I've bothered logging in to FamilySearch. I absolutely HATE the non-useable format. It is utterly useless! I hope they listen to the feedback and ditch this garbage!
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I agree the new Familysearch format is really, really bad. I can't conduct a successful search at all now. The input fields of the new format are all over the place, and the results page is just hopeless and too confusing to use. The "more options" dropdown box is a joke, and it's on the wrong side of the screen.
I've been using familysearch for twenty years now and got great enjoyment from the experience. I am computer literate and spend a lot of time on my computer in genealogy research, but the record search facility in it's new format has got me beat. It's just too hard and too time consuming to use. Having the search field horizontally across the screen is such a stupid idea, It leaves me about two inches of screen space to view the results pages. I cannot imagine what made them think it was an improvement.
I've tried several times to get used to the new format, but cannot. I've decided therefore to call it quits with Familysearch and will no longer use the website at all.
Maybe someday the people who run the website will wake up and see what a blunder they've made.
Adios.
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@swmiskin & @JenniferBristol & @IanWilson88 & @Albert tarasi & @Justin L. Smith & @Barry Howard
All
FYI
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron.
You are certainly not alone ...
And, just in case you, were not aware ...
Here are some FOUR (x4) posts, in date (and, post) order of being posted, from someone, stating, to be part of the 'FamilySearch' Team that, 'Designed'; and, 'Developed", the the NEW "Results" page/screen, for "Search Records", which appears, in some of the posts, to give some "Instruction", on HOW to use the NEW "Results" page/screen, for "Search Records".
"Ideas" (ie. 'Feedback) Section
15 July 2021
[ 1 ] Discussion 90536
'Category' = Records (Searching And Viewing)
Home > Ideas > Records (Searching And Viewing)
Hello FamilySearch Community! Try out the new update to Record Search.
29 September 2021
[ 2 ] Discussion 103619
'Category' = General User Interface
Home > Ideas > General User Interface
FamilySearch's Updates to the Search Page
https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/103619/familysearchs-updates-to-the-search-page
[ 3 ] Discussion 103620
'Category' = Records (Searching And Viewing)
Home > Ideas > Records (Searching And Viewing)
FamilySearch Employee Responding to Search Page Feedback
[ 4 ] Discussion 103621
'Category' = Records (Searching And Viewing)
Home > Ideas > Records (Searching And Viewing)
FamilySearch Employee Responding to Search Page Feedback
I hope, that some of the information in these posts, may offer some help/assistance.
And ...
There are OTHER posts throughout this Forum, where the instigator of the above posts has responded with, advice; direction; instruction; help/assistance, on the NEW "Results" page/screen, of "Records Search" ('FamilySearch').
Now ...
That Said ...
You may like to ADD, your thoughts/comments, in those particular posts; so that, your thoughts/comments, like those of MANY other UNHAPPY Users/Patrons, ARE 'seen', by the Team, in 'FamilySearch', that 'Designed'; and, 'Developed" the NEW look "Search".
As you can 'see' from those posts ...
DESPITE, all the NEGATIVE 'Feedback', with regard to the NEW "Results" page/screen, for "Search Records", from those that matter, the 'lowly' User/Patrons, where the NEW "Results" page/screen, for "Search Records", was 'foisted' upon them; BEFORE, being "Fully" released to ALL User/Patrons - 'FamilySearch' RELEASED the NEW "Results" page/screen, for "Search Records", to ALL Users/Patrons.
As I already suggested ...
You are not alone ...
We are ALL "Struggling"; and, NEED "Help", with the NEW "Results" page/screen, for "Search Records", which is NOT very 'User Friendly'.
MOST Users/Patrons want the NEW "Results" page/screen, for "Search Records" to be "Reverted" BACK to the PREVIOUS "Results" page/screen, for "Search Records".
But ...
That Said ...
SADLY, I doubt that will happen ...
I know, that this DOES NOT help/assist; but, I hope, that this gives you some additional, insight; and, perspective.
Brett
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As others have mentioned, we all realize it takes time to get used to a new design. But after using the new interface for a while, I have to second many of the concerns that have been expressed here.
I was told that the new interface was supposed to do better at accommodating both novices and experts. Unfortunately, it now seems to be worse for both. The initial screen (apparently for novices) is so oversimplified that it can be difficult to get useful or accurate results. And the advanced screen is overly detailed and the design is inconsistent. I consider myself an advanced user, and I find it difficult and cumbersome to use.
