Updating Current Admin Templates
Once Joomla 1.6 gets to the Release Candidates, we'll start working on updating current Admin Templates in order from newest to oldest. That means Stainless and AdminPraise Lite will be in the first round of updates. From there we'll move to AdminPraise2, and then consider if AdminPraise1 should be updated for 1.6 (probably depending on feedback).
The Future Is Bright
Joomla 1.6's Admin will now be 100% MVC! What's the mean for you and us? It means that we'll be able to override layouts just like you can on the frontend for Joomla 1.5. This is HUGE, as we've been very limited in what we could do with Admin Templates for 1.5 (though I think we've pushed it pretty far).
Back To The Drawing Board
Now that we can override layouts, we're going to completely rethink the Joomla Admin Site and explore where it can go. We've just now started to play around with ideas (preview one below), but we really want to do this next one (AdminPraise3) right.
Public Design Process
The design and development process for AdminPraise3 will be done in the public eye, largely in this blog. We're going to be asking you guys/gals for your invaluable feedback, creativity and ideas. When we first started making AdminPraise1, it was just to test the water. Now that we've got 6 Admin Templates under our belt it's time to get serious and involve the community so we can build the Joomla Admin Template YOU want!
Just An Idea
This is JUST a rough pass on what we can do with AdminPraise3. We know throwing ideas out there at this point is premature, but we also know how everyone is visual and pictures are fun :)
So, are you guys down to help with the process?
Browser Widths
A user brought up the concern of the width required for AdminPrais3. I had actually already designed the narrow mockup, so decided to add it here. AdminPrais3 will use elastic widths and the goal is to support as many browser configurations as possible, especially the cpanel. The cpanel will be completely fluid and the modules will float and wrap under each other. Theoretically, you could have your Joomla admin site in its own window off to the side of your monitor like this:
(click image for full size)
We'd have to use some magic to detect the width and apply the condensed logo and top nav, but it's doable.
