How can we improve the Forums?

[Sophie_M]

Hi all,

 

This discussion is a space for all members to share suggestions and ideas to improve the Forums. This can be anything. Navigation, notifications, topics and themes, moderation, community rules, or something else!

 

We'd love to hear about what you think we can do better. We are really grateful to everyone who has contributed their ideas already, and we're always keen to hear more. 

 

Kind regards, 

 

Sophie M

 

Please note: This is not a thread for discussing the moderation or editing of individual posts - if you have questions about this please contact the team offline via email modsupport@beyondblue.org.au 

[mmMekitty]

Hi Project Team

I understand abut the first post on a page will always be the original post from the person who originally started the discussion/thread.

What is now happening is that when I click on a notification with a speech bubble I am taken to the oldest page of that discussion, even though I have selceted to see newest to oldest. I have to then go down to the page nav & click '1' to get to the most recent  post  again.

When I click a thumbs up notification it is fine, taking me to the most recent post & ordering thhe post 'newest to oldest', as I prefer.

Sorry, I can't help with pointing to any examples where the site is set up supremely well for people who use text-to-speech software. I admit I don't use my software very well anyway.

Also, I am not familiar with other social media sites or forum-type sites, because I haven't been involved on any.

I don't think this site is awful, no, I wouldn't say that at all. I think you are doing pretty well, actually. Just a few areas that bug me, but that could easily be because I am not using my technology properly. Still, you might do well to consult with Vision Australia about accessibility for visually impaired people.

That's all I can think of to suggest.

Kind regards & hugzies, too,

mmMekitty

[ProjectTeam]

Hi mmMekitty,

Sorry for misunderstanding, and thank you for elaborating on your steps. We have been able to replicate your experience, which will help us look into it further.

Consulting with Vision Australia is a great thought. They have in fact already provided some recommendations on how we can improve accessibility on the Forums.

Kind regards,

Project Team
Beyond Blue

[Not_Batman]

I sometimes have a bit of trouble navigating the site on mobile device, so i was wondering if BB had any plans to release an app?

Ive been using the mindshift app lately. I really like its cuecards, and grounding techniques, and its audio. Its colour scheme is really nice.

the checkin and journaling part is really good. I dont know if there is a way to track the progres yet thiugh.

the app also has a section very similar to the BB forums.

[Matchy69]

I haven't been on here for awhile and have found coming back on here really hard to navigate.I am wondering what it is like for new members?

[ProjectTeam]

Hi Not_Batman

Thank you for your feedback! We're sorry to hear you're finding the Forums difficult to navigate on your mobile device.

We're looking at how we can improve navigation across devices of different screen sizes. Phones, tablets and computers. We're looking at the experience first, before we decide on the best way to bring that to you. An app is on our radar and is one of the options we'll be exploring.

If you feel comfortable sharing, we would love to hear more. What makes it easy to navigate your favourite apps? Is there something that stands out? Or if it's easier to answer, what tasks are you finding difficult to do on the Forums on your mobile device?

We loved hearing about MindShift. We installed it today and will take a closer look soon!

Kind regards,

Project Team

Beyond Blue

[ProjectTeam]

Hi Matchy69,

Is this the first time you've visited the Forums since they were redesigned in July last year? We're sorry to hear you're finding them really hard to navigate.
 
What are you finding difficult to find or do? We'll take all your feedback on board, and we can also point you in the right direction.

Kind regards,

Project Team
Beyond Blue

[Matchy69]

Hi project team,I was on here when you updated the forums and left soon after as I did find it difficult at the time navigating and other personal reasons I decided to have a break.

1. I found it hard finding the forums and seems like an effort to find it and I wonder how new members find that when I am struggling to the forums.I still find it an effort to get on though I worked out the process now.I can't seem to find any of the old discussions I have been envolved in.I have been getting emails the last couple of months for the games and cafe and one of my discussions and that is the reason I came back on here was to reply to the person on my discussion.I just worry about new members if they are having trouble navigating this side if an old member like I am.

[ProjectTeam]

Hi Matchy69,

Thank you for highlighting the difficulties you had, and are having, using the new Forums. We've received similar feedback from other members, particularly around old discussions. At the moment, for a discussion you replied to in the old Forums, there is no easy way to find it again in the new Forums. We understand the importance of this problem, and are investigating whether there's a way we can reconnect members to the old Forums discussions they were engaging with.

Finding discussions you started in the old Forums is much simpler. These can still be found in the new Forums, by selecting "Your discussions" in the main menu at the top of the page.

We know the transition to the new Forums has been bumpy for active members, so we can understand your concern for new members. Transferring posts from the old Forums to our new one, has led to some unforeseen issues. Thankfully, these particular issues don't apply to new members. If there are new members reading this post, like Matchy69, we would love to hear how you're finding the Forums too.

We're so thankful the community has members like you, looking out for their peers ❤️

Kind regards,

Project Team
Beyond Blue

[blondguy]

Hey Hey Project Team

Thankyou for the thread topic

Overall the forums are an improvement from when I signed up and thankyou for the positive changes.

PRO'S: Our 'optics' are a lot better than before. Presentation is Excellent

* Well designed layout for experienced members

CON'S: 

* NEW POSTS' requiring assistance nearly invisible to respond to thus explaining protracted response times

* Post Counts...they've gone. I didnt know...

* Tiny little 10mm profile pictures.....Original sizing has gone..I didnt know

* I really feel for any readers/possible new members trying to post for assistance with a mental illness.

* No transparency/consultation with long term members/senior volunteers/Life Members

my kindest always

Paul

[spiralshapesun]

would love an app