====== Homepage and Access ======

===== Homepage Layout =====

The homepage of the ITSERR – uBIQUITY platform represents the entry point for all users, both authenticated and anonymous.
The interface is presented with a clear and minimal layout, designed to prioritize usability and quick access to the main functionalities.

The elements visible on the homepage include:

  * **Top header**, including:
    * project logo and title (ITSERR – uBIQUITY);
    * informational links (e.g. “About”, “Help”);
    * highlighted “Login” button.
  * **Central page body**, hosting:
    * a short introductory description of the project and its objectives;
    * references to the institutional context (RESILIENCE project, NextGenerationEU funding);
    * possible informational banners or system messages.
  * **Footer**, containing:
    * copyright information;
    * contact information;
    * links to privacy and accessibility policies.

The homepage is fully responsive and automatically adapts to different screen sizes (desktop, tablet, mobile). 

{{ubiquity:ubiquity_home.png?650|Home}}


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===== Differences Between Public and Authenticated Versions =====

The homepage interface varies depending on the user’s authentication status:

**Unauthenticated user**

  * the header displays only the “Login” button;
  * search and flows management sections are not accessible;
  * the homepage presents introductory and descriptive information about the project, without interactive content.

**Authenticated user**

  * the header is updated to display the username and the account menu (profile icon in the top-right corner);
  * new direct links to the main modules appear (“Flows”, “Notes”);
  * the homepage acts as a transition point to the personal working environment, with immediate access to saved searches and previous flows.

This distinction ensures a coherent but progressive interface: simple and informative for visitors, complete and operational for authenticated researchers. 


{{ubiquity:ubiquity_non_logged.png?650|Home Non Logged}}
{{ubiquity:ubiquity_logged.png?650|Home Logged}}



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===== Login and Authentication =====

The “Login” button, located in the upper-right area of the homepage, allows access to the platform through the federated authentication system (SSO) provided by D4Science.
When the user selects this option, they are redirected to the Keycloak authentication page, which centrally manages the entire login flow.

The process includes the following steps:

  * clicking the “Login” button on the uBIQUITY homepage;
  * automatic redirection to the D4Science login screen;
  * entering credentials or selecting a federated provider;
  * authentication and validation via D4Science;
  * redirection to the uBIQUITY platform with an authenticated session.

During the authentication phase, the user never interacts directly with the uBIQUITY servers: the entire process is handled by the federated provider, in compliance with European security and privacy regulations.

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===== Authenticated Access and Redirection =====

After login, the user is automatically redirected to the main page of the Flows search module.
From here, the user can access all restricted functionalities, including:

  * the creation of new searches (also available to unauthenticated users, but without the possibility of saving);
  * consultation of saved flows (authenticated users only);
  * management of personal notes (authenticated users only);
  * visualization and comparison of results (also available to unauthenticated users).

The interface now displays the authenticated username in the header, together with a dropdown menu containing the following options:

  * **Profile** → displays user information;
  * **Logout** → ends the session and redirects back to the public homepage.

When the SSO session expires, the user is automatically logged out and prompted to log in again, ensuring the security of personal data and research activities.

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===== Authenticated User Menu =====

Once authenticated, the user has access to a personal menu located in the upper-right corner of the interface.
This menu, identified by the profile icon, allows quick management of account-related operations.

Menu items:

  * **Profile**: opens a summary window with personal information and user affiliation;
  * **Settings**: allows modification of language preferences and interface theme;
  * **Help / Documentation**: direct link to the user manual and technical documentation;
  * **Logout**: closes the current session and returns the user to the public homepage.

Menu behavior:

  * it is visible only when the user is authenticated;
  * it remains accessible in every section of the platform;
  * it automatically disappears upon logout or session expiration.

This functionality contributes to maintaining a coherent and intuitive user experience, allowing users to manage their profile and quickly access support sections.