Slack’s latest redesign: thoughts and key takeaways from a UX designer’s lens
As a regular user, a keen observer of digital design trends, and a seasoned UX Designer, I’ve recently spent time exploring the latest design overhaul from Slack, what they call a “Next-generation platform”, or what I usually call working with clients “next .0 version”. Here, I want to share my thoughts, observations, and key takeaways from this update.
What Stayed the Same with Slack’s Design Update
Not everything needs to change and changes do not necessarily need to be significant, especially for core functionality.
Direct Messages (DMs)
In my opinion, the decision to leave DMs untouched for the new Slack platform was a wise one. We all rely on this feature daily for quick exchanges and private conversations. Any drastic change could have disrupted our workflow, so I’m definitely glad they kept things simple and familiar here.
Search Feature
Feature designers can iterate on almost endlessly, and still find something that may be improved. I am talking about the search, it has remained largely the same. As a UX designer, I appreciate Slack’s decision not to tamper with this tool. Keeping the search functionality intact, was another smart move on Slack’s part.
Back And Forth Navigation
It seems small, but when done not according to the best practices, can become very annoying for users when they do not find a way to navigate properly across the app. The back button stays in its usual place, in the left top corner, the place where users expect to find it. In the end, good UX/UI design is all about the user’s expectations.
What Changed with Slack’s Design Update
Obviously, with the new release, a lot of features were added, and we will talk about them later, first I will focus on what makes it the “next .0 version”.
Navigation Improvements in Slack’s Redesign
Workspace Navigation
I noticed some changes in the workspace navigation. By default, you’ll see stacked (grouped) workspaces in the updated Slack. While introducing new elements to the interface, they thought about the user’s habit of switching to the different workspaces from the side panel and so they kept the option to revert to the old view but changed the default one.
Though it makes it less intuitive how to join new workspaces in my opinion. It’s probably a task that users do not do very often, so it was worth doing it for the sake of saving space on the screen. It made the whole app look cleaner and lighter as the whole additional side panel is not necessary anymore.
Navigation To The Profile
In the redesign, the user profile has moved to the bottom left corner. Now, there are two common patterns where users generally expect to see navigation to Account — either at the top right or in a sidebar. Slack’s decision to move the profile to the left bottom corner is an interesting deviation from these patterns. This change might seem minor, but it could be indicative of emerging design trends. By placing the user profile in this unconventional location, Slack might be attempting to make the interface cleaner and more streamlined.
The ‘Plus’ Icon
One of the subtle changes that caught my eye was the addition of the ‘plus’ icon. It’s a quick, straightforward way to initiate new tasks or actions. What was interesting to observe, is that while Material design is moving in the direction of giving fewer options to choose from FAB buttons, the team went in the direction of combining 4 add actions into a single plus button. I wonder why they didn’t include automation there as the fifth one but instead showed automation under the three dots together with Canvas. Would be interesting to hear their thinking process regarding that.
Visual Enhancements
Design System Updates
The redesign introduces changes in UI components’ look and feel (buttons, tabs, icons, etc.). While these updates might seem small, they contribute significantly to the platform’s overall aesthetic appeal and user experience. The updated design system brings a fresh and modern feel to the application, aligning with current design trends. The attention to detail in these design elements is something I particularly admire.
Innovative Features Introduced in Slack’s Redesign
Activity Tab and AI Integration
The redesign also brings in an Activity tab and integrated AI features. The Activity tab centralizes notifications, mentions, and reactions in one place, inspired by products like Microsoft Teams I suspect. AI integration offers smart suggestions and reminders, a nod to the increasing role of AI in our digital tools.
The experience of interacting with AI chat within the Slack application is more or less the same as we are already used to. The only difference in user experience is getting responses as a comment to the request, not as a chat message, which may be an interesting thing to experiment on.
Workflow Builder
The new ‘no-code’ Workflow Builder is an impressive addition. It’s a tool that allows users to create custom workflows, making automation accessible to a wider user base.
Key Lessons from Slack’s Design Update
1. Balancing Familiarity with Innovation
One key takeaway from the Slack redesign is the comforting power of familiarity. As we engage with new software or updates, it’s reassuring to encounter elements we recognize. This helps us adapt more easily to changes and reduces the potential for disruption.
2. User-Centric Approach
Slack’s redesign demonstrates how a focus on user-friendly navigation can enhance our interactions with a platform. It’s a reminder for us to prioritize intuitive navigation in our own projects and day-to-day tool usage.
3. Embracing AI
The introduction of new features like Canvas and Automation in Slack drives home the importance of staying current. Whether we’re designing or choosing digital tools, it’s crucial to consider the latest trends and innovations.
4. Design Aesthetics
Changes in Slack’s design aesthetics remind us of the role that visual appeal plays in our experience with a tool. It’s encouraging us to consider aesthetics, not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the design and selection of digital tools.
Concluding Thoughts
As a seasoned UX designer and a regular user, I’ve found this update to be quite intriguing. The changes reflect the delicate balance of retaining the familiar while also injecting fresh design elements and features — a balance that’s essential in the ever-evolving landscape of UX design.
Moving the profile to the bottom left corner, the subtle changes in buttons, tabs, and icons, all demonstrate a thoughtful approach to improving the user experience and workflow efficiency. These nuanced adjustments underline the importance of adaptability and user-centric design decisions, even in the smallest of changes.
I’m keen to hear your thoughts on the new Slack Design. Do you love the new changes, or are there elements you’re not quite sure about? I believe that by sharing our perspectives, we can enrich our understanding and continue to refine the art of UX design. Let’s keep the conversation going.
