Display category image only if at least one subcategory has one

[Hlavtox]

The problem

Depending on a merchant and product sortiment, there are often categories where you just don't need a thumbnail, or it would not bring additional clarity, or good ones are just not available. It would make the theme more universal. :-)

It often looks something like this.

The solution

In category-header.tpl where subcategories are defined, we could possibly do a small tweak. Display the images only if at least category has a thumbnail.

Then it would look like this, in the example category.

What do you think guys? @tblivet @ga-devfront

Additional context

Technically, something like:

{assign var=displaySubcategoryImages value=false}
{foreach $subcategories as $category}
    {if !empty($category.image)}
        {assign var=displaySubcategoryImages value=true}
        {break}
    {/if}
{/foreach}

Do you plan to work on this subject?

• I'm willing to contribute a formal specification.
• I'm willing to provide any wireframes or design assets required for this feature.
• I'm willing to submit a Pull Request that implements this feature.
• I'm willing to help verify that the implemented feature works as intended and produces no unintended side effects.

[tblivet]

Hi @Hlavtox, I think this is a good idea, but I’ve identified a few drawbacks.

Currently, in Hummingbird v2, subcategories are displayed only on small devices. The reason is that in the Back Office, we don’t have the possibility to choose whether we want to display subcategories or not. On many websites, displaying subcategories at the top of the category page is not always desirable, especially for stores with a large number of subcategories.

Displaying them on mobile only, in a single horizontal line with scrolling, was a good compromise, since the category module is frequently enabled on stores.

That said, as you mentioned, for some websites, your car parts store example is a good one, navigation with subcategories (especially with images) can be very beneficial. In those cases, it really helps users find what they need faster. It’s almost like a step-by-step search.

However, I strongly believe we are missing a configuration switch in the Back Office to control whether subcategories should be displayed or not. Without this, it’s difficult to find a solution that fits all use cases. What do you think?

More generally, I think a small global configuration page should be implemented, for example, under Shop Parameters → Theme Settings, to introduce conditional rendering options like this.

To sum up, I don’t think we can go much further without having a conditional switch in the Back Office. What do you think @Hlavtox, @ga-devfront ?

[Hlavtox]

Oh, I didn't realize the thing about subcategories. I don't think it's a wise choice, especially since the category tree on the left is not staying open... The subcategories are the primary navigation for most users. If the size is the limit, I think a collapse with fade would be a better option.

However, I strongly believe we are missing a configuration switch in the Back Office to control whether subcategories should be displayed or not. Without this, it’s difficult to find a solution that fits all use cases. What do you think?

I had a need for such a switch for displaying products or not, but never for subcategories. Often clients want a category where there are no products, just to present a sortiment with a long description, but with individual means of purchase. Yet in the (17 years?) of me being in ecommerce, I needed a "Display subcategories" switch. :-)

[Hlavtox]

Oh, you even completely removed the display of category thumnails.

And the category block is staying displayed.

I don't like this at all, sorry..

[tblivet]

I’ll try to make an in-between POC for this. I’ll keep you updated @Hlavtox @ga-devfront.

[tblivet]

@Hlavtox, @ga-devfront, what do you think about this: #875

I think it’s a good compromise that takes everyone’s needs into consideration.

[ga-devfront]

Personally, I don't have a complete opinion on the matter, as I don't have an online store myself. I think this is a topic that should be addressed to a private message. However, I do think your suggestion is a compromise, and I'm in favor of it.