Thursday, August 30, 2012

New Design, Need your help & Feedback


Ok, so after a year of effort we have launched the new design.  (not to be confused with the database crash bugs and glitches recently occurring)

The reviews are mixed. Some hate it because it doesn't work perfectly for them, while it might work perfectly for others. The problem is we are trying to do so much, and are such bleeding edge with this stuff that we can't test it out on all 10,000 variations of browser sizes, types, version, Mac or PC.

So we need your help. Tell us what you like and what you don't like. We can tweak it so it will work on more browsers.

Just so you know, here is the goal.

GOAL 1: LARGER DEFAULT IMAGE ON POP UP
a) Old way. After doing a spreadsheet search one would mouseover a MLS# to see the 4 inch preview image. The images were preloaded so it would be screaming fast. Ie, the image would appear in under .1 seconds after mousing over the MLS#.

b) New way Attempt #1: A mouseover of the MLS# would show the LARGE image as the default. 4x larger. We also preloaded these images so they would be instant, but it crashed many computers since thefilze sizes were so big. 100 results x Large images = too much for some.

c) New way Attempt #2: Instead of preloading the default image, we call them up after you mouseover. The upside is it doesn't crash some of your computers. The downside is the .1 second reaction time jumps to .5 seconds or even 1 second, which is too slow for us instant gratitude people.

d) Proposed new way: Stick to the preloaded middle size images, but keeping the new pop up for the other benefits (see below). You can see the larger main image (after doing another rollover) 1 second after the instant middle size image.

GOAL 2: SEE ALL 30 IMAGES  FROM THE POP UP
a) This custom pop up software (after 6 programmers failed to achieve this) is more interactive. It lets the user see all 10-30 more photos, all in the huge size, all from within the pop up. No need to go to the full listing page. A huge time saver (eventually once the bugs are gone)

GOAL #3 Coming soon: See ALL DATA in POP UP
a) Now it will also let you see the remarks and address and price like before. But soon it will show most of the same data available in the Full listing. Tax assessment, former price, #bdr, etc. REALLY saving time.

So keep emailing me your thoughts. Be kind. Jerks will be told to go elsewhere. Send screen shots if something looks funky and if I only hear from the negative nellies, those that like it might lose out.


Other fixes: Login was being hidden based on your browser width. That has been fixed.

Frank
Broker FranklyRealty.com
Owner FranklyMLS.com

p.s. Please leave a comment about your thoughts (consider reading the other comments too). And use a name other than Anonymous. Heck use a fake name. It makes it easier to reply to a different name. Also try and include your computer type and monitor type.

60 comments:

  1. I used to be able to send people listings, by sending the URL of the listing. With the new system,popping up whenever I hover, I can't do that. That reduces the functionality.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I strongly dislike the new version. Now, when I mouse over a listing it flashes for only just a second. I can't even see everything even if I switch to gallery. Additionally, a secondary browser opens up. Why? The old way was so much better. I simply cannot follow this design.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What you describe is horrible. That is not what it is supposed to do.

      Email me directly so we can fix it.

      Delete
    2. I also strongly dislike the new version. It just is not user friendly like the old verison.

      Delete
    3. I agree, this new version is awful, when you try and look at a house it won't stay on the one it jumps all over, very unusable.

      Delete
    4. Please use a real or fake name. Hard to reply to so many Anon. I Don't know who is who.

      10:04am Anon, did you watch the video. It should not jump if you mouseover to the right so you can see more of the photos. If you mouse down, it will go to the next listing.

      Delete
  3. It works differently depending which computer I am using. My work computer has Windows XP and I am using Firefox. All the images load for the listings at the top and I have to scroll down to the bottom to see the actual spreadsheet. If I were to print a webpage with 30 listings, the print would be 24 pages long. When I mouse-over the listing nothing happens.

    My home computer is running Windows 7 and the same version of Firefox. I believe this is running as you intend but the mouse-over does take a long time (generally closer to 1 second). With the current configuration, this is the best way for me to use your website.

    I pretty much can't use my Ipad on this site as the large mouse-over pictures take up more than the whole screen.

    I personally loved the old website and would love to see it return. It was so simple, loaded quickly, and provided a wealth of information. If I wanted to see more pics/info that wasn't on the spreadsheet (which pretty much had more than the basics) I would just load that particular page. I was able to scan through new listings very quickly. I started using the old site about 3 years ago and pretty much stopped using any other site since.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can't stand the new version, I don't like how a larger image appears as soon as you scroll over the info.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jm, can you email me a screen shot of the computer where it isn't working.?

