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From our archives:

 

Small Scale prototype history #3

As of October 1, 2001

 
The IDLS database and web site have been improved since the original launch of the site in January of 2000.  

On May 1, 2001 the first extensive revision was launched.  The objective of the redesign was to make the site much more usable. 

On October 1, 2001 the final revision to the prototype was launched.  The objective of the revision was to make it easier for people to join the IDLS and list their work.
 

  • The site still uses Microsoft FrontPage 2000 and Access 2000 as principal design tools.  The site works still works best with Microsoft Internet Explorer.

    In fact, the site's online forms DO NOT WORK with Netscape browsers.  This is a very big problem, and is currently the organization's top technology priority.

  • The prototype database is currently running Microsoft Access Jet Database Engine.  This platform continues to work well, with some initial performance problems now overcome.  We will focus on moving the database to a professional tool, such as Oracle or SQL 7, which provide better security and performance for a larger database.

  • We still expect that the prototype will perform reasonably well with a combined total of about 5,000 listings and a reasonable amount of traffic.  As the site reaches 10,000 entries (or sooner, depending on the number of visitors) it will become critical that the IDLS database be moved to a more substantial production scale SQL platform.

   

  • The original navigation scheme has been extensively revised to make the site far easier to use. Rollover navigation buttons have been abandoned in favor of more useful links with explanatory text. The home page has been revised completely to reflect the types of missions and goals our visitors may undertake.  The links are now simply text.  This also makes the site more efficient at page load, with far fewer images.

  • The original visual concept for the site has been abandoned, although we have kept the association of color with each major content area. The graphic design limitations of the developer are still quite evident in the simplicity of the design.  In 2001 we hope to have a professional graphics designer help give the site a more polished look. Until then, revisions will be focused purely on continuing to increase the usability of the site.

  • The database and search components remain unchanged in this revision except as follows:

    • The database now allows for multiple production companies to be listed with one movie.

    • Visitors can now search for TV, cable or radio networks to find shows that air documentary work. 
 

Hopefully the site is now a more useful tool for people.  Site visits, memberships and listings should grow as marketing begins.  

In the mean time, there are doubtless many small improvements that can be made to the prototype, which will be ongoing.  For more information about IDLS initiatives please see Activities Underway.

 

If you have questions or comments about the prototype, its development or suggestions for improvements, 
please Contact IDLS via an online message,
or e-mail us at COMMENTS@documentaryservice.org

 
You can learn more about the history of the site by accessing any of the following pages:

Small Scale Prototype January 1, 2000
A description of the site when it was first launched.

Small Scale Prototype May 1, 2001
Description of changes made to the original site.
 


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