The former design really was more usable for both novices and experts.
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I have been using Family Search for years and have been successful in finding many records and have never had a problem with the old format....why has someone tried to "fix this" when it wasn't broken? I agree with all of the comments and complaints made above. This afternoon I received some very important information about my grandfather and under the new format I am unable to research this information. Is there a way I can use the old format? I can't believe Family Search made this change to a site. Please bring back the old format or give instructions how to use the new one.
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I agree with the list of complaints voiced in this community. Family search is no longer user friendly, and the obvious downside to this is that many will decide to no longer use the site and do family history. Their frustration will ultimately ruin their spiritual commitment to search out their ancestors. This work is at the forefront of strong testimonies of the gospel, and for many, who are aging, it is a way of still contributing to the Lord's work. I love change when it not only advances the work, but is understandable, and subsequently, user friendly. I am totally disappointed that this site has been increasingly a frustration to many seasoned researchers, and novices alike. Please, let users test your changes before implementing them. Listen to those voices that are expressing their opinion. It is not an easy thing to do, and they are not just wanting to complain. Their complaints are valid. I will look forward to seeing changes in the future that actually make the family history work easier, that cease to frustrate.
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Absolutely agree with the vast majority of comments on here. The new interface is awful. I can no longer use it and wont be coming back to it. Its almost as if you allowed your 'Pay to View' rivals to design your new interface for you.
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My take: Some sales person came along with "new" software ("new" is always better!) and sold some administrator who never uses the system to find anything and they installed it. (Of course, he has to justify his salary by making changes!) And in an organization many of whose members are used to deferring to the higher-ups (like many religious groups), this was an easy sell.
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If a thousand persons show disagreement and dismay at something, they could be right!
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But it needs humility for someone to admit what thousands are advising, here and elsewhere, and say:
"Sorry, we got it wrong!"
The main problem is, what's the point of even an apology if everything is going to remain as it is?
BTW - One person you won't be getting any apologies from is the lead designer of the revised interface: he has left the organisation.
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I'm a regular user of the FamilySearch. I am so disappointed in these new changes. I feel that the site is much less user friendly. It takes many more clicks to find simple information for an individual. I can't even see how to search. This is so frustrating. What we were using in the past was so much easier and enjoyable. These new changes have created a mess!
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First off, I am not a new user. I've been registered here since at least 2010. I just haven't been here for a while because I was sorting and formatting all the information I've gathered over the years.
When I finally got to where I could look up a record I didn't yet have, instead of adding info to a family tree, what did I find but this hot mess of a "new and improved" site.
Why can't I find a simple death certificate? I know the name, I know the date of death, I know the PLACE of death. But what results did I get? Census records. Where is the sidebar where you used to specify what type of record you're looking for? From reading the above complaints, I guess it's somewhere around forty or so clicks as I blindly try to decipher what shows up on the screen.
I second what others have said - repeatedly - bring back the old user interface. If it ain't broke, dear people, please don't try to fix it.
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This new interface is still a mess. The old search engine was so intuitive and just a charm to use - this new one, is just junk.
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I am a 30+ year genealogy veteran and continue to be frustrated with the new interface. What used to be a simple, intuitive one is now a cluttered, trying to be "cute," one with extra steps to take. Once you do have a usable result it is once again a busy presentation instead of simple and straight forward. This used to be my go to site and the one I recommended to even beginners. Notice I express my last comment in past tense. I now go to this site as a last resort and would not dream of recommending it to someone. I am tech savvy but have just closed the tab on this site once again is utter frustration. Could I maybe find what I am after? Yes, after taking far more steps than I did before or not even being give the option I used to have to narrow down search hits. This is not a good ROI of my time.
I would like to give details of issues but the list is far too long. It would be best to have a developer follow along as I navigate these muddied waters. Was beta testing done at all???
Either give the choice to used the prior version or scrap this one and start over with heavy user/beta testing and input. PLEASE!
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The new web site is horrible .. it’s like they actually don’t want anyone to use it. Please tell me you didn’t pay money for this so called website upgrade. lol!
I can’t imagine even the most talented savoy computer user would agree how Un User friendly the new website is.
way to go FamilySearch.org!!
this website SUCKS!!
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