NABUUR blogs

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NABUUR blogs http://www.nabuur.com/en/blog en Time for Spring Clean!! http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/pelle/time-spring-clean Hi all, Here we are with the 7th development cycle, the first one in May 2008. The good weather has finally reached the Netherlands, so: Time for Spring Clean! Which is exactly what we’ve done with the demo site this time: we’ve swept a broom through the menu on the left AND created an easy content menu on top of the screen. My NABUUR Brings you to your personal homepage with - an overview of the unread posts in the Villages and Groups you’re a member of. - Which people from your network are online - Other neighbours that have the same interests or expertise as you - Tasks that would match your interests - Your latest postings and pictures From this menu item you also have access to your profile Groups Next to the Villages, the possibility of having special interest groups has also been created. Think of a group of people interested in Sustainable Agriculture, or a group for neighbours living in and around New York. <a href=”/group”>A few sample groups have already been created. </a> Do you have ideas on the type of groups you think are useful to NABUUR? And what possibilities should these groups have for their members to work together? Villages - Each village now has its own tagcloud - The picture gallery now works Resources Currently this tab just displays all the content that has been tagged a Resource or a Training resource. This still needs more thought. If you have ideas on how this should work or want to help set it up, please contact me at <a href="mailto:pelle@nabuur.com">pelle@nabuur.com</a>. Search An extensive search function has been added. Here you can search through all of the content of the site and also find content related to a keyword, author, country etc. As I said: EXTENSIVE!! Try it and let us know what you think. What else is there? - You can now rate any content on the site and add tags to it. - The homepage shows a tagcloud with all the tags that are given to the content of the site Looking forward to your feedback! The NABUUR team <div class="og_rss_groups"><ul class="links"><li class="first last og_links"><a href="/en/group/nabuurcom-website-maintenance-and-development-team" class="og_links">NABUUR.com Website maintenance and development team</a></li> </ul></div> NABUUR development Netherlands NABUUR.com Website maintenance and development team Fri, 09 May 2008 17:05:18 +0000 pelle 14324 at http://www.nabuur.com Starting to take shape http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/pelle/starting-take-shape Dear all, The results of the 6th development cycle are online now and - if you ask me - I think it's starting to take shape. Of course the design and styling still have to be done and the navigation is quite tricky here and there.... but again good progress is visible! What can you see this time? 1. Villages have the ability to pull in news from elsewhere, for instance from blogs/websites in other places. Have a look at the "News feed" of <a href="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/village/jinja-central"> Jinja Central</a>, which has news coming in from their own website. Look for the "original article" link at the bottom. This feature has some great options for the future: Local Representatives and Facilitators will be able to integrate their own website in their NABUUR page, without having to write the same content twice. As long as there is an RSS-feed of updates, it can feed back into the village at Nabuur. 2. There's a first image gallery for villages, with images mainly coming from (most of) the content in a village: an easy way to go from an image back to the news story where it appeared. (Ooops, doesn't seem to work... this will be fixed as soon as possible) 3. The neighbours of a village are displayed, including online status, and with the active ones first. And it's possible to have neighbours who don't actually have a login on the website (a local rep can present other people from his/her community). 4. User profiles are mostly done, and ready for feedback! You have a public profile to present to the outside world, and a personal user page with information for yourself. There's also a list of "similar users". You'll see HTML codes in some places, for instance if a user didn't update their profile yet, it can show something like "drostan's picture". How this will look will be arranged with the graphic design. Of course you can overcome this problem by uploading a picture to your user profile. Lost the <a href="/content/the-big-picture">Big Picture</a>? Then here's something for you! We've created an overview of the pages that have been developed, and the ones that are still to come. Just click 'The Big Picture' in the Demonstration menu. Keep your feedback coming! The NABUUR team <div class="og_rss_groups"><ul class="links"><li class="first last og_links"><a href="/en/group/nabuurcom-website-maintenance-and-development-team" class="og_links">NABUUR.com Website maintenance and development team</a></li> </ul></div> Netherlands NABUUR.com Website maintenance and development team Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:32:20 +0000 pelle 14318 at http://www.nabuur.com The Fifth cycle comes out with a bang! http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/romina/the-fifth-cycle-comes-out-with-a-bang What a past couple of weeks it’s been! Each day we’re getting the feeling that more and more is happening, and the whole picture (a website built to solely optimize all users’ experience) is clearly coming together. What’s crossed our desks these last few days? - Two new techies have been hired by NABUUR to help out with the web development. Find out more about it <a href="/content/introducing-nabuur%E2%80%99s-newest-techies">here</a>. - A new blog for all things training related has been opened, and will see many updates in the next few days. If you’re wondering where the training is headed: <a href="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/training" title="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/training">http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/training</a> - The first set of wireframes