Topic filter UI isn't very intuitive

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AI-generated summary

The discussion revolves around the unintuitive user interface of the topic filter feature in Discourse, particularly its lack of responsiveness and unclear functionality. Users tvavrda and Andrew_Rowe report that the filter dropdown does not respond to interactions, with tvavrda noting it fails to filter by category but works with tags. Arkshine clarifies that the interface relies on an experimental theme component, which has since been removed from the experimental tab and enabled by default. sam acknowledges the feature’s potential but highlights its poor user experience, while Canapin corrects a misconception about its status. Arkshine confirms the component’s inclusion despite its experimental label. tvavrda further explains that the filter requires no spaces after the : character, which resolves the issue, and tvavrda concludes that the feature needs UX improvements. agemo asks about user group access controls, and sam directs users to a new topic filtering UI update.

1

Topic filter in the sidebar does not seem to be working at all. Whatever I click on in the dropdown does nothing (Mac, Safari).

The image is a selection menu for filtering and sorting options on a website or platform, including categories, statuses, dates, numbers of likes and views, and sorting orders for browsing and organizing content. (Captioned by AI)
The image is a selection menu for filtering and sorting options on a website or platform, including categories, statuses, dates, numbers of likes and views, and sorting orders for browsing and organizing content. (Captioned by AI)2060Ă—1214 153 KB

1 Like
Streamline Tag Intersections
2

first off, I had no idea how to get to that page and had to click the link and look at the path in the browser and then type it into my instance but anyhow…
I can concur typing in the filter or hitting enter or anything seems to not do anything

edit to add:
Here on meta or my own instance doesn’t look like your screen shot
it’s a list of topics

3

What you see relies on an additional experimental theme component that you can find here:
https://github.com/discourse/discourse-experimental-filter-component

6 Likes
4

I think we very much want to improve the UI around topic filters out-of-the-box. The /filter route, as it stands today is an unfinished feature.

It is a great feature with tremendous potential but the end user experience is just not there yet.

7 Likes
5

It may still be experimental in practice, but it was removed from the Experimental tab in Discourse’s setting. It’s even enabled by default :smile:

The original (closed) topic could be updated, as

Isn’t necessary anymore.

1 Like
6

Yes, you’re right. However, I was unsure that the component was included, especially since it’s not officially released.

1 Like
7

How does it work though? I understand that “dropdown” is not really a dropdown. But if I filter by category, it does not work. It seems to filter by tags on the other hand.

The image outlines two technical issues with an emoji picker: it appears in an incorrect position when interacting with the completion popup and is not visible on replies in the support category. (Captioned by AI)
The image outlines two technical issues with an emoji picker: it appears in an incorrect position when interacting with the completion popup and is not visible on replies in the support category. (Captioned by AI)1260Ă—600 34 KB

8

Make sure you don’t leave any space after the : character.

2 Likes
9

Works. I think this feature definitely needs some UX love :smiley:

3 Likes
10

Is there a way to control access by user group/level?

11

Be sure to try latest !

1 Like