    Have you tried. Franklymls.com/m for the ipad

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have not tried the /m or the pix & info option, so I will need to see if I like that better.

      I actually used the Ipad this weekend and it worked much better (don't know if you changed something or not), although not as good as the previous version; however, I'll have to respond again after I try your suggestion.

      Delete
    2. I have not tried the /m or the pix & info option, so I will need to see if I like that better.

      I actually used the Ipad this weekend and it worked much better (don't know if you changed something or not), although not as good as the previous version; however, I'll have to respond again after I try your suggestion.

      Delete
    3. What's your email?

      Delete
    4. Yep, I spent about 5 hours making it better.

      Soon we might sniff for screen size and show something different depending on the screen size.

      I also added a link to Mobile Version, that onlynipad and iPhone/cell people will see.

      Delete
  6. Jm, also want to know if you have tried the Ipad using the Pix & Info option instead of Spreadsheet. It looks pretty good. I might even make it the default.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I dislike the new version, it makes it very hard to browse and scan. The pop-up is annoying.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anon, need more info.

    How small is your screen?

    Have you tried it on a big screen?

    ReplyDelete
  9. On a mac with firefox and safari I get no pop ups. I like the old pop ups but the new larger ones (that I was getting) were really dramatic. The problem is that getting back to the main page was tough. When they are working again I will post more.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Art,
    Are you a new poster or are you the recent anonymous?

    Did you see the video in this blog post? Does yours look like that?

    So now you get no pop ups at all? I am confused. You say no pop ups but then you say you don't like the larger pop ups. Which is it?

    What is your monitor size?

    Frank

    ReplyDelete
  11. I strongly dislike the changes you've made to this website. It requires too much maneuvering of the mouse; if I only want to see particular listings, first I have to find the listing in the spreadsheet, move to the left to see the photo, close the large preview picture that pops up (which is too large for a preview, IMO), then go back to spreadsheet to find the next listing I'm interested in. Also, I normally keep my screen zoom level at 125%, and I have to reduce it to 100% to use the new version without it being overly annoying. I don't see the value in having the small, additonal pictures available on the preview page without being able to see the comments on the property. I also miss being able to see a brief description of the property without having to actually click on it. I used to only use your website to view properties, and now am back to using the other ones due to your redesign.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sept 1 Anon,
      Did you see the video? You are missing the point of the design.

      Delete
    2. Don't ask for feedback unless you really want it. Apparently, you only want feedback from those who like the changes you have made to your website.

      I have spent years in systems design, and can tell you that just because you think something is better does not mean that your website users do.

      Delete
    3. I do want feedback on how it looks on your computer and your specific thoughts to improve it. You have offered up nothing.

      Delete
  12. Frank, I like the me w design. I primarily work from my iPad in the field. I'm a visual gal and typically search in Gallery Mode. That works well. When I am Spreadsheet Mode, I just simply move the mouse over each listing to view. It would be great if we could check the box on the right and just be able to send some a few checked listings. ( just a thought)

    Peggy James
    Realtor- Lake Ridge Virginia

    ReplyDelete
  13. Couldn't have left well enough alone, huh? I despise the new design. The hover over pop up image obscures every other listing on the page, the pop up window cannot be resized, and the main results window extends beyond the width of my monitor. Just go back to the prior version...the one that worked, and worked well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Or I could work to fix it to work on the 5% who have small monitors like yourself

      What do you have?

      95% of the users shouldn't have to suffer for the 5%

      Help me fix it. If you dont want to help, please use another site

      Did you even see the video...

      Delete
    2. Yes I saw the video and the site displays exactly as depicted both on my home and office monitors (which, by the way, are not small).

      Why have resize handles on the pop up if the resized setting doesn't stick?

      I much preferred the former style where the pop up was unobtrusive and I could fully scan the spreadsheet pages to zero on specific listings. Now I have to deal with the large pop up covering the majority of the listings.

      You asked for feedback...no need to be all defensive about it!

      Delete
    3. I asked for useful feedback. This is better.

      You said the new windows covers up data of the other listings. Didnt the other Window do that.

      I will try and make the width less long. But we show a ton of data and the scrolling will be there for most users. I put the less important items on the far right. I can play with the font. Maybe give people the option, or shrink font based on monitor size. All things that can be tweaked before going back.

      I will look into the resizing.

      Delete
    4. The former pop up window was small and provided just enough information for the user to decide whether or not to open the full listing in a new page. It did not obscure the remaining listings on the spreadsheet page.

      Instead of tweaking the new pop up, perhaps provide an option for the user to enable or disable it?

      Delete
    5. That is a possibility. I will look into that.

