New topic controls on Meta

UX
1

I have noticed a new design of the topic controls and topic timeline here on Meta.

The image shows a series of icons and a navigation button with the text "4 / 4" indicating it is the last page of a series. (Captioned by AI)
The image shows a series of icons and a navigation button with the text "4 / 4" indicating it is the last page of a series. (Captioned by AI)1080×342 20.3 KB

I would like to voice some feedback, namely:

  1. The topic timeline needs to be larger. The current size makes it seem unimportant, which it really isn’t.
  2. If there is only 1 option in the dropdown with 3 dots, like Flag, the dropdown shouldn’t be there, and it should just be the flag button instead.
7 Likes
3

I’m sorry to say this but the topic timeline just looks ridiculous. It’s wayyy too tiny and my eyes have to drift very far to see the current reply number. The topic controls also need to be labelled, I feel. It can confuse new users about what they all do.

2 Likes
4

Hi,

Its a very new redesign so we’re still tweaking it. Both your points are already on my list to look at.

Thanks

4 Likes
5

That is now fixed by

3 Likes
6

That is now fixed by

2 Likes
7

Hmm… the topic timeline still looks the same.

The image shows a user interface with a blue button reading "5/5" next to a back arrow icon on the right, and four other icons including a chain, a bookmark, a flag, and a bell with a downward arrow. (Captioned by AI)
The image shows a user interface with a blue button reading "5/5" next to a back arrow icon on the right, and four other icons including a chain, a bookmark, a flag, and a bell with a downward arrow. (Captioned by AI)1080×380 26 KB

If I may add another suggestion, could the notification controls for the topic be the same size as the dropdowns/modals from the other buttons? It currently seems too large.

8

Nope, definitely bigger again

CleanShot 2024-12-13 at 10.40.14@2x
CleanShot 2024-12-13 at 10.40.14@2x782×550 39 KB

CleanShot 2024-12-13 at 10.35.30@2x
CleanShot 2024-12-13 at 10.35.30@2x772×704 40.1 KB

Just not as big as it was before.

Are you actually having trouble tapping it?

9

I see.

The topic notification controls? No, but I feel the size is inconsistent, since I’m used to the old design and the fact that the other modals or dropdowns from the other buttons aren’t as big.

If you don’t mind me asking, why are the topic controls being changed? Just curious.
Thanks.

1 Like
10

Were trying to be a bit more consistent and “clean”. Before, we had buttons with text, with icon, with both, wasted space, and lots of various sizes and spacing between elements.

So were trying to have a more structured approach to it, which admittedly needs some trial and error sometimes.

1 Like
11

(Just my opinion) I think the labels and text made it easier for new users to know what those buttons do. Now it seems like new users have to click on them to find out.

Understood, thanks!

1 Like
12

Which buttons do you think theyll struggle with? Reply, bookmark, and share are very common icons and are also not labelled in the regular posts and have never caused an issue.

Only the tracking dropdown might spark an initial “huh?” which is reasonably easy learned after opening it once.

In general, I hear you, but Id like to wait and see what actual new users report, if anything, instead of going on speculation. Maybe we underestimate them :wink:

2 Likes
13

I think the bookmark button. Not many places have a text label that says ‘Bookmark’. At least when new users see that, they’ll be like, ‘Ah, that’s the bookmark button!’.

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