New Feature: Default Placeholder Thumbnails for Commons Content

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KataKeri
Instructure
Instructure
8
1472

Canvas.png

Dear Commons Community,

We are excited to announce a small but fantastic new feature in Canvas Commons that will make sharing content easier and more efficient: default placeholder thumbnail images! This update is designed to simplify the process of selecting and sharing content on Commons by removing the previously required step of adding a thumbnail image.

Until now, users were required to upload their own thumbnail images whenever they shared content. While this allowed for customization and personalization, it also added an extra step that could sometimes be time-consuming. We understand that not everyone always has the perfect thumbnail ready to go, and sometimes, you just want to share content quickly and easily.

This enhancement comes directly from feedback we received during our user discovery sessions and the survey we’ve posted. We listened to your suggestions and requests, recognizing the need for a more streamlined process. Based on your input, we've implemented default placeholder thumbnails to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Screenshot 2024-07-18 at 12.47.03.png

With our latest update, Commons will automatically provide a default placeholder thumbnail image for any content you share. This means you can skip the thumbnail upload step entirely and still have a polished, professional-looking post, which reflects the type of the content.

Of course, if you prefer to add your own unique touch, you still have the option to upload your own thumbnail images. This update doesn't take away any functionality; it simply adds more flexibility to suit your needs and streamline your workflow.

We believe this new feature will make using Commons even more enjoyable and efficient. Whether you're in a rush or simply prefer not to fuss over thumbnails, our default placeholder images have got you covered.

This feature update is now available in Beta, and will be released to production on Aug 17th.

Check out the release note here.

Happy sharing!

 

The content in this blog is over six months old, and the comments are closed. For the most recent product updates and discussions, you're encouraged to explore newer posts from Instructure's Product Managers.

8 Comments
jsowalsk
Community Coach
Community Coach

Thank you @KataKeri! This is a great enhancement.

audra_agnelly
Community Champion

THANK YOU!!!!!

ProfessorBeyrer
Community Coach
Community Coach

Nice. 😁 Now I can split that thumbnail-creation part of my "how to use Canvas Commons" training into a new session on "how to create a thumbnail," which will cover Commons, Studio, and Canvas course tiles!

Thank you for being responsive to the Community and user feedback.

mbmacdonald
Community Participant

Hi @KataKeri - I didn't know where to post this, but I received an email notification on August 22, 2024 about a post in the Product Blog related to Commons. Now it seems to be gone. I understand if it was necessary to roll back the change that was described, but it would be better if the post was left up with an update.

Or... did I receive a piece of spam that looked convincingly like an Instructure subscription update?

KataKeri
Instructure
Instructure
Author

@mbmacdonald Sorry about that. The update I posted did not solve the problem for the majority of the users, so I took it down, since there was no option to 'ARCHIVE' it. I appreciate the feedback, next time, I'll do an update, it makes sense given the fact that it can be confusing if you got a notification about blogposts being published. 

Chris_Hofer
Community Coach
Community Coach

@KataKeri ...

One thing I'd love to see in Commons is for the thumbnail pictures to be clickable.  Many times when I am using Commons, I want to click on the thumbnail picture to view the item that was shared.  And, I have to remind myself that the only way to really view the details is to click on the name of the item...not the picture.

Commons.png

Is there any chance the areas marked in orange can also be "clickable" in addition to the name of the item displayed in blue?

KataKeri
Instructure
Instructure
Author

@Chris_Hofer Absolutely! It is a roadmap item as of now, part of 'Content card improvements' - scheduled for Q4 2024 - Q1 2025. 

Chris_Hofer
Community Coach
Community Coach

@KataKeri ...

Thank you for responding!  This is great to hear!  I'll be keeping my eyes open for this in the near future.  👀