Themes - do they impact a forum’s success?

[Scott]

They say eyes are the window to the soul, and so is a theme the window to your forum? Does your theme tell the story of what your forum is about, or is it even necessary?

Shortly after I started working at ProBoards I had a conversation with founder Patrick, and he explained that a lot of research went into the overall layout of our forums. The default layout we offer is optimized for the best user interaction. Looking at our current list of top forums, 9 out of the top 10 have made no layout alterations other than changing some color, and a few have added the sidebar.

So what does this say? The purpose of the forum and its content are the key.

That said, does one size fit all? I just cannot imagine visiting a Star Trek forum without expecting to see a space theme customization. I would think that other visitors would expect the same and be turned off if the forum had just a bland theme.

Themes can enhance the user experience. Offering more than one theme to choose from allows the member to have a more personal connection to the forum. If you expect a member to spend a lot of time on your forum, then having multiple themes gives the user a sense of control over the environment they’re committing their time to.

Some forums have a default generic guest theme, while reserving the additional "fancier" theme choices for members. This approach is akin to a premium or bonus one receives upon registering for membership. However does this backfire? Does the generic theme turn away guest users? Are you putting your best foot forward for potential new members?

Lastly, I would suggest you ask yourself the purpose behind any theme you offer. Is the theme just a personal preference for yourself? Are you using a theme because it looks “cool”? Does it complement the purpose of your forum? Does it elevate the members’ experience on the forum?

So please share. How have themes impacted your forum or your experience with other forums? What feedback, if any, do you get from your members? Basically, what are your thoughts on themes?

[STLUEE]

I use pre-made themes and my own. Its important to have a theme that is welcoming to prospective new members.

I also feel that there should be at least two themes for a member to choose from so as not to get bored.

Proboards is one of the few servers that have theme selections and are easy to design and ad codes to enhance the forums appearance.

Yes there can be too many to select from. I like two have 2 seasonal, 2 solids and just one thats either. Like a starry night something like that.

Thank you for this topic!

[Kami]

1. Visual appearance definitely impacts interest & members. Not customising a theme beyond default isn't necessarily bad, but customising a theme well -- maybe not professionally, but at least with complimentary colours and accessibility -- will positively impact your membership. Conversely, having an objectively bad theme (a theme with acrimonious colours, bad accessibility) will negatively impact your membership. I have literally had people come to my forums as guests just to leave a compliment on my theme for that site; it sticks with them, and some join themselves or drive traffic to our forum by word of mouth.

2. I don't necessarily agree that you need to have multiple themes. Sometimes it's good; I've been on sites where a theme is duplicated in every manner except the font size & face cater to those with vision impairments and learning disabilities. Having one theme has never bothered any of my members; I've never had anyone complain about getting bored these past ten years. Of course, I will sporadically introduce a new theme. Sometimes folks grumble because they don't like change, but the themes are always received positively overall.

3. Any theme I design for my own sites / sites I'm a designer for always takes into account the following aspects, in order: a) how can i arrange the content of the forum to be as accessible as possible; b) how can I tie this into the subject of the site; and c) what colours should I use to tie this all together. For premades, I try to do something similar: consolidate information while still maintaining ease of access and navigation.

4. Ultimately, I think themes tend to really give a forum that extra something. I frequently see sites on the GOAYF board with themes that may not be the nicest; after a few rounds of advice from members, providing they take the advice given, the forum looks much better and I frequently see them go on to celebrate forum creation anniversaries.

[♥ ℒʊ√ ♥]

As someone who loves creating themes, I don't think they contribute to a forum's success.

Do they make things more pleasurable? I think so. I wouldn't like to drive by the same department store window every day and never see anything new.


When it's Christmas, I expect to see Santa and snowflakes. When it's Easter, the bunny better hop on by.


And since no one has the same taste, I enjoy catering to everyone's likes. Why should the "landscape" not be personally appealing?


But ultimately, it's the content, members and staff that set the tone and attract the members.

[Skidjit]

I have only read this one post so far. I'll backread the other comments when I'm done adding my comments.

Sept 16, 2016 12:35:38 GMT -8 Scott said:

They say eyes are the window to the soul, and so is a theme the window to your forum? Does your theme tell the story of what your forum is about, or is it even necessary?

Shortly after I started working at ProBoards I had a conversation with VS Admin , and he explained that a lot of research went into the overall layout of our forums. The default layout we offer is optimized for the best user interaction. Looking at our current list of top forums, 9 out of the top 10 have made no layout alterations other than changing some color, and a few have added the sidebar.

I think the layout is very important. I was actually hoping that with the v6 that there would be options in the new control panel to have style choices for new layouts. (example: Side by side categories instead of everything all being streamlined.) I think that's why most people are sticking with what's available because they might not have the code knowledge to be able to change our only option to date.

