New User Interface: General Navigation

New User Interface: General Navigation

Purpose Statement

The updated user interface provides a streamlined, space-efficient navigation system that maximizes screen real estate while maintaining easy access to all First Due modules and sections. This collapsible navigation design enhances user focus and productivity by reducing visual clutter while preserving comprehensive system functionality for Fire/EMS operations.


Background Information

The new user interface represents a significant improvement in user experience design, implementing a collapsible module stack that automatically hides when not in use. This approach addresses common user feedback about screen space limitations while maintaining intuitive navigation patterns. The interface is designed to help personnel focus on critical tasks without navigation distractions, while ensuring quick access to all system modules when needed. This design particularly benefits mobile users and those working with multiple windows or limited screen space.


Video



Step-by-Step Guide

1.  Recognize the Collapsed State

  1. The new user interface automatically hides the module stack from view
  2. This provides maximum screen space for working within modules and sections
  3. The clean interface reduces visual distractions and improves focus


Our new user interface always hides the module stack from the screen.


2. Reveal Module Navigation

  1. Click on the First Due logo to reveal the complete module stack
  2. The logo serves as the primary navigation trigger throughout the system
  3. This action displays all available modules based on your user permissions

Click on the First Due logo to reveal the module stack.


3. Navigating Between Modules

  1. Click on any module name to access that module's sections
  2. Module selection will display available sections in the right panel
  3. Only modules you have permission to access will be visible

To reveal the sections of a module, users will need to select the module...


4. View Available Sections

  1. After selecting a module, sections display to the right of the module list
  2. Section visibility depends on your specific permissions within that module
  3. The layout provides a clear hierarchy from modules to sections
Then the sections will display to the right



5. Navigate to Section

  1. Click on the desired section within the selected module
  2. This action will take you directly to that section's interface
  3. Section access is governed by your assigned user permissions

Users then can select the section of that module they wish to go to.


6. Utilize Maximized Screen Space

  1. Upon entering any module section, the module stack automatically collapses
  2. This provides maximum screen real estate for focused work within that section
  3. The collapsed interface eliminates navigation distractions during task completion

When entering any section of a module, the module stack is collapsed.  Offering more screen real estate for users to focus on the task at hand.


7.  Return to Navigation When Needed

  1. Click the First Due logo at any time to reveal the module stack
  2. This allows navigation to other sections or modules without losing work progress
  3. The logo remains consistently available as the primary navigation access point



Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I see the module navigation anymore? A: The new interface automatically hides the module stack to maximize screen space. Click the First Due logo to reveal all navigation options.

Q: How do I get back to the main menu from within a section? A: Click the First Due logo at any time to access the full module stack and navigate elsewhere in the system.

Q: Why don't I see certain modules or sections? A: Module and section visibility is controlled by your user permissions. Contact your administrator if you need access to additional areas.

Q: Can I keep the navigation menu open permanently? A: No, the interface is designed to automatically collapse the navigation when entering sections to maximize work space. Use the First Due logo to access navigation when needed.

Q: What happened to the old navigation system? A: The new interface provides the same functionality with improved space efficiency. All modules and sections remain accessible through the logo-triggered navigation.


Additional Considerations

User Experience Benefits

The new interface provides:

  • Increased screen real estate for detailed work
  • Reduced visual clutter and distractions
  • Improved focus on current tasks
  • Consistent navigation access through the logo
  • Better mobile device compatibility

Adaptation Tips

To effectively use the new interface:

  • Practice using the First Due logo for navigation
  • Appreciate the additional workspace in each section
  • Develop muscle memory for the logo-click navigation pattern
  • Take advantage of the cleaner, more focused work environment

Training Considerations

When introducing users to the new interface:

  • Emphasize the First Due logo as the navigation key
  • Demonstrate the space benefits of the collapsed design
  • Show the consistent navigation pattern across all modules
  • Address any concerns about "missing" navigation elements
  • Highlight improved productivity potential

Mobile and Small Screen Benefits

The new interface particularly improves:

  • Mobile device usability
  • Tablet navigation efficiency
  • Small laptop screen utilization
  • Multi-window workflow support
  • Touch-based navigation simplicity

System Integration

The new interface maintains:

  • Full compatibility with all First Due modules
  • Consistent permission enforcement
  • Seamless integration with existing workflows
  • Preservation of all system functionality
  • Support for all user roles and access levels

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