The master ribbon idea

[Lightning Dash 327]

I've noticed you get quite a few suggestions here and there so i don't want to add to that stress. This can be a future idea for Poniverse, still I wanted to bring this up early so it gets enough thought.

 

Recently I've been speaking with Artemis via Skype and I brought up the idea of the network having a master ribbon. I've become aware that there maybe plans on how the layout and design will be. Still, I thought I could chip in here to see what I can come up with and I ended up with a magnificent master ribbon that simply looks gorgeous and goes great with the current design of the forums and network. But the design is just part of the idea. As this is a network, I had the idea of implementing a master ribbon that appears on each of the network sites and allows quick navigation from site to site. plus the member controls (inbox, notifications, etc) could also be added onto the master ribbon.

 

This way not only can you jump from site to site and access all the help links from anywhere within the network, but you can also keep check of your notifications and if you've received new PMs and such. I did spend some time to create a master ribbon to give an idea on what I mean but it turned out so nice I thought that maybe the design and layout I came up with could actually be used, at least parts of it. It's still a work in progress though but if you ever do consider it I can always change things around like the colors, dimensions, etc, it's no stress for me. I thought it would be a neat contribution for the network. Breaking it down, the new features it would have:

• Replacing the sticky nav bar with a master ribbon at the top of each network site.
• Quick navigation regardless of the Poniverse site you're on.
• Will allow us to check up on any new notifications and PMs we may receive.
• Would make the network less confusing to new-comers
• Also Features the Poniverse logo

Also I was thinking of adding an extra button on the master ribbon that allows us to hide it. It could be made sticky like the current one we have with the added bonus to hide the ribbon with the click of a button. While I was doing this I did add a logo for Poniverse and some of you may have noticed it's the same one I'm using in my profile. I initially created it as a possible logo for the network only I never mentioned it and used it for something else. To be honest, the current logo is a little dull and boring, no offense On to the images and as I said, keep in mind this is still a work in progress. Things can always be added and changed if you see fit that's if you ever take up this layout/design (Click-able).

 

My master ribbon design

 

 

 

As it would look on the forums

 

 

 

As it would look on the Poniverse homepage

 

 

 

The drop down box

 

 

 

New Poniverse logo

 

 

 

As it would look like when the drop down box is open

 

 

 

And just to give more information on what does what

 

 

 

 

Not everything here has to be taken into consideration, but in my opinion, it all goes together perfectly. Like I said at the top, known of us really know what's going on behind the scenes but I'm aware that maybe you already have plans on how the network is going to be/look. Regardless, a master ribbon would benefit all users. Because I don't know what's being planned, obviously, I thought I'd bring up this idea and put in my own design for it.

Edited March 23, 2015 by Lightning Dash

[Jamie 302]

First of all, I would like to congratulate you for summoning me out of my cave!

 

But down to business. For a while now, us at Poniverse have been considering a concept very similar to this which involves incorporating certain cross-site functionality into each Poniverse site's navigation bar. Like what you've shown, this includes universal notifications, account dropdown and an efficient site-switcher as well as some other such perks. So far, we haven't concluded on when or even if such a feature will be incorporated into Poniverse, though we all see strong potential in the idea. Right now (Like, literally right now. I stopped to type this) we're working on some really cool design-driven stuff that effects both MLP Forums and Poniverse as a whole, though I'm afraid I'm not at the liberty to divulge right now.   But don't threat. Plenty of time for that later in the year.

 

Regardless, it's really interesting and actually quite inspiring to see community members suggest ideas like this, and to sometimes go even further and create mockups of their ideas like what you've done here.

 

If I were to make any suggestions based on your designs, I would recommend making each ribbon slightly unique to each site, but still preserving consistency. This can be done by changing the button or background colours to more closely reflect the theme of each site. The Poniverse logo was designed with this in mind; allowing a person to identify the logo via the shape rather the colours. Though not currently implemented into Poniverse's sites, the logo can take on the colours of the site it is featuring on to complement rather than contrast with the style that has already been set. This was enabled by the simple and organically flowing shapes that are much more easily rememberable than a logo with complex features and shapes. Sure, some people like yourself prefer a more complex; more lively logo, but I guess that's down to personal preference. 

 

So yeah, awesome stuff! And I think you'll be interested to see what we have in-store later down the road...