Grants:IdeaLab/Interface
By default, ALL encyclopedias are daunting.
While a lot of us treasure Wikipedia´s wealth of information, the casual internet user is probably surfing for fun, and has no interest in perusing a "stuffy" full blown encyclopedia.
Although it's an invaluable source of information, Wikipedia is shockingly weak when it comes to transmitting it. The casual seeker on ay given subject currently faces a dozen eternity-flirting specialized articles, no real summaries and a bunch of additional "see also" links to boot. This is hardly effective, appealing or useful even for people who just want to learn the basics.
I'm not sure how I wound up in this page but, to answer the original question, if Wikipedia wants to reach more people, I'd say that the presentation and interface nees a heavy revision. Maybe each article could begin with an "in a nutshell" section where the main ideas are briefly outlined, maybe using flowcharts and bullets and whatnot, and that's it. Anyone interested in more detailed information can go ahead and check out the article.
Right now, a search for, say, the American Civil War plonks an entire textbook on the user's lap. Checking out a public figure, anyone from Angela Merkel to Eric Clapton yields an entire biography. Personally speaking, as someone who loves to get lost in information while researching a subject, I think Wiki is priceless BUT: Wikipedia is NOT user friendly when it comes to explaining the basics.
Paradoxically, being the best encyclopedia available may just be keeping people away.
Audience edit
Who are the people you want to introduce Wikipedia to? edit
Try to be as specific as possible about this group.
In what languages do they search for information, online or otherwise? edit
In what ways does this group communicate with each other? edit
What are some reasons this group would use Wikipedia? How would they benefit from it, or what would they find useful? edit
Think about what they would be interested in reading and learning about; does Wikipedia provide better access to information this group cares about?
Project idea edit
What language Wikipedia projects will you promote to new readers? edit
How will you communicate with new readers? Will you be communicating with them online, in-person, or both? edit
Describe your idea to engage new readers. How might it be implemented? What will you tell people about Wikipedia? edit
Think about the steps that might involved to make this idea happen, and what you might teach people about your experience or others' experiences using Wikipedia.
edit
If you’re not certain about how to respond to this question when starting your idea, you do not need to answer it right now. Campaign participants and Wikimedia Foundation staff can help you consider some options.
Do you think you can implement this idea? What support do you need? edit
Do you need people with specific skills or resources to complete this idea? Are there any financial needs for this project? Do you need advising from Wikimedia Foundation staff?
Get involved edit
Participants edit
Endorsements edit
Expand your idea edit
Would a grant from the Wikimedia Foundation help make your idea happen? You can expand this idea into a grant proposal.