We're pushing out a bunch of updates that are the result of two weeks of work, including some major changes to how users interact with components, a new component (Slideshow), and a new theme. There are also dozens of small bug fixes.

Hello in-line component options

Previously in Jigsoar, components that required a great deal of interaction (such as Gallery, Blog, Form) opened up a panel where the user could write their blog post, upload images, or build a form.

We found this to be counter-intuitive, and in the process of revamping the way that Jigsoar uses design paradigms, these components now have their settings in-line actually on the page itself. This means you can see exactly what your content will look like in place which is a real advantage, and it reserves use of panels for changing global site-wide settings.

Over the next few weeks we will be improving the consistency of Jigsoar's interface, ensuring that site-wide actions open up panels, component options open up a modal dialog, and component content is set in-line. These three UI paradigms will work well together and make Jigsoar feel much more cohesive.

Components will also be enhanced over time, for example we're hoping to roll out HTML5 drag and drop uploading for the Gallery component soon, as well as the ability to resize components using drag handles.

The Slideshow component

By popular demand, we're pleased to introduce the Slideshow component. The Slideshow component allows you to easily upload images for display in a full-width, beautiful image slideshow. The Slideshow lets you set the transition effect (fade or slide), and if auto-play is enabled, the duration of each slide.

Introducing Ice Cream Wafer - a cute new theme

Last but not least, we've included a new theme in today's update. Dubbed Ice Cream Wafer, this theme features a lovely pink background, a single content area perfectly suited for blogs, and a fixed menu with CSS3 transition effects on hover.

We're hoping to up the speed of new themes, and we'll certainly have a good half dozen new themes appearing over the coming weeks.

The new update is rolling out now, so if you're a beta tester, log in and have a look. We'd love to hear what you think.

If you're not a beta tester - sign up for an invite @ jigsoar.com and we'll send one out to you in the coming days.

Kind Regards,

The Jigsoar Team