Retiring Standard Page Style From Mini Landing Pages An Update
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a crucial update concerning the retirement of the 'Standard' page style from Mini Landing Pages (MLPs). This is a significant step in our ongoing effort to streamline and modernize our digital presence. Let's break down the details, understand why this is happening, and what it means for you.
Introduction: Saying Goodbye to the Standard Style
As part of the Redesign Phase 3 (R3) completion, we're officially retiring the Standard page style from Mini Landing Pages. Why, you ask? Well, with the successful conversion of all MLPs to the NCIDS style (we had only three pending as of July 23, 2025!), the Standard style has become obsolete. This move allows us to focus on a unified, consistent design approach across our platform. Think of it as decluttering – getting rid of the old to make way for the new and improved!
The Need for Retirement
This decision to retire the Standard style wasn't taken lightly. It's a strategic move driven by the desire for consistency and modernization. Imagine walking into a house where each room has a completely different style – it's jarring, right? Similarly, having multiple page styles across our digital platform creates a fragmented user experience. By standardizing on the NCIDS style, we ensure a cohesive and professional look and feel, making it easier for users to navigate and engage with our content. This is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a user-friendly environment that promotes clarity and accessibility. Furthermore, maintaining multiple styles adds unnecessary complexity to our system, increasing the risk of errors and inconsistencies. By streamlining our design, we can focus our resources on enhancing other aspects of our platform, such as content quality and user engagement.
Sub Tasks: What’s Involved?
So, what exactly needs to happen to make this retirement a reality? Here’s a breakdown of the sub-tasks involved:
1. Inventory Check
First, we need to do a thorough sweep to ensure no Mini Landing Pages are still clinging to the 'Standard' style. Think of it as a digital audit – we need to know exactly what we’re dealing with. This inventory check is crucial to avoid any unexpected hiccups down the road. We want to make sure we haven't missed any pages that might still be using the old style. It’s like double-checking your suitcase before a trip to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. This meticulous approach ensures a smooth transition and prevents any disruption to the user experience.
2. Update or Retire Existing Pages
Next up, we'll be updating or retiring all existing Home & Landing Pages that are using the 'Standard', 'Special Report', or 'DCEG Connect' styles. These pages will either be migrated to an NCIDS template or, if necessary, retired altogether. We're keeping a close eye on this process with a detailed tracking report (you can find it here). This step is like renovating a house – sometimes you can remodel, and sometimes you need to tear down and rebuild. We're carefully assessing each page to determine the best course of action, ensuring that we maintain the integrity and quality of our content. This may involve updating the layout, redesigning the content structure, or even archiving pages that are no longer relevant.
3. YAML Cleanup
Time to tidy up the code! We'll be removing all existing YAML that uses field_page_style from the site, with one exception: the main navigation. For this, we'll be replacing it with “Page Left Intentionally Blank.” This is like decluttering your closet – getting rid of the things you no longer need to make room for the new. Removing the old YAML code ensures that our system is clean, efficient, and less prone to errors. It's a crucial step in maintaining the stability and performance of our platform. By streamlining the code, we make it easier to maintain, update, and scale the system in the future.
4. MLP Content Type Update
Once all pages have been successfully retired or converted, we'll remove the 'Standard' option from the mlp_field_page_style field on the MLP content type. This is like removing an outdated tool from your toolbox – it’s no longer needed, and it just takes up space. By removing the Standard option, we prevent users from accidentally selecting it when creating new pages, ensuring that all new content adheres to the NCIDS style. This is a key step in maintaining consistency and preventing the re-emergence of the old style. It's about setting clear boundaries and ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
5. Default Selection Change
Finally, we'll be changing the default selection of the field_page_type for Home and Landing Pages to be