We've updated the repository pages to be respoinsive, and made some layout changes to the Code tab. We've added a sidebar to elevate project information that previously has been a hidden behind clicks, and given more space to features that support the development workflow.
To enable this new design you can switch it on via Feature Preview, and if you have any issues you can diable it again too.
Profile dropdown > Feature Preview > Repository design updates > Click "Enable"
Open Feature Preview | Enable Repository design updates |
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We want to make sure these updates work for maintainers, and would really appreciate feedback on things like:
- UX and visual bugs
- Performance issues
- Confusing designs or navigation
- Anything that feels like a disruptive change
- Things you wish were different
- Things you love about it 💓
Please let us know what you think by sending feedback here.
As noted in the screenshots at the bottom, which contrast the new Repository refresh feature, several observations come to mind.
tldr;
Overall, I prefer the old design which adhered to the laws of simplicity and constrained the visual display of data in a way that was concise and easily accessible. The previous presentation needed to be tweaked in my opinion rather than overhauled in such a disruptive way. Changes should be fewer or at least less enforced for users who may be overly sensitive and responsive to color and focus. A sidebar in this case may not serve the intent to provide a strong focal point when viewing a repository.
Background considerations:
Why are we making changes? Do the changes improve usage, and if so in what way? Are we adding functionality? The existing design was well-thought out and had very subtle effects that assisted developers in being productive. Colors, lines, typography, and prose all permeated the design to enable developers to instantly understand what we are looking at when viewing a repository. Change should be made cautiously in this case unless the disruption is warranted by some perceived benefit.
Given these considerations here is my feedback:
(since this is the most disruptive feature it should be something readers can toggle as a preference)
(the styling above the file between the main code page and when viewing files is inconsistent and jarring)