What I have noticed about Proboard layouts, whenever I'm surfing the internet, I can always tell it's a proboard site just because of the layout. They all look the same with the colors and other minor changes making them different. I'm always more pleasantly surprised when I'm viewing a site that is set up differently only to see the Proboard link at the bottom of the site. It's good to see some people have the knowledge to change things up like this. Options are always good. Not to say that what we have now is not good, because it does work well.

So what does this say? The purpose of the forum and its content are the key.

That said, does one size fit all? I just cannot imagine visiting a Star Trek forum without expecting to see a space theme customization. I would think that other visitors would expect the same and be turned off if the forum had just a bland theme.

Themes can enhance the user experience. Offering more than one theme to choose from allows the member to have a more personal connection to the forum. If you expect a member to spend a lot of time on your forum, then having multiple themes gives the user a sense of control over the environment they’re committing their time to.

No. One size does not fit all.

There's also more to think about... look at each member and what they like... or what they can handle. Some people can't handle certain colors too well. I have one member of my site who needs a larger font just because of their eyesight. For me, I prefer smaller fonts so my eyes won't have to go back and forth so many times to read just a few sentences. That wears my eyes out. (I know I'm backward. LOL.) So, for his favorite theme I will make his viewing experience easier for him.

I have another member who, for some reason, during certain times of the year has serious internet issues when viewing proboard sites that have too many images to load. She doesn't even use the smileys. I have not seen her about much lately and wonder if the new ads being animated are causing her some site issues when she's trying to access the site. Don't know for certain. She tries not to complain much. SO! On her favorite theme, I turn off many of the images so her loading time won't kick her off the site.

I have another member who has a passion for quidditch. I really don't like that topic, but since he does, I have created for HIS experience something (hopefully) fun with a theme that matches his main interest. I plan on doing this for each of my few members. If I can make things a little more fun for everyone, why not? I don't want my members to get bored. (I was just talking with my other admin this morning, asking for his opinion on freshening up the site.) Anyway, my members have the option to change themes whenever they like, usually they don't. I have a lot more learning to do before my theme making talents will grow.

Some forums have a default generic guest theme, while reserving the additional "fancier" theme choices for members. This approach is akin to a premium or bonus one receives upon registering for membership. However does this backfire? Does the generic theme turn away guest users? Are you putting your best foot forward for potential new members?

This is just my personal opinion for the type of site I run. I would think that having a bland theme for nonmembers to view would not be inviting for them. It states that they don't matter unless they join... that they are not important. Hey you have to have good bait... something pleasing to the eye, to catch that eye, to make them want to stay to read and find out more of what the site has to offer as for content and a friendly atmosphere. If what they see is plain or bland, they might just move on before they can find out what they might be missing out on. I like the default option, but I would make it something inviting.

However, saying that, the generic theme for non members to view does not have to be bland. Also, the type of forum might call for a nonmember theme, more than they type of forum I have.

Lastly, I would suggest you ask yourself the purpose behind any theme you offer. Is the theme just a personal preference for yourself? Are you using a theme because it looks “cool”? Does it complement the purpose of your forum? Does it elevate the members’ experience on the forum?

So please share. How have themes impacted your forum or your experience with other forums? What feedback, if any, do you get from your members? Basically, what are your thoughts on themes?

Purpose?

I have a handful of themes that are not catering toward any one member's prefrences. I can tell just when I made each one on my main site, because I learn a little more how to decorate that theme as I go along. My early attempts are so newbie looking. ugh. Some of my unused early themes I'm ready to take off my site. They are not serving any purpose anymore to my members.

I have noticed, when I have TOO MANY themes for them to choose from, my members get overwhelmed. It's not easy for them to go in and click this and click that just to check each theme out. It's time for me to narrow things down a bit and only have my newer ones available since some of my older ones are just taking up space.

I also have a few themes I've made just for my own pleasure. I like to change mine throughout the year depending upon the weather outside OR holidays OR my mood. I think I'm the only one on my site who does that. Hmm? I'm important too, so it does serve my purpose as well.

But in the end, I try to keep all/most of my themes Harry Potter related since my site is a Potter themed site. I think that's important to keep true to what your site is about.

[STLUEE]

I also notice some forums never ever change the theme and they are super busy! Two that I know of. The colors don't even match!

[Former Member]

Themes have not had an impact on my forums.

Some forums using a plain theme or the default theme have had success.

[♥ ℒʊ√ ♥]

Sept 18, 2016 9:38:36 GMT -8 STLUEE said:

I also notice some forums never ever change the theme and they are super busy! Two that I know of. The colors don't even match!

I know a few successful forums that maintain ProBoards' default theme for guests, but they do offer other themes to members only.

In the end, I do believe it's more about content and member/staff interaction that will make, or break, a forum's success.

Presentation (appearance) is temporarily attractive, but that soon wears off. It's the daily activity, participation and stimulation that brings members back. 


