User:SGrabarczuk (WMF)/sandbox/3/en

= Desktop Improvements update =

I wanted to give you an update about the Desktop Improvements project. The Wikimedia Foundation Web team has been working on it since 2019. The goal is to make the interface both useful for advanced users and more comfortable for readers. The project consists of a series of feature improvements which make it easier to read and learn, navigate within the page, search, switch between languages, use article tabs and the user menu, and more. The improvements are already visible by default for readers and editors on 13 wikis, including Wikipedias in French, Portuguese, and Persian.

The changes apply to the [ Vector] skin only. [ Monobook] or [ Timeless] users are not affected.

Features deployed so far
So far, we have deployed the following features:


 * Reconfigured logo - which will allow us to make the header sticky (fixed at the top of the screen). The sticky header will include the search, article tabs, and the user menu.
 * Collapsible sidebar - which allows to focus on the content and has been a gadget on some wikis.
 * Limited content width in content and content-like pages (not special, log-type, or similar) - which makes reading and learning easier. For more details about this change, like what we would do with the empty space or how this relates to large tables, see our FAQ.
 * Moved and improved search - which allows searching more quickly and effectively by providing more context for each search term.
 * Exposed language button - which helps to discover that interlanguage links exist and allows to switch between languages more often.

How we collaborate with the communities
We do not have one vision of the interface after the deployment of all changes. Instead, we measure the impact of each change individually. In addition to that, we learn about the communities' preferences using a variety of methods. You can find all major reports on our Repository page.


 * Prior to building any feature, we performed research with readers and editors. We identified the problems with usability, and based our decisions on the findings of this research (example).
 * We also perform user research on prototypes of our proposed changes to make sure they address the problems identified above (example).
 * We have run two larger-scale prototype testing rounds (first, second). In these, editors could gain an understanding of our ideas, and share what they appreciate or find confusing.
 * Shortly after the deployment of each change, we collect usage data for both readers and editors. Depending on the feature, we may do an A/B test as well. This is a comparison of two groups in which only a half of users can see the change. Then we establish whether the new functionality is pefroming better.
 * Volunteers have shared feedback on talk pages. This has been taking place on the project talk page, but also the equivalents of the Village Pumps.
 * In 2019, we had a roundtable discussion at Wikimania (outcomes). We are planning to have a similar discussion this year as well.

How to enable individually or for everyone

 * On Wikipedia in English, it is possible to opt-in individually in the appearance tab within preferences by unchecking the "Legacy Vector" box. Also, it is possible to opt-in using the global preferences.
 * If you think this would be good as a default for your entire wiki, feel free to start a conversation with your community and reach out to us with any questions.
 * On wikis where the changes are visible by default for readers and editors, all logged-in users can always opt-out. There is an easily accessible link in the sidebar. According to our latest data, 89% of active editors of those wikis have decided to keep our improvements.

Learn more and join our events
If you would like to follow the progress of our project, you can subscribe to our newsletter.

You can read the pages of the project, check our FAQ, write on the project talk page, join our office hours (August 6th, 16:00 UTC) and take part in our Wikimania discussion (we will share the details later).

How to join the office hours


 * Video call link: https://meet.google.com/awg-wvda-vka
 * Phone numbers: https://tel.meet/awg-wvda-vka?pin=4237305903221

On behalf of the Wikimedia Foundation Web team, ~