User:Luccagenes/Sandbox/ResearchWikiMainPage

Help Central
This page provides access to the Help Central Research Wiki knowledge base. It is designed to quickly direct users toward finding the answers to their questions and to information sources that will aid in their research.

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Phase 1: Starting a project
"Research methods" can cover how to get started in genealogy from collecting family info, getting organized, choosing and using software, checking on-line sources, to collecting information in the field.

Phase 2: Learning from others
"Research assit" could become the workhorse for the wiki site as the entry point for visitors (new and seasoned) wishing to identify available sources of information during their search It could provide a series of scroll tables (and interactive maps) for pinpointing the area where the user's interests are currently focused in their research. Scroll tables would include a "world countries" then a "state or province" scroll table ultimately leading to a specific information (keyword) page. Each page would provide another scroll table for "counties and cities" which could link to the appropriate resources page already contained within the Research Wiki. Related article links for the selected areas would also be available from said information (keyword) page in addition to the scroll table index list. The objective of Help Central would be to get the user to that specific page in less than five clicks from when they entered the system.

Design Note: Due to the enormous amount of data that could potentially be addressed in a project of this magnitude, the initial idea of 3 consecutive scroll tables would result in tens of thousands of keyword pages. By incorporating the third scroll table (counties and cities) into each of the final keyword pages that are the outcome from two consecutive indexed lists (scroll tables) the resulting system would be significantly easier to construct and maintain but would still maintain its advantages (5 click rule) and its ease of navigation for the new users.

Phase 3: Giving back
"Research input" would include links to help the contributors access the wiki help files and coursework related to using the wiki and creating and editing articles  It would also be designed as an aid if the user is looking for a specific answer (similar to the Family Tree section of Help Central) or if looking for a regimented learning center is the prefered method for a new contributor. Areas of training would include Manual of Style type training for page and article formats, contributor use of the rich editor and wikitext coding, and finally beginner to advanced HTML and wikitext coursework.

It could also highlight the purpose and role of the Research Wiki, its communities, and its goals toward the continuation of the collection and organizing of genealogical information and resources.

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Notes to editors:
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