User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)/sandbox/2

It has been 10 years since the current default Wikimedia skin (Vector) was deployed. Over the last decade, the interface has been enriched with extensions, gadgets and user scripts. Also, web design has evolved. It is time to provide the best refinements as a part of default experience of all users, on all wikis.

Principles
'''We will not touch the content. We will not remove any functionality. We will not make major changes in single steps. We will not touch other skins than Vector.'''

We are working on the interface only. No work will be done in terms of styling templates, the structure of page contents, map support, or cross-wiki templates. Elements of the interface might move around, but all navigational items and other functionality currently available by default will remain. Though our changes will be easily noticeable, we are taking an evolutionary approach and want the site to continue feeling familiar to readers and editors. Each feature will be discussed, developed, and deployed separately.

Deployment plan and timeline
'''On selected wikis, our changes will be visible as default for all users. On most wikis, the changes will be available as beta features. It will be easy for users to switch our changes off.'''

It is important for us to receive feedback from both readers and editors. Thus, we will be deploying the changes as default to a set of testing wikis for all users. On all other wikis, the improvements will be available as user preferences. Editors on all wikis will also be provided with a quick opt-out button if they wish to use the older version of the skin.

First two features (the new header and collapsible sidebar) will be deployed in June/July 2020.

What features will be added
We have not created a complete, detailed product specification. Each feature will be built and implemented separately, over time. Features which have been created are still being adjusted and improved. Our decisions are based on community feedback, user testing, and extracted API data.

Participate
Test our features individually, share feedback, and join our early adopting wikis!