Interest in feature tracker item #309 - filtering of gallery/catalog display

Is anyone else interested in possibly splitting the cost of sponsorship for this item in the feature tracker?
0000309: Allow dynamic user filtering of catalog and gallery display - ocPortal feature tracker

This would be a real big plus for users when looking for items in large catalogs and would bring a fairly standard feature to ocPortal.

Bob

Chris-

What would be the listing format for the filtered results? Would it be possible to use the grid layout requested in tracker item #301?

0000301: Provide a grid layout option for main_cc_embed - ocPortal feature tracker

Bob

It'd just filter what was already there, so it'd be the same listing format. If the catalogue was set to grid, it'd be grid I would think that the expected thing?

Yep - kind of figured that would be the same but just wanted to make sure.

Bob

I'm really surprised that there is not more interest in this feature request.

Many websites already offer the ability to progressively filter through a set of search results. This enables site visitors to zero in on the information they want much more quickly thus greatly improving their user experience and likely improving their attachment to your site.

I believe that this could be one of the most important additions to ocPortal when it is made.

Bob

I will provide seed sponsorship of one-half the cost for this project. That means the remaining 48 support credits must come from the rest go the community.

If you can possibly chip in to make this important feature available, please sponsor this feature in the tracker so we can keep track of our progress.

Bob

For those not certain what this feature would do, I am providing the following example. You've probably seen these "Refine search' filters on shopping sites like Amazon, Home Depot, Barnes and Noble and the like. Here is an example from a "information" site:


Note that the user can refine their search by selecting different options in each of the collapsed filters on the left thus homing in on the information they want more quickly.

Bob

Still surprised that there is no discussion on the merits of or need for this feature. Have none of your visitors ever mentioned this to you. It was one of the first requests I got from my "client" and he reminds me of it pretty much every time we talk.

Bob

Just came across this and thought I'd share it as another great example of this feature (used here on a shopping site).



Bob

Two good examples there, Bob.

Particularly impressed with the simplicity and cleanliness of the second one.

I guess it must be frustrating for the developers if a ham-fisted designer manages to screw up the 'simplicity' of the feature.

One can only live in hope …

Fortunately, I am quite the optimist so hope is never an issue.

I really do think this particular feature would add enormous power and sophistication to an already great product. Getting this done will be a benefit for the community as it draws in additional members and will truly benefit site visitors who will be able to zero in on the information they want quick and easily.

Bob

I am quite surprised that this feature has not received more votes, sponsorship or, at the very least, discussion. This is my most important unsponsored feature request and I think it may be the one feature which truly advances the usability of ocPortal for our members/visitors.

Has no one any comments one way or the other on this feature?

Bob

I'm still trying to drum up some additional support for this feature which will make your visitors' experiences much better. The ability to refine a search so that you can quickly zero in on the information you are seeking in catalogs and galleries would be a very big improvement in the ocPortal user experience.

Please review the following for more information:
0000309: Allow dynamic user filtering of catalog and gallery display - ocPortal feature tracker
View topic: Provide the ability for member to dynamically filter content - ocPortal (especially post #76732)

Please consider voting for and/or sponsoring this feature.

Bob