Make the default chat view DMs (rather than Channels)

[nathank (Nathan Kershaw)]

In the UI, Channels are given the more promoted position. By this I mean:

1. Channels are above DMs in the sidebar

2. Channels are selected in the Chat box when the bubble top right is clicked (even if the user isn’t a member of any, or if it is disabled)

This makes sense for instances where Channels are used quite a bit and their use needs to be encouraged. However, my instances tend to only use them occasionally. As a result, this behaviour just adds friction to the activity my users want to do most of the time.

I note this:

Some way to set DMs as default when opening chat?

Hey folks We’re working on an update that will hide chat’s Channels option in the footer when enable public channels is disabled. I think that should resolve this issue! I don’t have an ETA on exactly when the update will be ready, but we’ll follow up here with more information when it’s available.

This will solve the issue for those who have channels turned off. However, it won’t for my situation, which I suspect is quite common. To address this, it would be super helpful to be able to specify which to prioritise - DMs or Channels.

[merefield (Robert)]

Totally agree.

I’m more interested in DMs and when I open chat the channel default is pointless.

[chapoi (Charlie)]

I think this request makes sense. @lindsey For once, I’m not against adding a setting Perhaps even a usersetting.

[lindsey (Lindsey Fogle)]

The request makes sense to me too, especially as a user-led decision.

For fullscreen chat, it’d be neat if this could be something users could easily control in chat itself, rather than a user setting. Slack, for example, let’s you drag-and-drop the entire Channels (or DMs) area to rearrange the sidebar.

I don’t know how well that would translate to drawer or mobile, though, so maybe the setting is best. Happy to follow your lead @chapoi on what interaction you think makes most sense.