The discussion revolves around introducing alternative display modes for the topic list in Discourse, inspired by other apps that offer similar features. erlend_sh suggests providing default options, citing user feedback that the current design resembles an “Excel spreadsheet.” Examples of alternative designs are shown from Gmail, Inoreader, and Reddit. merefield agrees, mentioning the existing Topic List Preview plug-in, but believes this feature should be part of the core Discourse functionality, potentially powered by themes. Stranik supports the idea, highlighting the benefits of user choice and citing examples of successful implementations without third-party plugins.
Continuing the discussion from Facebook Groups - Zuck is coming for us:
I’ve heard this a few times before. Now that we have Customization > Theme component I think we should offer a few alternative display modes by default, such as Sam's Simple Theme.
This is becoming very common in apps with lists of content.
Related:
Haha, funny, the same exact statement was resonating with me all morning.
Of course there is already Angus’ Topic List Preview plug-in? I was just about to try this out because of that thread.
But agree, this is ultimately Core stuff!
Powering this with Themes would make sense 
I think that’s a great idea! You can make the switch using the internal capabilities of Discourse without third-party plugins.
Working examples where third-party plugins were not used.
Users are very fond of it. A lot of people, and we all have different tastes. Not necessarily of course to meet all, but that is not possible. But being able to choose is a good idea. And since the engine allows it, it’s great.