      The goal however is to have it all. Instant pop ups that let you see the rest of the listings and all of the data on this listing in the pop up.

      Have you tried Pix and Info mode?

      Frank

      Delete
    6. Regarding the resizing. I have turned that off. It is silly to offer a resizing option but then not allow that to be the new size.

      Looking into if there is a way to keep that resized window

      Delete
  14. I love the new design. Keep it coming and add the same design on the information page.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The new design looks great on my computers, both Mac and PC! I really like the way the large images and additional info pop-up when I hover over the listing, and when I'm finished looking at the info I simply mouse off of the info and the pop-up goes away. On my computers it seems like everything is working as you intended it to work - no complaints from me! Hopefully those who don't like the changes or are having problems with the site will provide you with the information needed for you to make repairs/improvements. You've given us a wonderful site for a long time now, and it should be obvious to everyone that you're always working to make it even better. Thanks for making such a valuable tool available - I really appreciate it, Frank!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You put it great. People don't realize that the site is constantly evolving. Allowing more and more features, while making it faster and faster. It isn't just a coincidence that it has lightening speeds. And if it was the same speed as 4 years ago (when it seems fast back then), people would think it was slow by today's standards.

      I do hope they give me helpful information and are open to working with me to make the site even better.

      Delete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  17. From Paul @ True North Realty

    Frank - Love the new site. Change is hard for people and obviously so are habits. I use FranklyMLS.com daily and love the tweaks you do over time.

    Don't tell MRIS, but I probably spend more time on your site than in MATRIX. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just an update. We are working on having the old format show up for people with smaller screens. And the larger screen people get the new style. Also changing the software for how images are viewed so they preload better making them 10x faster.

    See, always making improvements.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Am trying to get used to new site. Going in right direction. Always looking for improvements to things I like to use; however,
    1) I would have to agree with others about the size of the pop up. Although I like having a larger pic, it seems to be surrounded by alot of white space. Maybe if that was reduced, it would be smaller and not obscure all the other data. 2)Suddenly today, I no longer get the pop-up preview. Maybe a temp glitch?
    (3) I have saved a search. When I first sing on, the link does not work and I have to do a fake search, scroll to the bottom, and then the saved search link will work.
    4) when designing the search, it was a bit quirky. When I put in the same search string I have always used, it gave me almost no results. I then tried using the drop downs/lists and nothing. I tried a couple of different things, and no change. I finally had to manually type most of it to get the search I have now. Ran the search. The search string stays in the box like it used to, but if I press GO again, it gives me no results. It is like it does not recognize the search string already inside the search box. The saved search link works, but if I run the same search again using the search box, it gives me nothing.
    5) for several listings over the past week that I have received emails about- the link says there is no such listing. Glitch?
    6) the pop ups working for the search listings, but not on the favorites list. (prior to today's issue of not working at all)
    6) have been using your site for over two years and I love the concept. Saves me so much time looking for properties. Keep up the good work in trying to make this work.

    ReplyDelete
  20. 1) what is the size of your monitor?
    We are considering changing the pop up based on browser size, but usually that creates unintended consequences.
    As for the white space, it is necessary because the alternative results in a jumpy pop up. All over the place.
    What cover up data are you referring to? I plan on putting more data on that listing into the pop up.

    2) 20 minutes today it didnt work. I was trying to fix it for others. Let me know if it still doesn't work for you.

    3) first I heard of this. Thanks

    4) are you referring to the beta novice search or the front page search box? What was your exact search?

    5) fixed a few days ago. Unrelated.

    6) i dont think it ever worked did it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Anon, #2, you were right. I completely broke the pop up trying to fix it. I thought I reverted back to where I started. It should be up now.

      Delete
  21. 6) yes, the pop up worked for the favorites before the change.

    4) my current search: active (prince william,loudoun,culpeper,stafford,fairfax,spotsylvania,fauquier) [Lot3-100] Detached

    when I first go to page, it remembers me and this string is already in the search box. no saved search on bottom of page. I press GO. 1 result. Scroll to bottom of page and press the saved search with same string. 932 results.

    1) pop ups- when they came up- covered all the way across except for the last column. Just tried it and it seems a bit more narrow now so, better.

    Thanks for being on top of the feedback. love the site.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you email me directly?

      I want to ask about your monitor size and what browser you are using. Also if you can cut and paste the exact URL that you get when you get the 1 result. My guess is you are hitting some preset maximum number of characters in the search. We have to limit it because it massively slows down the servers for other users.

      Yes I spent a few hours making the pop up narrower.

      I think we are going to default with a middle size image and give people the option to see only large images.

