Preview: Sidebar Module Migrator tool

About 3 weeks ago, we were exploring alternatives to Joomla’s default sidebar module position names. Well, Morph is now on its way to take a bold step in moving away from the default module position names for it’s sidebars.

Considering all of the different layout combination’s that are possible with Morph, as well as the feedback we received on the previous blog post, we feel that the names “inner” and “outer” are more appropriate.

Problem

When you build a new website with Joomla’s sample content, it uses “left” and “right” positions to assign the default modules. Most likely, this is also how you have it on your existing live site that you want to convert to Morph.

Solution

The sidebar module migrator tool helps you move your existing modules assigned to the left/right module positions over to the new ones. It works both ways, so whether you are moving to the new positions or moving back, we have you covered. ;)

If you like this idea, or wondering what in the world we’re talking about, let us know in the comments below and we’ll get back to you. ;)

For more information about the Morph Toolset, framework and themelets, go to www.joomlajunkie.com.

Tags: configurator, development, Joomla, Morph

Exploring alternatives to Joomla’s default sidebar module position names

One thing that has bugged us for absolute ages is the default names of module positions used in Joomla templates. Specifically, the “left” and “right” positions, which are generally used in a templates sidebars.

The issue we have with the current naming convention is that it assumes that the sidebar’s position will always be on the left or right of the primary content.
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Tags: discussions, framework, Joomla, Morph, templates

Beta, RC and stable – What does it mean? Software/web development basics.

Somebody asked me a good question the other day: “What’s the difference between Morph ‘beta’ and ‘RC’ and when can I use Morph on a live site?” Let’s explain how we’ve applied software development methods to this project.

Instead of us developing behind closed doors, you have been able to be a part of this (nearly one year) long process. The involvement of testers, breakers and limit-pushers is incredibly important because you (as a joomla user) are the target market for the product (Morph).

First of all: A warm thank you to everybody testing Morph! Your bug reports, feature requests and general feedback made Morph into what it is today…so keep up the good and much appreciated feedback for upcoming development.

The average consumer of themes and templates might not be familiar with versioning systems, being in beta, Release Candidate and such, so lets explain it: (more…)

Tags: development, Joomla, Morph

What exactly is Morph for Joomla?

The past 2 weeks I have spent much time in contemplation of the entire concept of Morph. How are we going to explain to the Joomla world exactly what it is? Why do we truly believe this has the ability to transform the way people build websites using Joomla?

The entire concept is very clear in our minds, but it does appear to be some confusion when it comes to the question of…

• exactly what is the Morph framework for Joomla?
• how it can be used to benefit Joomla developers in building websites?

I’d like to add clarity to some of the principles of Morph, address certain misconceptions and give a clearer understanding of what Morph is. (more…)

Tags: development, framework, joomla 1.5, Morph, themelets, usability

New jQuery plugin targeting usability for password masking on forms

Last month, Jakob Nielsen wrote a blog post titled “Stop Password Masking” – a usability related article on how password masking on web forms, while providing a degree of “over the shoulder” security, is a step backwards regarding usability. Especially with the ever-apparent increase in the use of mobile devices to access online features.

While working on Configurator, the backend UI for our new Template Management System, Morph, we decided on including an option for users to show their password on the login form.

This seemingly easy script however was not available as a jQuery plugin, and the only script we could find online used regular Javascript to add a “show password” option to login forms.
(more…)

Tags: configurator, jquery, Morph, password, plugins, usability