RM 1.1 Resource Icons and Featured Resources

Today, we're continuing on with our look at some of the new features coming in the 1.1 release of the XenForo Resource Manager. Up next are 2 of the most common requests.

Note that as before, we're not running RM 1.1 here yet so you can't play with these just yet.

Resource Icons

In the current RM release, the icon that is displayed with a resource has simply been the avatar of the author. This has been used in resource lists and next to the title when viewing the resource itself. In 1.1, administrators can choose to let users upload unique icons for each resource instead, similar to what you might find in various app stores. The icon allows resource authors to have a space to add a quick, unique identifying element to their resource. This is particularly useful for resources that have a significant visual component, though most of the demonstration and information about a resource will still be found in the resource description and the attached screenshots.

Resource icons are controlled by an option that covers the entire resource manager, not category-by-category. This was done to ensure consistent display and expectations across categories.

The icon that is being uploaded should be 96x96 (the same size as medium avatars), or at least square so we can resize it. Note that in the standard list, we shrink the icon, but the featured resource list does use the full size.

Here's what a resource list item looks like with icons enabled:

ss-2013-09-24_15-02-37.webp


(It seems the burger wasn't that good based on the 2 star review... ;))

Similar to threads, we still display the creator's avatar to help you identify authors at a quick glance. If a user does not upload a unique icon, a standard placeholder will be used (like with avatars).

You can also see one of the indications of a featured resource here.

When viewing a resource, we focus on the icon:

ss-2013-09-24_15-05-04.webp


When you create a resource, you will have the option to upload an icon in a separate step. You can then also update that icon at any time via a link on the sidebar. Staff with the appropriate permissions will be able to manage resource icons as well.

Featured Resources

In RM 1.1, staff with the appropriate permissions will be able to mark specific resources as featured. A limited number of featured resources will then be automatically put above the standard resource list:

ss-2013-09-24_15-12-40.webp


The resources that are displayed in this list varies based on context. For example, on the main resource page, they will be displayed from all categories. Within a category, the featured resources will only come from that category or any children. By default, the featured resources are only displayed when viewing the "default" list (e.g., not sorting by different criteria).

Featured resources are currently ordered based on when they became featured; the most recently featured will be displayed first in this list.

The featured resource list is currently height-limited to one row, as to not push the standard list down too far. Older featured resources can be viewed by clicking the "view all" link which takes you to a standard resource list-style page.

The screenshot in the resource icon section also shows the "featured" indication in the resource list. There is also a small indication of this when viewing the resource:

ss-2013-09-24_15-16-53.webp





Come back next time for more new features coming in the XenForo Resource Manager 1.1.
 
Jeremy, I'm referring to the resource_description & resource_index pages. If I upload a new avatar via the forum_list will the avatar be updated on the resource_description & resource_index pages ? or will this retain the old avatar I had?
Your avatar is maintained independently of any add-on by the forum software. So yes, it will update.

Screen Shot 2013-10-02 at 5.57.21 PM.webp

Screen Shot 2013-10-02 at 5.56.42 PM.webp
 
Was just about to say thanks then two posts that contradict the appearance
As an admin, if you disable resource icons, the display is exactly as it was in 1.0.
That is the Resource Icon. It will remain whatever you upload, throughout, until you update it. If you do not upload one, you will get the standard cog:
resource_icon.png

.

I'll just wait till it's released, test and hope it's what Mike said it was that nothing changes in functionality or appearance when I upload a new avatar on the forum_list side.
 
Nothing has changed forum side. If you do not upload a resource icon, you will receive the cog (or whatever image you replace it with) that Sheldon posted. Your avatar (if the feature is enabled) will be maintained within the mini-avatar, just like it is on the thread list and threads you've posted in.
 
Was something I posted incorrect? I didn't see my posts contradicting anything actually.

That is the resource icon, that is what is displayed in this new version if you do not upload an image for your resource (obviously enabled). The mini me avatar is just that, an avatar.
 
Was something I posted incorrect? I didn't see my posts contradicting anything actually.

That is the resource icon, that is what is displayed in this new version if you do not upload an image for your resource (obviously enabled). The mini me avatar is just that, an avatar.

Yeah, I am referring to if the feature Icon was disabled (feature disabled) that cog icon as brogan and mike described it won't display if the feature icon function is disabled. This is what I got from what was said.
 
Disabled = The functionality that is currently released (avatar).
Enabled = The functionality that is currently deployed here.
 
Resource icon disabled = member's avatar

Resource icon enabled = generic cog icon/custom icon if uploaded
 
Yes, fileless (guides) and paid resources can be rated regardless but resources which are hosted on xenforo.com have to be downloaded before you can rate.
 
I'm lovin' what I see thus far with these new RM 1.1 features. Seems like a perfect idea for highlighted stories, downloads and whatnot. :)
 
Loving the new look of RM!

Just one thing: Would it be possible we can have an option in configuring the Resources list so that:
we'll be able to switch the author/date line with the Resource description line, then stick the author's avatar to the beginning of the author/date line - instead of putting avatar at the bottom right corner of each Resource's icon?

I don't have a graphic tool to mock up this at present, but hopefully you get what I meant...
 
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