Enhance / Modernize Footer on getmdl.io #5463
Description
Description:
The footer on the getmdl.io site is currently very minimal (or missing in some pages). To improve usability, aesthetics, accessibility, and maintainability, I propose upgrading the footer with the following features and design enhancements.
Current Footer (Baseline):
- Very minimal or non-existent content (only navigation links at top).
- Lacks branding, contact/social, site structure, and copyright.
- No responsive design tweaks or dynamic features.
Proposed Enhancements:
- Add Site Branding / Logo
- Show the MDL logo or “Material Design Lite” name in the footer for consistency.
- Optionally link back to home.
- Navigation / Quick Links
- Duplicate or reorganize the main navigation (About, Getting Started, Components, Templates, etc.) into “Site Links” in the footer.
- Optionally group under headings like “Docs”, “Community”, “Resources”.
- Social / Community Links
- Add icons/links to GitHub, Twitter, Stack Overflow, etc.
- Encourage community contributions or following.
- Legal / Policy Links
- Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, License (e.g., MIT or other)
- Attribution information if needed.
- Contact / Support
- A link or email (or “Get Help”)
- Or “Report issue” link pointing to GitHub.
- Copyright / Version
- Show current version of MDL (if relevant)
- Copyright line like “© Year Material Design Lite”
- Optionally, “Last updated” date.
- Responsive & Accessibility Considerations
- Ensure footer is mobile-friendly
- Use semantic HTML (e.g., ), proper aria labels, contrast, and keyboard navigable
- Ensure social icons have aria-label or accessible names
- Visual Styling / Theming
- Match MDL design language (typography, spacing, colors)
- Maybe include a subtle background, divider line, and hover effects on links
- Light/dark mode support (if site supports theme toggling)
- Optional Enhancements
- Newsletter subscription form
- Recent blog posts or community highlights
- Language selector (if multi-language)
- Search box (if applicable)
- “Back to top” link or button
Impact & Benefit:
- Improves site navigation (especially for deep pages)
- Reinforces branding consistency
- Provides legal / support context
- Enhances credibility and completeness of the site
- Encourages community engagement