Over the upcoming weeks, we are going to start putting together documentation on how to use Responsive Site Designer. What we are looking for is feedback on what it is you would like covered in our Quick Start Guide.

With RSD, since there are so many features and ways to accomplish different tasks, we are not sure how detailed we should be in describing how to do things. We have found all too well from experience that some refuse to read anything and just want to be told how to do everything (you know who you are!). And others on the opposite side of the spectrum where they want each and every element and feature found in the software described in full detail (that would be overwhelming).

In order to find a good balance and keep the documentation readable yet informative, we are asking for your help on what would make your life easier and help you make the most out of RSD. Here is your chance to have direct input on how we move forward so bring it on and tell us what you want to see!

Well, as a dedicated VSD user here is my opinion...
I am an avid reader and agree with Jo Ann that 'detailed' documentation would be an asset.
That said, as far as a 'quick start' guide, here is what I would like to see...

I think a simple 'walk through' from start to finish of a simple 1 or 2 page site would be great. Maybe a video. Show adding full page background images as well as other page images, how to include items such as sliders, videos, music, menus, forms and such. and of course, how to export and/or publish the site to both S-Drive or your own server. A picture is worth a thousand words. Videos are even better!

Quick Start Guide:
1) An easy to understand explanation of the 'Grid', 'Row', 'Column' layout.
I have played around with RLM but since I don't really code I never really 'got it'. I have started a site with RSD ( yes, I really have ) but my time is limited and I just haven't gone to far. I understand the layout, mostly, but it took a while to figure out just how to add a background image that covered the whole page. ( a repeating image ) May seem simple to some coders but not so much to the rest of us.

2) Explain ( again ) about the desktop down or mobile up design theory.
I still think a lot of users don't understand that.

3) Explain where 'Resources' are and how they are used.
I figured that one out, and love how you did it. I'm just thinking of 'newbies' and what they may want/need to know.

4) Explain how to add a 'Menu Builder' menu

5) Explain how to add a WFB form

6) Explain how to save, export and publish a site

7) Explain how to load and modify a theme

I know this may seem simple and a lot more information may be in a quick start guide, but these basics should get a 'new' user started. I just think some theory/explanation of the whole responsive design concept should be included at the beginning of the guide. Nothing to deep, just give an understanding of how the responsive system differs from the 'old' web design types and why users should go responsive. Then just give the basics.

My opinion.

Re videos: they are nice but I'd like to see solid written documentation with associated screenshots of the app. An exploded 3-D diagram of how the "Coast" theme is put together would be good. At this point, at least to me, it is not at all intuitive how to modify or change images.

Note: If you guys have PowerPoint 2013, get the Office Mix plugin (mix.office.com). You can do some great things with it.

I will agree on this. Videos are fine, but sometimes having to constantly rewind a video to get my brain to understand something, just seems to make it harder to grasp. Whereas with well written documentation, I can stay right on that section until it sinks in through my thick skull.

And for those of you (CC included) that have made videos, I tip my hat to you for doing so. All are very well done! Thank you for doing them for the CC community!

Great (detailed) feedback everyone, thanks!



As to the grid, ever since Layout Maker came out we have been writing about it to help educate our customers. Again, the reason we came out with Layout Maker 1st and why we are convinced any project should start with RLM, is that the adaptable layout constitutes the foundation of any responsive design. Getting this right absent of 'decorative distractions' such as background colors or images will create better websites. Here's links to some of the articles we wrote:

• GRIDS FOR BULLET PROOF RESPONSIVE DESIGN
• GRID SYSTEMS AND FRAMEWORKS

I agree. However, I'm thinking that not all who have been waiting for RSD bought or read any documentation for RLM. I did, but others I'm sure have not. I think the Quick Start guide should include this info or at least ( as you did ) reference it. That may be the best way anyway. Just include a 'Reference' section and list some of the RLM articles that cover the basics of responsive design that you have already published.

Step by Step is good for me, and a project built as you follow the instructions

As an RLM user, I am loving RSD!
Perhaps a middle ground for documentation would be to add to each section of the quick guide links to forums dealing with those specific areas.
The best example would be the way that your current forums are divided by specific software titles. In this case, RSD would simply have subforums that are based on each of the specific areas addressed generally in the quick start guide.
Most of us, with some basic info in hand, are reasonably comfortable with exploring and learning on our own, but will tend to get stuck on fairly specific issues that we can't quite figure out.Where do we turn first? We go to the forums to see if someone has already posted something that gets us back on track. Love those powerusers! The videos generated by the powerusers could also be tucked under the section specific forums.
As the community develops, I believe it will not be long before you have a great database of detailed documentation that will supplement your more streamlined quick guide.
Many thanks!

I second this suggestion.

I always found with past software, that live webinars of "Building a Site from start to Finish" was a fantastic & efficient way of learning the basics of the software. It could be recorded & referred to anytime a member/user had to troubleshoot a problem or to find a simple answer.