Going Modern (UI) in Slate
You may have heard the rumors that the default UI in Slate is changing - and soon.
It’s true. As of November 26, 2024, all Slate databases will be switched over to the default theme called Modern UI. It has previously been available for users to self-select, but this month will see all users across all databases switch to the new and updated UI as the system default.
So why are we changing it? The answer lies in our commitment to making Slate more intuitive, powerful, and adaptable for our users.
The Backstory
Slate has undergone several UI changes since its inception in 2000, and each change to the interface served its purpose for that season. But as technology and your needs as Slate users continue to evolve, so does Slate. The Modern UI represents the next step in this evolution, offering a more streamlined and efficient experience that takes full advantage of several elements that did not necessarily exist when the current UI was introduced.
At the 2023 Slate Summit, CEO and founder Alexander Clark announced what was initially called the “Beta UI” - and that marked the beginning of this transformation. Since then, we’ve refined the design based on user feedback and performance data.
The result?
A cleaner, faster interface with improved access to key features.
There’s A Lot To Like
One of the key benefits of the Modern UI is its ability to open up more of your screen real estate when working in Slate. Desktop monitors are significantly larger now than even a few years ago, so we’ve taken advantage of this by displaying more content for you to access. You can now see more of your data with less scrolling, improving efficiency and reducing the need for extra clicks.
The new default UI also makes certain features easier to find. For example, users can now jump straight to Outbox, Library, or Content Blocks without first navigating to Deliver and go through multiple layers of menus.
Another exciting addition is the sidebar, which opens up a whole new way of customizing your Slate experience. Users can now create and publish custom dashboards within the sidebar that are tailored to their specific needs - whether for a team, a specific process, or even accessibility requirements. In fact, we’re already using them to help test some upcoming features in real-time.
And let’s not forget the little things that can make a huge impact: The new CTRL-K quick search lets you find exactly what you need in seconds, and with Slate AI now integrated throughout, you have assistance available wherever you need it.
Making Slate Work For You
So, why are we changing the UI? Simply put, we believe the Modern UI will improve your experience when working in Slate. Give it a chance, and you might find that you’re glad you did.