has been posted and is ready for your feedback <a href="/content/first-set-wireframes-now-ready-comments">HERE</a> These wireframes show which info or functionality should come on which screens. The design of the site still has to be done. The wireframes have been turned into Sample Villages, that are now available to be browsed here: <a href="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/village" title="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/village">http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/village</a> For example, if you click on <a href="/village/jinja-central/">Jinja Central</a> you’ll see a work in progress of what functionalities the Villages will have on the redesigned website. Based on user story prioritization, we’re working on improving these wireframes and getting other ones up and ready, so you’ll see more very shortly. <h2>Your feedback is needed:</h2> Each village homepage has two columns showing ‘News’ and ‘Project’s latest’. For example: <a href="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/village/jinja-central" title="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/village/jinja-central">http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/village/jinja-central</a> The News column shows messages from the Local Rep/Local Community, Projects latest shows project developments and results. - What kind of content would you like to see on the homepage of a village? - Do you think this gives a good overview of the status of a village? The Background page of a village (in <a href="/node/77/background"> Jinja Central</a> and <a href="/node/82/background">Kabondo</a>) shows two columns: one with the dreams of the village, their strengths and why they chose to work on this project. The other column shows more factual information about the village. - Do you feel the distinction is made clear enough? - Click on the ‘dreams’ section, do you feel this would give you the background necessary to understand the project and the community better? Priorities for the next iteration are being outlined as we speak so make sure to check back. For all the above, and the rest on the site, we’re constantly looking for your feedback so make your voices heard on this site! Have a great weekend, everyone! The NABUUR Team <div class="og_rss_groups"><ul class="links"><li class="first last og_links"><a href="/en/group/nabuurcom-website-maintenance-and-development-team" class="og_links">NABUUR.com Website maintenance and development team</a></li> </ul></div> feedback nabuur Netherlands website NABUUR.com Website maintenance and development team Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:10:28 +0000 Romina 14311 at http://www.nabuur.com Next: Training for Neighbours http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/romina/next-training-neighbours Hi all, As mentioned in the previous post, this training blog will be used to keep you updated on all things related to training redevelopment. It will also be used as a common space to take your questions and feedback, so please make sure you let me know what's on your mind! Neighbours on NABUUR have never been formally trained, although they do have access to user guides which explain the NABUUR process. While we'd rather not make the training for Neighbours mandatory, it will be strongly encouraged and they will have access to information that the other user groups (i.e. Facilitators and Local Reps) are learning, albeit in a less comprehensive manner. User Group: Neighbours Training:Optional (though encouraged) User guides will be available from the training section of the NABUUR website and maybe even Neighbours' user profiles. These guides will basically be 'scripts' which will contain information on: - Getting started on NABUUR.com and maximizing your participation - Project management on NABUUR (explaining how a project is defined, tips for working on a project, collaborating with the team, etc.) - Cultural Awareness and Intercultural Communication (Cultural awareness quiz, country guides, etc.) - Website Navigation Each guide will have an emphasis on the role of the Neighbour. I know we have many Neighbours browsing the demo site...Do you think the above covers what you would like to know about NABUUR and running an online project? Looking forward to your comments! Romina Netherlands Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:40:57 +0000 Romina 14309 at http://www.nabuur.com What will the new training look like? http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/romina/what-will-new-training-look Hi everyone, With a redesigned website on the way, the training of NABUUR users could not be left behind! In the past, Local Reps were trained on using the NABUUR website and online communication (chatting and emailing). Facilitators were trained on the basics of NABUUR (given a practical assignment of taking on a task in a Village), project management (drafting a sample project plan), and website management (working on a training Village). Neighbours did not receive a training. We're switching this up a bit...And as I know you're eager to hear about this and (hopefully) add your two-cents in, it was decided to start up this blog on all training-related matters. Below is a rough outline of what the training for Facilitators will look like. During the next few days, more specifics for each section will be added as well as sample modules. (Training information for Neighbours and Local Reps will be posted shortly.) Knowing what you know, and putting yourself in the shoes of the user, would you feel the proposed training information is sufficient to do your job? Has something been overlooked? Remember, this is only a basic outline, and as such it may be difficult for you to provide extensive feedback, but I'd love to hear your first impressions. User Group: Facilitators Training:Mandatory Application Process:Sample application form will be available soon for comment. Information provided pre-training: NABUUR Facilitator user guide; the role and requirements of the Facilitator explained. The training for the Facilitator will focus more on practicality, than theory. Before the trainee formally starts, he/she will have a more comprehensive understanding of the role they are assuming, including their responsibilities