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It is hard to believe, but it has been over a year since Higher Logic began releasing websites on the Bootstrap platform. Today, 95% of the sites we host are “Bootstrapped” and the rest are scheduled to be updated in the next thirty days. We have seen many benefits of moving to the open-source framework. One benefit has been the multitude of unique designs and design elements that have rolled through the Higher Logic universe.
At the Bootstrap Big Bang we highlighted the ability of clients to explore the universe of Bootstrap themes available for download across the web. A number of clients have done this, but many more have taken the Higher Logic Bootstrap Default theme and “added personality” with modest tweaks. While this is clearly a testament to the attractiveness and extensibility of our baseline, it also, perhaps, reflects that many of our clients are not comfortable harvesting free code from the web. Publicly-available CSS inevitably requires some small tweaks to meet client demands. The Designer’s Corner community has helped countless non-coders immensely, but code changes are obviously not everyone’s forte.
We do want to be sure all our clients feel empowered to fully consider multiple design options. Recently, we took matters into our own hands. Three new unique themes crafted specifically for the Higher Logic platform are now available for download and application to any Higher Logic website. These themes are free and available on the Higher Logic User Group (HUG) Designer’s Corner Library for download by any HUG member. Supporting files, including documentation is also provided. Images crafted for the theme (but not required to be used) are also provided in the theme Library Entries.
Here’s an overview of what we are now offering – please take a look!
Network Theme
Powerful and forward. Ideal for a main site, the Network Theme delivers a truly new and fresh version of the Higher Logic baseline. Emphasis is on bold modern presentation. Navigation and header centering anticipates mobile users while rewarding desktop users with solid backgrounds. Profile pictures are displayed with circular formatting across controls.
Affiliate Theme
Traditional but updated. With choices reflecting chapter or section website, the Affiliate Theme reflects an evolution of the Higher Logic palate. The H2 underlining will be familiar to long-time clients while background elements break up the home page and revitalize the look. Home page content presentation emphasizes priorities of organizational subgroups. Under a skinny header bar the carousel slideshow is front-and-center but shares top-billing with the upcoming events list.
Experience Theme
Going places. It only made sense to introduce a theme inspired by and dedicated to the needs of organizational events. Above the fold, the home and internal pages are an event marketer’s dream. A broad space ready to show the bold imagery that makes people buy tickets. The uncrowded home page has space carved out for a countdown clock and sponsor recognition.
There is a lot to be excited here. Of course, all these design options compliment the Higher Logic content management system and theme interfaces. Upload of the CSS file in the Import Theme CSS area and then apply your color choices through Color Picker. Then finish the job with a handful of CSS tweaks in the Override CSS area as desired. Of course, you can take the menu approach to your site’s design. With a little CSS skill, and a lot of copy/paste, you can serve the Experience theme as the main course on your home page but have the Affiliate header presentation internally.
We are ready to inspire and reward your creative side. When your main or secondary sites are ready for a refresh, or when it is time to unveil the annual meeting website, consider the new Higher Logic theme options. The only problem may be too many good choices.
Special thanks to eConverse Social Media Consulting for delivering these new theme options. Martha Jack, Emeri Schweigert, and the eConverse team knocked this one out of the park.