Giza is one of several proposed new WikiMedia layout skins being worked on by Tarquin.

It is intended to become the default skin, and is aimed at the casual reader of Wikipedia. See the Layout design document.

Design edit

Clarity is extremely important. The casual reader is looking for information, and is put off by a page that begins with many technical-looking links. This template must:

  • work on all browsers, all platforms. The goal for old browsers such as Netscape 4 is "usable, maybe ugly".
  • begin the article content as close to the top of the page as possible. Allow the reader to instantly see they have accessed the information they want.
  • give links for readers a greater priority than links for editors. Some editing links may be omitted entirely, or only present in the page footer.
  • nonetheless, retain the prominent "Edit this page" link so readers become editors!

Current version edit

Giza version 3

Poll edit

IMO, three links is the maximum for the short link bar beneath the title. What do you think they should be? -- Tarquin 18:41, 4 Jan 2004 (UTC)

Current version has:

  • Edit this page
  • Discuss this page
  • Page history
  • Might be enough for the topbar. Main Page is easily reachable via the logo, and using the logo is common enough that the user will try it. Recent changes I would miss. It's my usual "Get me out of here"-button. But I could live without the button. Printable page is gone completely. Not only from the topbar, but from the entire page. It should at least be in the sidebar. -- JeLuF 22:16, 4 Jan 2004 (UTC)
bear in mind that this is for the casual reader. The current Phase 3 skin will still be available. "Printable version" is no longer needed because we'll have a special print stylesheet. -- Tarquin 09:18, 5 Jan 2004 (UTC)