Dropdown vs. Buttons in Slack: UX Comparison
Experience of using the new integration for Slack apps
Today, Statsbot announces integration for Slack’s newest feature — Message Menus. We’re happy to say that Statsbot was chosen as one of a limited number of partners build an integration for the new feature.
Below we discuss this feature’s uses and advantages according to our own experience.
Clean interface
Check out how the Statsbot Dashboard has improved with Message Menus:
Message Menus allows many variations in one form. Previously, we used Slack Buttons to ease onboarding and help to make our user interface more readable and convenient. Now, with Message Menus, our UI is even better.
Buttons allow the app designer/developer to use up to five buttons in a single message. Before, we needed to use several rows of messages in one command to get the most out of this feature.
However, Message Menus bridges the gap between a clean interface and diversity in options. This new feature frees up message space for us to use.
Mobile version
Replacing buttons with one control element is definitely great for using Statsbot via mobile. A touch-friendly user interface makes it much easier to find exactly you are looking for.
Quick search
Often, when drop-down lists have more than 10 options it’s difficult for users to scan and navigate. However, Slack Message Menus offers a search field so the list can be as long as needed. It’s a quick way to find the option you’re looking for, and opens new possibilities in interface development for apps like Statsbot.
Dynamic content
Content inside Slack’s Message Menus updates сontinuously. This means the feature can be used in different ways depending on the specific app. For example, at Statsbot we include our most popular metrics in Message Menus, which could change in real-time depending on usage. We believe this will help companies that are unsure what are the most important metrics to track.
ASO in Slack Directory
There is now a special featured category in the Slack App Directory for apps utilizing the Message Menu update. This has the potential for added marketing outreach for particular apps. At Statsbot, many of our new customers come to us from a Slack Directory search.
Slack’s Message Menus update has allowed Statsbot to build a richer interface, better navigation, and a more professional feel. We believe every Slack app can find uses for this new feature, as we did.
