I’ve done 2 suggestions for groups. There is the addition in these of a possible new function which would be a group header image.
Also here is another suggestion with the same layout but different controls – using a drop down action bar.
@karmatosed,
I prefer the second version except move the group avatar above “Join Group”… this would be similar to your Profile mockup.
It will look too much like profiles if avatar is on left column. I think mods and admin pics should be in left column bottom
@modemlooper : That all depends on what the profile looks like 
Nothing is set yet.
@modemlooper,
I think there are better ways of distinguishing a member vs group than relocating an avatar. Frankly, the content of each is what should separate the two. If the Group had its own Home page that contained its own profile, together with breadcrumbs, styling, etc, then those should provide enough cues. Not that you’re suggesting this but having the avatar on top of the custom group header would require the admin to customize the header image to accommodate the avatar. The group admins would be sending me digital arrows.
How about the header spanning the entire width instead where the left column including the avatar starts below it? That would definitely set it apart from the member profile.
@Quint: Do you want to do a wireframe of that? Be good to see what you are thinking visually.
@karmatosed,
I don’t have any wireframe tools but I’ll give it a shot.
@Quint : just blocking it could be good to see and thank you that would be great.
Cool, thanks. I think pods would be great for someone to use if want but rolling in may not be so great – not my decision to make though just my opinion. Let me add those to the list which will be considered later today in the developer meeting at 19:00 UTC.
Here is a summary wireframe based on everyone’s thoughts and feedback so far for groups directory:
@karmatosed,
The differentiating item on this page, besides the Group Name and Description, would be the Group Header. This would clearly (to me) be an item that an Admin would take great care in designing to ensure that they can separate/distinguish themselves from the also rans. Just having an Avatar doesn’t cut it, imho. I know for a fact that my group admins would go hire a designer to get that header “right”. In fact, artists would be featured globally if this were allowed (a source of income to those folks everywhere). Anyway, you can tell I have a strong opinion about what this could mean for a lot of folks… but it’s just one solitary opinion.
Laying out the admins and mods in this manner presents that information as very important content vs the rest of the page. To me, that’s really an “aside”. If I’m a member of a group, I really don’t care who the admins and mods are UNTIL I need them (I better not need them the majority of the time) that I’m on this page. They should be “tucked” away–still in sight but not “in-your-face”.
This mockup may exclude the header and vertical navigation (by design) which then makes my comment about the admins and mods location the only relevant contribution.
Thanks for pulling it all together.
@Quint: In this weeks developer chat it was the consensus that headers per group / profile would be more plugin territory so that isn’t going to be something included.
Here is a suggestion for the members directory. Moving from all the way across into a more ‘card’ view. If this was mobile it would simply revert to full width.
@karmatosed,
That’s right… I do recall when that happened. Unfortunately, I don’t have the technical chops to debate this or any such topic. All I can do is trust the most senior people who make the proposal and support them when they make the call. At the end of the day, when a revision to BuddyPress makes its way to production, it’s a great day. And there are lots of those… for which I am grateful.
@Quint: You don’t have to be technical to have an opinion on this. Your opinion is valid and very welcome. I’m just a user like everyone here – the core team are allowing us all to have a voice which rocks I agree.
I think custom profile ‘banners’ are very cool. If someone thought groups can have custom headers but member profiles can’t, I’d like to see that argument. Also, see Facebook or Google+. I think this important.
Also agree not sure group mods/admins need such prominence; better to have a tag or flair (see http://www.dailydot.com/news/reddit-gets-bit-flair/) next to name in certain places.
With that in mind here is a suggestion for groups then:
That only shows the admins but the idea would be to show mods / admins and slide out the avatars area like a small area / layer to show groups / admins.
@karmatosed,
Thanks for pulling it together.
How about the following: Since both Admins and Mods are Members of a Group, why not access them from the filter and/or the nav menu under Members? This way, they’re not just a face/avatar but also there’s also a blurb about them in the member description/profile. On the member list, they would always be listed first?
The only information that should be on the page (at the highest level) is what is “persistent”; that is, of use every time someone navigates there, imho. I guess that “Admins” button could be styled as an cool icon and placed in an inconspicuous place (if the community voted to keep it directly accessible on the page as illustrated)?
And to piggyback off of Paul’s suggestion, admin/mod flair could be used in your mockup somewhere on the avatar (Activity stream). So, as one scrolls down the list, it’s apparent who has Admin/Mod status. Anyway, just a few thoughts to consider.
1. I think the code should not specify (hardcode) the number of columns…rather the number of columns should be determined based on width available….
2. How about only having profile pictures in member directory? (overlayed name, username, etc on hover). Similar to upcoming MySpace http://vimeo.com/50071857
3. We need to add search box and sort dropdown.
Ideally, the site admin should be able to define how the list would be sorted – alphabetically, by most activity, by latest activity, etc.
4. What does filter dropdown do on the member directory page?
@OC2PS : A lot of these things I answered over on bpdevl.wordpress.com so the double posting is a bit confusing.
@karmatosed At BPDevel, you actually directed me to post here…