      Delete
    2. I have a large laptop screen (17inches) and I am quite frustrated with the changes. Whenever I am trying to preview a listing, I am bounced all over the place so I am lucky if I end up previewing the house I was trying to look at. I am not sure if it is more sensive than before but it is irritating when I can't get the correct listing to open on my screen. I have no problem with the pop up size as long as it is the correct listing.

      Delete
    3. Laptop Anon,
      Try it now. I recently changed it from taking up 100% of the vertical screen so it would be smaller. I knew that maybe for a few people (not anything I can see from my 10 test computers) it might become jumpy.

      Watch the video too. Does it look like that for you.

      So reload your results and the new fuller pop up should come up.

      Delete
    4. I checked the site today and it is so much better!! Not nearly as jumpy. Thank you so much for taking the time to actually listen to and respond to these postings. It will make seaching through the listings much easier.

      Delete
  22. Hello Frank,

    I liked the old format and found it very useful as a home shopper. I have not had a chance to try the new one out yet. I was going to this evening but can't right now as a runtime error page is whats coming up at the moment. Perhaps you are doing maintenance?

    Appreciate your efforts,

    Steve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ok, but that fix might make it worse for another user.
      We are working on another version that is smaller yet interactive.

      Delete
  23. I have yet to see the new format. Every time i attempt to visit the site i get a chopped up search page and even more disorganized search results page. I get the same result using IE or Firefox.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What size browser does you have?

      Did you see the video.? That is what i see. I don't know what you see. So I don't know what a chopped up search looks like.

      Delete
    2. I watched the video and the results of my first search this morning were in the new format, but have since reverted back to a disjointed view. The results page that comes up features pictures of every house one above the other down the entire page, until i get to the spreadsheet list at the very bottom. I'm using firefox on a 19-inch monitor.

      Delete
  24. I strongly dislike the new webdesign, it is very slow and I have a new computer. In the past I used this website and recommended it to everyone, I will now have to stop doing that because it often freezes my computer and will not let me view past page 6. CAN YOU PLEASE BRING THE OLD SITE BACK.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon, so many people named Anon.

      Did you watch the video to see what it is supposed to look like.

      I would rather personally help figure out how to make it work on your computer than deprive everyone else of the new version.

      Delete
  25. COMMENT ON POSSIBLE NEW LOOK:

    Check this out, what do you think about this new pop up design I am kicking around?
    http://69.65.109.84/default.aspx?m=R&l=350K&h=650K&s=22307

    The goal still is to make the window narrower and give people the option to see the larger images as the default.

    Ignore any map error you might get. Also the preloading isnt ready yet and that will make it faster.

    ReplyDelete
  26. What happened to the franklymls.com site? I haven't been able to view it all week. Is it down? Why? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey sue, the site is fine. Thousands use it daily. What error are you getting? Try another computer r another browser.

      Delete
  27. I'm glad to hear that the site is fine but I still cannot connect to it. With Chrome I get this message: "Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to franklymls.com Try reloading: franklymls.­com" When I use Firefox I get this message "The connection has timed out. The server at franklymls.com is taking too long to respond." Internet Explorer gives me a similar message, "Oops! Internet Explorer could not connect to franklymls.com
    Try reloading: franklymls.­com"
    I am not having the problem on any other website. Other than finding another to use, do you have any suggestions? I even tried connecting through an email, no go. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hum.
      Not sure why you can't see it but everyone else can. I would get tons of emails if it was down for everyone else.

      Maybe somehow it is blocked by a company firewall? Are you looking at home or at an office?

      Does it pull up on your cell phone? Or any other computer?

      I will ask my programmers, but pretty sure er will say the same thing.

      Delete
    2. Can you email me a screen shot. The programmer can not understand why you are getting errors.

      Delete
  28. Ok we changed the pop up. It is much smaller.

    Now we are working on 5 things.
    1) The location of the pop up (default is near the top of the screen, fine for those with smaller screens)
    2) The multiple images are loading slowly, need to get that faster
    3) Making a link inside the pop up to go to the home more easily
    4) Making it so you can click on the 4 inch image in the pop up to see the next and previous image (so you don't have to click on the 1-30 small #s)
    5) Preloading the main image so it is even faster

    ReplyDelete
  29. Bunch of new fixes
    1) Favorites pop up works now
    2) Location of pop up is near the mls# (working on making it lower so you can read the data on the home)
    3) The 10-30 images within the pop up is 90% faster!!!
    4) Preloading the default main image to make it MUCH faster upon rollover.
    5) Link to the home is available now in the pop up itself.

    Feedback?

    Should I give an option for the larger size images to be the default? Or make it the default if the computer screen is over a certain size.

    ReplyDelete