The new streamlined layout feels clunky with the square theme. Before this update, Populi's interface was simple and intuitive - I could easily navigate back to the Home page or wherever I needed to go. Now, I have to click the app icon in the upper-left corner and then select my destination. It's an unnecessary extra step that makes navigation feel slower and more cumbersome.
From both a student and instructor perspective, I don't see how these changes improve the user experience. In fact, I've had students comment that they're frustrated by the redesign, and I share that frustration.
Was this design tested with actual users before it was released? A good UI update should make common tasks easier and more efficient, not require users to relearn familiar workflows.
User experience issues often arise when major navigation changes replace familiar layouts or move frequently used actions behind additional clicks. Instead of making the interface feel more streamlined, these changes make it feel less efficient and more difficult to navigate.
Changes and updates should solve problems and improve usability - not create frustration simply for the sake of having a new design. Familiar, efficient workflows are a key part of a good user experience, and I feel this update moved away from that.