[H-source-users] Making database easier for visitors to search

[Ciarán O'Riordan]

Hi all,

I sent a mail to the info@ address, but some people here might also have
ideas for improving the site interface.

I recently used the site for the first time and I think it could be much
easier and faster.  I'm assuming that people come to h-node to check if a
piece of hardware works with free software or not.

They have a model number and they want to search: so there should be a big
search box right there on the home page.

The "category" drop down box should be noted as optional.  A lot of the
time, it's not really necessary.

For example, if I want info on the HP printer, model p1102, I should be able
to type just "p1102" into the search box on the front page.  If there's a
video card and a motherboard that also have that model number, then I'll see
three results:

* p1102 - printer - HP LaserJET - DOESNT WORK WITH FREE SOFTWARE
* p1102 - video card - NVtech - Works with free software
* p1102 - motherboard - BlaCOM - Works with free software

So, starting at h-node.org, getting the crucial info (it works or it
doesn't) should only require typing the model number and hitting return.
Then if I want more details, I can click on the printer and see that
device's page.

So my three main suggestions are:

1. A search box on the home page

2. The search results page should say if the device works/not/partially

3. Top of device page should have a big red warning if it doesn't work:
   "DOESNT WORK WITH FREE SOFTWARE - DO NOT BUY!"

What do others think?  Any other suggestions for making it easier for
visitors to find the info they want?

-- 
Ciarán O'Riordan
+32 (0) 485 118 029
http://ciaran.compsoc.com/

http://EndSoftwarePatents.org/ - http://en.swpat.org/