Theme Preview Mode (different from Preview Theme)

[MisterVector]

Currently it is possible to preview, from a single user's perspective, what applying a different theme would look like. However, this only applies to the page where you pick your theme. The theme being previewed does not follow the user around the forum.

I propose the following:

When a user previews a theme, this starts the preview mode. Anywhere the user goes on the forum, the theme being previewed will be the one used instead of the theme configured for the user. A button will appear allowing the user to end preview mode, thus returning them to the theme that is in use on their profile. This would allow the user to get a good feel for the theme instead of it just being available on the theme selection page.

[Sesquipedalian]

How is that any different from simply switching your theme, trying it out for a while, and then switching back if you don't like it? 

[MisterVector]

How is that any different from simply switching your theme, trying it out for a while, and then switching back if you don't like it?

That is a good point, however the difference is in the number of clicks to switch back in case you don't like the new theme. Think of it like a workflow. This is just simply improving the workflow. Only one click is necessary to return to the user's configured theme. A nice way to make it efficient.

I understand that there is a tradeoff here. The amount of work required to implement the feature vs. how much of an impact it will have. While I think that this will make it more efficient, that tradeoff is always at play. I came up with this suggestion while working on an upgrade to a previous theme. I was switching back to curve to explore some aspects of it while developing the new theme. It would have been nice to be able to explore more about curve during the preview. Switching back in one click would be a useful workflow.

[Sesquipedalian]

Well, you are one of our development contributors, after all, so I'll say this: If you feel that this is worthwhile enough that you are willing to create and submit a pull request to implement this for SMF 3.0, I will be glad to review it.

[Diego Andrés]

What would be the benefit over the current session implementation? Wouldn't it be simpler to just provide a direct link {forum}/theme=2 ? It already works fine and it's been used for theme switchers and demos since it was introduced.