Modeler Element Templates: Content Reorganization Discussion

Hey guys! Let's dive into a crucial discussion about the content organization of Element Templates within the Camunda Modeler. This is super important for making sure our documentation is clear, concise, and easy for everyone to navigate. We want to make it as intuitive as possible for users to find what they need, whether they're just starting out or are seasoned pros. So, let's get into the details and figure out how we can make this even better!

The Current Situation: A Quick Recap

Currently, we're focusing on a specific pull request (this PR) that has brought some content organization quirks to light. Specifically, the Markdown file, page title, and URL of this page are labeled as "Manage element templates." However, in the left-hand sidebar, this page is listed simply as "Element templates," acting as a folder landing page. This discrepancy can be a bit confusing, right? We want to make sure everything lines up nicely so users aren't scratching their heads trying to figure out where they are.

Here's the backstory: As @jfriedenstab pointed out, this page was originally migrated from https://docs.camunda.io/docs/8.7/components/connectors/manage-connector-templates/ for the 8.8 release. Later on, it was converted into a landing page for the entire element templates section. While this was a practical move at the time, it’s left us with a bit of a content organization puzzle to solve. We need to ensure that the structure makes sense and that users can easily find the information they're looking for.

Proposed Solutions: Let's Brainstorm!

So, what can we do to smooth things out? Here are a few ideas we’re kicking around:

1. Revisit and Restructure: The first and perhaps most comprehensive option is to revisit the entire element templates section. This means taking a fresh look at the existing content, identifying any areas of confusion, and reorganizing the structure as needed. This might involve renaming pages, moving content around, or even creating new pages to better delineate different topics. The goal here is to create a more logical and intuitive flow for users.

   When we talk about revisiting and restructuring, we need to think about the overall user journey. What are users trying to accomplish when they come to this section? Are they looking to understand the basics of element templates? Are they trying to figure out how to create or edit them? Or are they focused on managing and publishing templates? By mapping out these common scenarios, we can design a structure that directly supports these goals. This might mean breaking down the content into smaller, more focused pages, each addressing a specific aspect of element templates. It could also involve creating clear pathways between pages, so users can easily navigate from one topic to the next. Ultimately, the aim is to make the information as accessible and digestible as possible.

2. Lightweight Landing Page with Subpages: Another approach is to create a more lightweight landing page that acts as a true introduction to element templates. This page would provide a high-level overview of what element templates are, why they’re useful, and how they fit into the broader Camunda ecosystem. From there, we could create subpages that delve into specific topics, such as editing templates, publishing templates, and managing templates. This approach helps to break down the content into smaller, more manageable chunks, making it easier for users to find the information they need.

   Think of the landing page as a friendly guide that welcomes users and points them in the right direction. It should be visually appealing and easy to scan, with clear headings and concise descriptions of each subtopic. The subpages, on the other hand, can go into greater detail, providing step-by-step instructions, examples, and best practices. This structure allows users to quickly grasp the fundamentals and then dive deeper into the areas that are most relevant to them. It also makes it easier to update and maintain the content over time, as each subpage can be treated as a separate unit.

3. Clarify the Relationship Between Web Modeler and General Modeler Content: It's essential to understand how the information about Element templates in the Web Modeler relates to the broader content in Element templates in Modeler and that whole section. This includes the general Modeler content, which isn't specific to either the Web or Desktop versions. We need to ensure that the documentation clearly distinguishes between features and functionalities that are specific to the Web Modeler and those that are applicable to all Modeler versions. This will help users avoid confusion and ensure they’re using the right instructions for their particular setup.

   To achieve this clarity, we might consider creating a visual map of the content, showing how the different sections relate to each other. This could be a simple diagram or a more interactive tool that allows users to explore the content in a non-linear way. We should also use consistent terminology and cross-linking throughout the documentation, so users can easily navigate between related topics. For example, if we’re discussing a feature that’s only available in the Web Modeler, we should clearly state that and provide a link to the corresponding section in the Web Modeler documentation. By being explicit about the scope of each topic, we can help users quickly find the information that’s relevant to them.