and requirements. Tips and best practices will also be shared, and a more extensive peer to peer system will be adopted (similar to the current 'new Facilitator' section of the Fac Village). The pre-training process will be explained in detail in a follow up post. In addition, a facilitator will be given the chance to be matched up with a project from the onset, and as part of the training, help to define the project plan for the Village along with the Local Representative. Summary of Training for Facilitators Part 1: Intercultural Communication/Cultural awareness Includes, but is not limited to: - Cultural Awareness Quiz (a short, automated quiz on how culturally aware the trainee is). - Intercultural Communication (effective communication with the Local Rep, tips for online chatting, asking and answering questions, etc.). - Accessibility to country guides for cultural etiquette and basic knowledge information (via third party). Part 2: Project Management Includes, but is not limited to: - NABUUR Project Management style explained. - How a NABUUR project is defined (resource to be used: 3 Project Management definition methods, best practices and lessons learned from feedback of successful and unsuccessful projects, etc). - Tips on running the project, including communication. - Defining the Project (If a trainee is not matched to a project at this time, he/she will practice with a theoretical Village or may even assist another Facilitator in setting up a project in another Village.) Part 3: Website Management - Practicum: Set up/maintain the real Village. (If one is not assigned yet, a training village will be set up.) Questions? Comments? Watch for the Local Rep and Neighbour training information shortly... Thanks, Romina Netherlands Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:22:46 +0000 Romina 14308 at http://www.nabuur.com Introducing NABUUR’s newest Techies! http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/romina/introducing-nabuur%E2%80%99s-newest-techies After our programmer James decided to pursue other career opportunities a few weeks ago, NABUUR began to look for his replacement. After some quick work and speaking with different candidates, we are happy to say we have found two more than qualified individuals to tackle the technical side during the website redesign. Frans Kuipers will join the NABUUR team starting May 1st. He had been helping NABUUR as a volunteer, while based in South Africa, and we’re happy to have him on board as our Lead Web Developer. Frans has extensive experience in IT, and has been working with NGOs since 2003. Frans is currently working on becoming a Drupal expert. With his track record, it shouldn’t take long!’ Also joining us in the office is Kester Edmonds, who will also be a helping hand in the programming. Kester hails from York UK, and has been working on different Drupal projects in the non profit sector. Kester will stay with us temporarily while we get the improved website off the ground. NABUUR is thrilled to welcome Frans and Kester. Thanks guys for helping us, and we look forward to working with you! The NABUUR team <div class="og_rss_groups"><ul class="links"><li class="first last og_links"><a href="/en/group/nabuurcom-website-maintenance-and-development-team" class="og_links">NABUUR.com Website maintenance and development team</a></li> </ul></div> Netherlands NABUUR.com Website maintenance and development team Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:18:29 +0000 Romina 14310 at http://www.nabuur.com Unveiling the fourth development cycle http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/romina/unveiling-fourth-development-cycle The past couple of weeks saw substantial development progress, although the work isn’t as visible as in previous cycles. Also, a change at NABUUR: After much consideration, our programmer James has decided to pursue a position with another company, leaving us to say goodbye to a skilled colleague. He will be missed, and we wish him well in his new job. A vacancy for James’ replacement has been advertised, and we’re currently speaking to suitable candidates. In the meantime, the work continues and Rolf Kleef has taken on the lead role in the website redesign. So, what’s happened since the last time around? As a ‘user’, I want to… The general format for specifying desired functionality for each role (neighbour, facilitator, local representative) will be a “user story”. The idea is to describe what the site should do for what type of user, and also why (what value does it have), from the perspective of the user. This will result in a long list of user stories. The stories will have varying priorities, and also varying complexity and time required to implement them. The user stories are visible on the issue tracker. You must sign up first: <a href="http://issues.nabuurtest.com/login_page.php" title="http://issues.nabuurtest.com/login_page.php">http://issues.nabuurtest.com/login_page.php</a> Working on the visuals We started to work on wireframes (a techie word for a guide suggesting layout and placement of design elements) for the different components of the website. Using the different user stories, and taking cues from other websites (including Mothersclick.com) the whole picture is starting to come together. Curious? The wireframes will be posted here within the next two weeks so make sure you come back. Prioritizing for the next cycle Once we’ve assigned priorities to the user stories, the objectives for the next iteration will be clearly identified. We’ll keep you informed so watch this space. That’s it for now, but much more is on its way. As always your input and help is much appreciated and needed, so keep those comments coming. Until soon, The NABUUR Team Netherlands Sat, 29 Mar 2008 15:41:34 +0000 Romina 14304 at http://www.nabuur.com No NABUUR without Villages http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/pelle/no-nabuur-without-villages The third development cycle has just been published. This time the additions are more visible than last time. We’ve managed to open a few Villages that you can join. When you look at the menu on the left you’ll see a new menu item called <a href="/og">‘Villages’</a>. Of course the layout of these Villages is still a bit primitive, and there are no projects, steps