Proposed revision of freebsd.org

From: Mark McBride <mark_at_markmcb.com>
Date: Wed, 14 May 2025 14:46:17 UTC
Hello,

I've been working on mock up of what a revised project front page might look like with feedback from folks on IRC and Discord and I'd like to see if there is project interest in pursuing it:

https://freebsd.markmcb.com/

This has iterated through several concepts over the past 10 days or so. This version seems to illicit a broadly positive response. Areas considered key improvements:

+ usability
   it is responsive (i.e., works well on mobile or desktop)
   UI more consistent with what a user would expect in 2025
   addresses the long-standing text overlap issue
   light/dark mode (toggle in footer, high contrast not implemented)

+ new user engagement
   ability to distinguish from linux and alternative OSes
   less clicks to find a download
   dates associated with releases (feels more alive)
   exposes -stable and -current

+ existing user engagement
   links to beta ISOs and pre-release mail announcements 

+ style
   removes low resolution header
   shrinks low res beastie so it looks higher res (if there's a high res, I can't find it)
   uses official fonts/logos for brand consistency 
   
What this isn't: finished. It is a mock up. So expect:
- style hasn't been applied to all sub-pages 
- exactly which links go in header/footer needs consideration
- how search should work is worth discussion
- exactly what goes in "why" could be debated
- languages not accounted for yet

Feedback I'm seeking is:
1. Is there any desire to enhance the main page and site in general?
2. If we were to pursue a refresh, are we willing to go beyond style and layout? For example, I think there are a few areas that are fragmented (about/intro/features/newbies) an consolidation would enhance their effect. Many other things like this to consider that are too many to list here.

Tech notes:
- this is using the existing Hugo back end. The URL provided links to the generated static files.
- no scripting was added. All changes are HTML+CSS. 
- header/footer borrowed and modified from docs.freebsd.org

Regards,
Mark