I always keep the ProBoards' default theme for members. It's a consistent they are most familiar with. And sometimes, ease of use and familiarity, trumps all for some members. Some don't like change . . . in anything. Others celebrate it.


So there is a way to make all happy ~ keeping the familiar and creating the new. Then let the members decide for themselves rather than making the decision for them.

[Former Member]

I do find themes to be important when I'm viewing a forum as a potential member. The theme is the first thing people see when they visit a forum and, for some, could be what makes or breaks. For me, if I'm going to be frequenting a site, the theme needs to be appealing and easy on the eyes. It should also make sense for what the forum's topic is. Like, as was mentioned above, if I'm visiting a forum about Star Trek, the default theme better have some sort of space feel to it. If it's a Harry Potter forum, I expect something 'magical.' The default theme is important to whether or not I stick around. There are a couple of exceptions. If there is a forum that has a topic I'm particularly passionate about or fascinated by, or if the forum has other features or a community that catches my attention, then I'm willing to look past a theme. For example, I'm not a huge fan of pink themes, but I still decided to join a site because of the community I saw as I surfed through the boards.

If I'm not overly fond of the default theme for a forum, I really hope there are some alternatives. Even if there's not, it's not something that will really drive me away from a forum necessarily. Again, there are other factors, such as the community or a particularly interesting topic, that can keep me around. But I do love it when there are different theme options. Not even for the sake of me just not liking the default, but to also change it up once in a while. Sometimes it's nice to see something different, some different colors and different graphics. But don't go overboard. It's nice to have a few options, but I was on a site one time that had nearly 20 different themes to choose from. Not only is it time consuming to go through each one to find one you like, it's just really not necessary.

One thing about themes that is a big deal for me is whether or not the theme's layout still works out. I've seen some layouts lately that I'm not a huge fan of. Call me boring or whatever, but I do prefer the default ProBoards category/board layout. But I've seen forums that have done a sort of block style where categories are side by side and collapsible. To me, that layout is very confusing. Maybe it's just because I haven't seen it a hole lot, but it's also less appealing to me than the default. Again, I've not been on (as in joined) any forums with that layout. I've seen a couple sites that have really made that layout work for their site, but most sites, to me, have not. But that's just my own personal opinion about that particular layout.

What I was trying to get at there is that the theme of the forum also effects navigation. That style that I described above is harder for me to navigate because it is so unfamiliar and isn't immediately obvious to me how to get around. Themes like that do effect the navigation and can be confusing for some who aren't accustomed to those layouts. Like me.

From a forum owner standpoint, I personally don't try to do anything too special when I'm setting up a forum. My themes are pretty basic and then I add in codes that I'm interested in, like the side bar, tables, changing up the welcome stuff and banner area. Until very recently, I've never tried anything really big with layouts. I don't know a whole lot about coding other than manipulating codes that have clear instructions for use, and I'm still at the pretty basic level as far as graphics goes. But, this time around, I'm consulting someone who knows what they're doing. 

So, this has been my take on themes.

[Former Member]

Sept 18, 2016 9:38:36 GMT -8 STLUEE said:

I also notice some forums never ever change the theme and they are super busy! Two that I know of. The colors don't even match!

Some forums have nice themes.
Some have the default theme.
Either way some of those forums have success.

I do not think an abundance of themes have a major impact on a forum's success.
In my opinion, a forum's success does not hinge on having an abundance of themes.

For the record, each of my forums have more than one theme.

[Former Member]

Alot of custom forum themes focus on the UI.

User experience(ux) is more important IMO. How fast the theme loads, easy to navigation? Does it work on mobile? can I get to what I want in less than 2 clicks? no absurd animations, only on call to actions.

Only then UI design is relevant !

[Skidjit]

Yes. I agree the theme has to be user friendly. I've peeked in on some Proboard customized sites where the front page seems so lonely. I could not figure out where to click to take me to the categories/boards much less threads so I know what the content of the site was all about (aside from the look and name of the forum). So, I ended up just leaving, since it did not make sense to me. This also adds credit to what was mentioned in the first post.... that the overall Proboard "default layout is optimized for the best user interaction." I'd agree for the most part. Sometimes, I just would like choices for a different style or look that's all.

[Former Member]

a themes not necessary, but they add a fun factor.


that's all i got

[Former Member]

Sept 22, 2016 6:56:28 GMT -8 @joecool111 said:

a themes not necessary, but they add a fun factor.


that's all i got

Oreo K$ng:
A user friendly theme that is nice is necessary for more than one reason.

[Former Member]

Sept 22, 2016 7:21:40 GMT -8 private said:

Sept 22, 2016 6:56:28 GMT -8 @joecool111 said:

a themes not necessary, but they add a fun factor.


that's all i got

Oreo K$ng:
A user friendly theme that is nice is necessary for more than one reason.

that's true, but i mean a theme theme like star treck stuff. 


that's what a theme is isn't it ?   there's color theme, and maybe topic theme.