Hi everyone,
I've been switching back and forth for a couple of days between using default Omega subtheme or Rubik theme for admin. Here are 2 screenshots, with and without an admin theme.
I am just wondering what the point of an admin theme is? I prefer without it as it looks like you're still on the same site, just in edit mode. The admin theme takes a user away to an unfamilliar layout, with unfamiliar styles, buttons etc... and to me, that just causes confusion rather than making it 'easier' for them. Setting 'Set on node form' dropdown 'No' in context (and condition=set on node form edit) allows Omega sidebars to collapse in editing mode leaving a lovely full width, easy to use editing experience. How can an admin theme, different from the original sites theme be any simpler than this?
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/63070476/with-rubik-admin.png
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/63070476/without-rubik-admin.png
I can understand the desire to stay 'uniform' across sites and using admin leaves (a little) less to do with the css but I love the fact you can click the edit button, stay on the same page, and the paragraphs turn into a editable field. That's why I turned to Drupal in the first place, to get away from 'admin' areas that didn't match the site you were editing.
Anyway, I would very much like to hear anyone elses opinion on the subject.
Thanks,
Sam.
Comments
Common Pattern vs. Pesonal Preference
The special look for the back-end is a very common pattern, which makes a strong case for it; but, in the end, it all goes down to the people using the system to decide which one they prefer. The good thing is Drupal gives the possibility to choose!
Personally, I prefer the special admin theme, since it allows me to easily tell the site admins: when it looks like this, better watch your steps, since you are using your super-powers!
Hi jedihe, Thanks for the
Hi jedihe,
Thanks for the input. I notice though that when I edit my account on amazon, or tesco, or facebook etc... I don't get transported into a completely different looking admin theme.
Sorry, I might clarify, I am trying to look at this from a clients' point of view, not for me when I'm making views etc, but for when they are editing the website.
Sam.
Omega Rubik needed?
I'd like to see an Omega based admin theme.
Drupal 7 is the first time I have used a distinct admin theme, I think it nicely separates 'the site' from the 'editing part' for users. Previously my users have had difficulty seeing where the 'admin & user facing' parts of the site begin & end, but I agree it's difficult to theme the admin based preview areas to look like the site theme. It may be enough to just rely on the overlay module to help separate 'edit mode' from 'the site'.
Ideally on a mobile first site the admin theme would also be mobile first, Rubik seems nice enough, with icons that help to distinguish site areas. Perhaps it needs parts porting to Omega?
I thought it was pretty
I thought it was pretty obvious this was in edit mode with the massive view/edit links:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/63070476/without-rubik-admin.png
I am still on the fence about this one, but more for using the default theme as it seems to 'flow' better, colours are the same, buttons are the same etc. What I'll do is present both options to my client and see which they prefer, as I've only got me and a couple of people here to test this, and they all say without admin theme is nicer and easier for the exact reason that it doesn't take you to a different 'editing' area! Lol, sigh, sometimes I wish Drupal didn't give you so much choice! But it's still awesomeness though. ;)
Sam.
I thought it was pretty
I thought it was pretty obvious this was in edit mode with the massive view/edit links:
Ya, you'd think that was obvious but sometimes it isn't so clear, especially when editing epic Drupal forms.
Bits of the site that leak in (the header & footer) start to blur the lines between who sees what & where.
I suspect you could use delta module & context to clone your theme settings & remove the other regions/ zones from the page. Omega is insanely powerful with the right modules :)
It'd be good to update this thread when you have decided, I'm still undecided on the best option.
You are right @drew reece you
You are right @drew reece you can use delta module & context to customize entry form, you can also install/enable Renderable elements http://drupal.org/project/rel in order to gain even more control of the form as you mentioned "Omega is insanely powerful with the right modules :)" so true
Renderable elements screen-cast
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSgd91tZSEc
--
http://jmolivas.com/
@jmolivas
I'll post back when I get a
I'll post back when I get a few real life users on it. :)
Sam.
After a bit of thinking, I've
After a bit of thinking, I've got this far, so I think I might attempt an admin theme based on Omega.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/63070476/more-admin.png
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/63070476/more-admin-2.png
I can't be doing with theming admin every time I make a site and rubiks 100% width is just a bit too different for my liking. I've done a load of the css already theming this admin area. Can't see why that can't be applied to a fresh Omega subtheme, and then I can just use that as admin for all my sites. I wouldn't be able to add loads of extra functionality as I'm still learning to code, but it'll look neutral but nice. :)
Don't know how well it'll work but I'll give it a shot!
Sam.