How to Submit an Idea

How to Submit an Idea

Remember that ideas and comments are screened by FamilySearch moderators before appearing inside the Suggest an Idea category. When submitting an idea, make sure all information requested in the template has been provided in the correct format.

There are 3 steps necessary to submit an idea:

  1. Idea title
  2. Description (your message)
  3. Tags

To submit an idea in the FamilySearch Community, sign in to the community. Click the New Idea button and follow the steps for each section detailed below.

Idea Title

Define the problem. Use the idea title to concisely state the problem your idea may solve. Make sure the problem is clear. If there is not enough room in the title, continue explaining in the description.

Example title: Adding a memory to multiple albums can be time consuming.

Description

In the message box, type your description and include the following elements.

  • Situation: Describe the situation or circumstance. You can start with the words, “When I ...” Indicate whether you are on the website or mobile app. List where are you on the site or app. Include a URL whenever possible.
  • Need: Describe what you want to do. Focus on one need at a time. You can continue with the words, “I want to ...”
  • Outcome: Describe the desired outcome for the need listed above. There may be multiple outcomes for a given need. You can use the words, “so I can ...” or “in order to....”
  • Benefit: When applicable, tell us why the need is important to you. It is helpful for FamilySearch when you share how the idea may benefit you and others.
  • Helpful Additions: Whenever possible, include screenshots and URLs to provide product managers with further context. Include PIDs of persons when an example helps your idea be understood.

Remember, while explaining how your idea or functionality may work is tempting, it is crucial to ensure you have clearly articulated the problem. A well-articulated problem can help others comprehend, solve, and build upon your idea.

Include Tags

Tags associate an idea with a FamilySearch product. Tags help community members and product teams find your idea through a search or filter. Some examples of product tags include: #Family Tree, #Temple, #Search, #Memories, #Get Involved, and #Indexing.

Idea Example:

  • Idea Title: Adding a memory to multiple albums can be time consuming.
  • Situation: When placing a picture in an album on my memories gallery from the website [URL], I want the memories gallery to allow selection of multiple albums at a time to avoid going through the same action multiple times. This will make the process of loading and sharing memories with friends and family easier and faster.
  • Tags: #Memories

We sincerely appreciate feedback and active involvement in the new process. We eagerly anticipate further collaboration with our guests and engineering teams. Thank you for partnering with FamilySearch to initiate positive changes and enhancements to our products.