InstructureCon Release Notes (2015-06-17)

erinhmcmillan
Instructure Alumni
Instructure Alumni

In this InstructureCon release (06/17), Canvas unveils a new interface structure designed for easier navigation and an enhanced responsive user experience across several elements.

The new Canvas interface design is still actively being worked on as a feature option and is set to release to production later this year. We are currently enabling the feature option selectively to admins and institutions as an early access Beta release. This process will help facilitate further development through the summer while letting users access the new and improved Canvas interface. Currently this feature is only available in Beta. If your institution is interested in enabling this feature in Beta, please contact your Customer Success Manager (CSM). Production availability will be announced in a future release.

 

 

Global Dashboard & Navigation

Canvas has improved the user experience by restructuring the Dashboard and Global Navigation Menu. These changes support best practices in software design, keep Canvas competitive in the industry, and complement the ways users interact with Canvas on any device.

 

The Global Dashboard includes a cleaner, lighter design that simplifies the course entry for students and instructors and provides a better way to display Canvas activity and take action on outstanding items. It also supports both a course view and a recent activity view, which can be toggled at the top of the Dashboard based on user preference.

 

New-UI-Dashboard-Tiles.png

 

The Global Navigation Menu has been redesigned on the left side of the interface to allow more room for content on smaller resolution devices. All users can easily navigate with a clear path of where they are within the application and how to view another feature area quickly and effectively. Users can view any top-level or secondary page in Canvas, such as Courses, Groups, Grades, Calendar, Inbox (Conversations), and Profile. Users with Admin rights can also easily access their Account information with the Account icon.

 

Users can continue to receive help in Canvas by clicking the Help icon located at the bottom of the Global Navigation Menu. Applicable links continue to expand into a menu for quick reference to the desired user area.

 

Responsive Design

Canvas has been reworked to support a more responsive layout. Features include a condensed course navigation that collapses on smaller screens, allowing for a more content-focused layout. Additionally, other improvements are being made around Canvas areas to help it support smaller device resolutions.

 

Responsive-Course-1.png

Responsive-Course-2.png

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