Diving Deeper: Specific Tasks and Considerations

Let’s break down these solutions into actionable steps and think about the specific tasks involved:

Task 1: Auditing Existing Content

Before we make any changes, we need to thoroughly audit the existing content. This means going through each page in the element templates section and assessing its accuracy, clarity, and relevance. We should also identify any areas where the content is outdated or incomplete. This audit will give us a solid foundation for making informed decisions about how to reorganize the content. This is like doing a full inventory before rearranging a store – you need to know what you have before you can decide where it goes!

Key Questions for the Content Audit:

• Is the information accurate and up-to-date?
• Is the content easy to understand for users with varying levels of experience?
• Is the content relevant to the current version of Camunda Modeler?
• Are there any gaps in the content?
• Are there any areas where the content could be more concise or better organized?

Task 2: Defining the User Journey

As mentioned earlier, understanding the user journey is crucial for creating a well-organized documentation structure. We need to think about the different scenarios users might encounter when working with element templates and map out the steps they would take to accomplish their goals. This will help us identify the key topics that need to be covered and the most logical order for presenting them.

Common User Scenarios:

• A new user wants to learn what element templates are and how they can be used.
• A user needs to create a new element template.
• A user wants to edit an existing element template.
• A user needs to publish an element template.
• A user is troubleshooting an issue with element templates.

Task 3: Creating a Content Outline

Once we have a clear understanding of the existing content and the user journey, we can start creating a content outline. This outline will serve as a blueprint for the reorganized documentation. It should include a list of all the topics that need to be covered, as well as a proposed structure for the content. This is where we get to play architect, designing the layout of our documentation so it’s both functional and beautiful!

Elements of a Content Outline:

• A list of all the topics to be covered
• A proposed structure for the content (e.g., landing page with subpages)
• A description of the content to be included on each page
• A plan for cross-linking between pages

Task 4: Implementing the Changes

With a content outline in place, we can start implementing the changes. This might involve creating new pages, moving content around, rewriting existing content, and adding new screenshots or diagrams. It’s important to work collaboratively during this phase, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that the changes are consistent with the overall vision for the documentation.

Best Practices for Implementation:

• Work in small, manageable chunks
• Use clear and concise language
• Add visuals to illustrate key concepts
• Cross-link between related topics
• Test the changes thoroughly before publishing

Task 5: Review and Iterate

Once the changes have been implemented, it’s important to review the documentation and gather feedback. This can be done through peer reviews, user testing, or surveys. The feedback will help us identify any areas where the documentation can be further improved. This is an ongoing process, as the Camunda Modeler and element templates will continue to evolve over time.

Methods for Gathering Feedback:

• Peer reviews
• User testing
• Surveys
• Analytics (tracking page views and user behavior)

Let's Connect the Dots: Web Modeler vs. General Modeler

As we dive deeper into restructuring the content, it's vital to clarify the relationship between the Web Modeler and the general Modeler documentation. We need to ensure that users can easily distinguish between features that are specific to the Web Modeler and those that apply to all Modeler versions. This might involve creating separate sections for Web Modeler-specific content or using clear labeling to indicate which features are available in which version. Think of it as creating a clear roadmap so users don't take a wrong turn!

Strategies for Clarifying the Relationship:

• Create separate sections for Web Modeler-specific content
• Use clear labeling to indicate which features are available in which version
• Cross-link between Web Modeler and general Modeler content
• Use consistent terminology across all documentation

Conclusion: Building a Better Documentation Experience

Alright guys, this is a big task, but by working together and carefully considering the needs of our users, we can create a better documentation experience for everyone. Reorganizing the element templates content is a crucial step in making Camunda Modeler more accessible and user-friendly. By revisiting the content, creating a lightweight landing page, and clarifying the relationship between Web Modeler and general Modeler features, we can ensure that users can easily find the information they need. Let’s keep the conversation going and make sure we’re all aligned on the best way forward! What are your thoughts and ideas? Let's make this documentation shine! 🚀✨