and tasks available. What you can do: • Join a Village • See the other subscribers (that will be ‘Neighbours’ soon) • Invite others to join the same village • Subscribe to village content • Facilitators can send an email to the Neighbours of the village (mailinglist) What else has changed? - In a user profile you can also see the latest activities of this person. Have a look at <a href="/en/user/3601">Rauls profile</a>, for example and click ‘Latest activity’. - Taxonomy images have been introduced. When a message is linked to a country, the geographical image of this country is also shown. The same works for the Millennium Development Goals. Have a look at one of the Villages to see this in action! - We wanted to show external information sources too, but unfortunately haven’t managed to realize that in this iteration. We’re currently looking into the use of Yahoo pipes (<a href="http://pipes.yahoo.com" title="http://pipes.yahoo.com">http://pipes.yahoo.com</a>), to see if that would be useful. More tech stuff… (remember the <a href="/en/node/69">‘house building’ story</a> of last time?) We have worked on the infrastructure too, so that we can easily create an extra virtual "sandbox". If you're interested in helping out with Drupal development, we can now quickly set up a subdomain for you, where you can develop and test things. And if you're familiar with CVS for version control, you can also track changes, and use your own computer for development until you're ready to test things on our server. Next development cycle We’ve come to an agreement with the makers of MothersClick.com, which is a platform working with a large number of groups, based on Drupal. The development of the new NABUUR site could be based on the work their platform. The benefit of this approach is that the basis of the site would already be ‘tried and tested’. The coming two weeks will mainly be used to get this up and running and to see what would need to be developed specifically for NABUUR 2.0. Stay tuned for more... Wondering what this site is about? You can read that here: <a href="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/content/take-a-peek" title="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/content/take-a-peek">http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/content/take-a-peek</a> Netherlands Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:58:18 +0000 pelle 14303 at http://www.nabuur.com Small steps, big improvements http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/jamescotton/small-steps-big-improvements For the next iteration we would like to include a first verison of 'groups'. Groups are essentially a seperate workspace which users can join and where people can work together and be updated of each others progress and activities. The groups system will be the basis for the Nabuur villages but could also be used for other activites where people need to be able to function as a team and coorporate in a groups fashion. We also expect to be able to show you a first glimpse of external content in the Nabuur website. Often there are various regional or local issues affecting the Nabuur villages which are not really present on the current website. By the end of the third iteration we would like to have an RSS system in place to automatically update users with actual news from the region converned. Please visit the task <a href="find-good-rss-feeds">Find good RSS feeds</a> if you would like to help collecting the right information we should be presenting. There are also lots of other <a href="/development-tasks">tasks</a> that users can sign up for. Any input you can give us would be more than welcome... Netherlands Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:06:03 +0000 jamescotton 14302 at http://www.nabuur.com The second cycle is now online. What's new? Glad you asked! http://www.nabuur.com/en/blogs/romina/the-second-cycle-now-online-whats-new-glad-you-asked Today the second cycle of functionalities was published. A few extra features are visible now, but probably you’ve thought: at this speed it’s going to take ages to get the site working. We’re aware of that…. Compare it to when you’re building a house. First you have to pick the right spot, the ground has to be evened. Then a hole is dug and the foundation is laid. Until that moment not much is visible, it’s only when they start constructing the real house that you can actually see progress. And the walls aren’t plastered before the whole house is finished. The same is going on here: at this moment most of the work that’s being done is pretty much invisible (or at least doesn’t look really impressive). Still they form part of the foundation that the website will be built upon. In the first cycle multi lingualism (multiple languages) was implemented. In the second cycle the menus were also translated into the various languages. This is one of the items that needed to be put in at a very early stage or would otherwise have been very difficult to get right. The same goes for taxonomy: it doesn’t sound ‘fun’, but it allows us to attach categories to content. You can see how this works on the <a href="/countries">Countries</a> page. What else is ready? - User profiles are accessible via My Account. Click ‘Edit’ to see the new features, and to upload a picture. All information you store on this site will NOT be saved, this is purely a demo. But take your chance to play with it. - Notifications - You can subscribe to specific content types or specific authors. The system will notify you of changes and new comments then. This option can be found underneath all stories and messages. - You can report any SPAM messages on the site. The next development cycles should contain more visible functionalities, for example the ability to join groups, which will be used for hosting the villages on the new site. A proposed ‘development calendar’ will be available pretty soon. Stay tuned for more... Wondering what this site is about? You can read that here: <a href="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/content/take-a-peek" title="http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/content/take-a-peek">http://demo.nabuurtest.com/en/content/take-a-peek</a> Netherlands Sat, 01 Mar 2008 21:01:37 +0000 Romina 14300 at http://www.nabuur.com