User-Specific DNS Statistics Dashboard: Feature Request

by Kenji Nakamura 56 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a crucial topic that can significantly enhance user experience within facileManager, specifically concerning the fmDNS module. We're going to explore a feature request centered around improving the DNS statistics dashboard, making it more relevant and user-specific. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

The Problem: Overwhelming and Irrelevant Statistics

The core issue at hand is that users with limited access within facileManager are currently presented with the entire system's DNS statistics on their dashboard. Imagine a client who has access to only a couple of zones and a limited number of records. When they log in, they're greeted with overall statistics like the total number of zones and records in the system, which are largely irrelevant to their scope of access. This can be overwhelming and confusing, potentially leading to a negative user experience.

Let's illustrate this with a real-world scenario. Suppose a user is granted permissions to manage just two zones and a total of 25 records within those zones. However, when they navigate to the DNS dashboard, they see system-wide statistics such as:

  • You have 0 name servers configured.
  • You have 524 zones defined.
  • You have 21,092 records.

These numbers don't reflect the user's limited scope and can create a sense of disconnect. It's like showing someone the entire menu of a restaurant when they're only allowed to order from a specific section. It's not only unnecessary information but also potentially misleading.

Presenting users with irrelevant data can lead to several problems. Firstly, it can be confusing and intimidating, especially for users who are not technically savvy. They might struggle to find the information that's actually relevant to them amidst the sea of global statistics. Secondly, it can create a sense of information overload, making it harder for users to focus on their specific tasks and responsibilities. Finally, it can lead to inefficiency, as users spend time trying to decipher data that doesn't pertain to them.

To truly enhance the user experience, it's crucial that the information presented is tailored to the user's specific roles and permissions. This means filtering the DNS statistics dashboard to display only the data that's relevant to the user's scope of access. This will not only make the dashboard more user-friendly but also improve overall efficiency and clarity.

The Solution: User-Specific DNS Statistics

The proposed solution is straightforward yet powerful: customize the DNS dashboard statistics to reflect the user's specific permissions and scope of access. Instead of displaying system-wide numbers, the dashboard should present statistics that are directly relevant to the user's assigned zones and records. This means implementing a filtering mechanism that restricts the displayed data based on the user's role and permissions.

In the earlier example, the user with access to two zones and 25 records should ideally see the following statistics on their DNS dashboard:

  • You have 0 name servers configured. (This might need further clarification as to whether it refers to name servers specifically configured by the user or system-wide.)
  • You have 2 zones defined.
  • You have 25 records.

This tailored view provides a clear and concise picture of the user's DNS resources, eliminating confusion and information overload. It allows users to quickly grasp their current configuration and focus on their specific responsibilities without being distracted by irrelevant data.

Implementing this solution involves several key steps. Firstly, the system needs to accurately track the zones and records associated with each user or role. This likely already exists within the facileManager system but needs to be leveraged for this specific feature. Secondly, a filtering mechanism needs to be implemented within the DNS dashboard to dynamically adjust the displayed statistics based on the user's permissions. This could involve querying the database with appropriate filters or utilizing existing access control mechanisms within the system.

Furthermore, the wording and presentation of the statistics can be optimized for clarity. For instance, the