Twitter unveils major redesign
Twitter has rolled out a new desktop design, which the social media giant says will be easier to navigate and personalise for consumers.
The new site replicates features from the app and aims to eliminate annoying desktop quirks including log-in problems and making it less fiddly to access direct messages.
The new Twitter.com (click to enlarge)
Rather than a design tweak, the new site was built from the ground up by Twitter and has been tested across hundreds of thousands of beta users since the beginning of 2019. One of the biggest changes is the addition of Explore to the desktop home page, allowing users to browse trending events on the platform, access live video and personalised local content.
Other new features include the addition of Bookmarks, Lists and Profile to the sidebar, the ability to see direct messages and send them on the same screen and a simpler log-in function which gives users the option of switching between multiple accounts from the side bar. This addition is the biggest change for the layout, and makes for a simpler user experience.
The site will also allow users to personalise their Twitter with different themes and colour options to join dark mode themes Dim and Lights Out which have now been supported by the platform.
There have also been minor changes to the way tweets are composed, with Twitter’s location tagging removed. The social media giant has said a lack of use made the feature obsolete.
Most people don’t tag their precise location in Tweets, so we’re removing this ability to simplify your Tweeting experience. You’ll still be able to tag your precise location in Tweets through our updated camera. It’s helpful when sharing on-the-ground moments.
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) June 18, 2019
There’s also been a change to the search functionality on the site, with the ability to toggle between search options placed in tabs at the top of the screen.
Detractors of the new design say the overly large sidebars detract from Twitter’s main function – displaying tweets. But it’s likely the desktop functionality is tailored to new or casual users, with a focus placed on usability over content.
During the testing process, which began at the start of this year, Twitter was trialling two different designs, with the final option chosen based on user feedback.
Starting to see the new https://t.co/fHiPXozBdO? We opened it to more people, and now we’re testing two different designs. Let us know what you think, we’d love to hear from you.
— Twitter (@Twitter) May 3, 2019
Twitter hasn’t allowed an option for users to return to the original layout, meaning those who dislike the new design are stuck with it, but in a blog posted today the company said it was open to ongoing feedback about the new Twitter.com. The company has also confirmed it will make the Twitter app for Mac desktops available again from later this year.
Twitter is thrilled to announce we are bringing the Twitter for iPad experience to the Mac!
The all new Twitter for Mac will be in development this summer in preparation for an early launch on macOS 10.15 Catalina. pic.twitter.com/Q13OUMRgjt
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) June 3, 2019
