# What We Do

Published articles for What We Do.

This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles.

## A more focused, productive Slack

DevFeed: [A more focused, productive Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/a-more-focused-productive-slack-9118.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/a-more-focused-productive-slack/>)

Author: lcarmen2

Published: 2023-10-31T22:33:38Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [ui](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ui.md>), [Canvas](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/canvas.md>)

Tags: [canvas](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/canvas.md>), [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [desktop](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/desktop.md>), [features](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/features.md>), [mobile](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mobile.md>), [navigation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/navigation.md>), [notifications](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/notifications.md>), [slack](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/slack.md>), [ui](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ui.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

Slack designers explain how UI congestion caused by expanding work types, larger teams, and new features such as Canvas led them to redesign navigation around focused work modes. Their selected tab set includes DMs, Activity, and Later.

### Source excerpt

Does this look familiar? With more types of work happening on Slack, teams becoming larger, and new features like Canvas expanding what Slack can do, our UI was becoming congested. Keeping track of the most important stuff was no longer easy or straight-forward. As designers, we felt this problem too. New features had to be [...] The post A more focused, productive Slack appeared first on Slack Design.

## Re-designing Slack on Mobile

DevFeed: [Re-designing Slack on Mobile](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/re-designing-slack-on-mobile-9155.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/re-designing-slack-on-mobile/>)

Author: lcarmen2

Published: 2023-10-30T19:55:45Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [Information Architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/information-architecture.md>), [Mobile](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/mobile.md>), [Accessibility](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/accessibility.md>), [Scalability](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/scalability.md>), [User interface design](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ui-design.md>), [Android](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/android.md>), [iOS](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ios.md>)

Tags: [accessibility](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/accessibility.md>), [android](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/android.md>), [information-architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/information-architecture.md>), [ios](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ios.md>), [mobile](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mobile.md>), [scalability](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/scalability.md>), [slack](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/slack.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

Slack Design describes a redesign of Slack's mobile information architecture to accommodate the product's expanding features without creating a cluttered experience. The article focuses on navigation, scalability, recall, and accessibility for small-screen users.

### Source excerpt

Just like the world around us, Slack has grown and changed significantly over the last decade. What started out as a simple chat tool is now a multi-modal product that allows for more meaningful collaboration with features like voice clips, video clips, huddles, canvases, lists, Slack Connect, Sales Elevate, and so much more. But with [...] The post Re-designing Slack on Mobile appeared first on Slack Design.

## A new visual language for Slack

DevFeed: [A new visual language for Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/a-new-visual-language-for-slack-9120.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/a-new-visual-language-for-slack/>)

Author: lcarmen2

Published: 2023-10-27T20:58:07Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Information Architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/information-architecture.md>), [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [ui](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ui.md>)

Tags: [architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/architecture.md>), [communication](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/communication.md>), [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [evolution](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/evolution.md>), [information-architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/information-architecture.md>), [information-density](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/information-density.md>), [interface](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/interface.md>), [layout](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/layout.md>), [productivity](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/productivity.md>), [slack](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/slack.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

Slack designers describe a two-week sprint exploring a new visual language alongside a major evolution of Slack's information architecture. The proposed direction preserves information density and productivity while using gradients, transparent surfaces, rounded controls, and depth to create a more approachable interface.

### Source excerpt

As we embarked on the largest evolution to Slack's information architecture, us designers believed it was the perfect opportunity to evolve Slack's iconic look and feel. While the undertaking would be no small feat, we were inspired to make Slack even more pleasant, more personal, and easier to understand. Make it more Slack-y. We decided [...] The post A new visual language for Slack appeared first on Slack Design.

## How our biggest redesign yet came to be

DevFeed: [How our biggest redesign yet came to be](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/how-our-biggest-redesign-yet-came-to-be-9135.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/how-our-biggest-redesign-yet-came-to-be/>)

Author: lcarmen2

Published: 2023-10-25T21:24:48Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [ui](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ui.md>), [Messaging](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/messaging.md>)

Tags: [alignment](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/alignment.md>), [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [design-engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design-engineering.md>), [engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/engineering.md>), [navigation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/navigation.md>), [prototype](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/prototype.md>), [team](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/team.md>), [ui](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ui.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

Slack describes how its design team developed and operationalized a major product redesign as the company expanded beyond messaging. The process used exploratory prototypes, early collaboration with engineering and product leaders, stakeholder alignment, and a hub-and-spoke team structure.

### Source excerpt

The timing was right. We were adding in new features like huddles, canvases, lists, and others into a UI system that was originally designed solely for messaging capabilities. Meanwhile, research showed users on the biggest and most active teams were struggling to stay on top of the basics. Our product navigation was reaching its limits. [...] The post How our biggest redesign yet came to be appeared first on Slack Design.

## A behind-the-scenes look at building the Slack Design illustration library

DevFeed: [A behind-the-scenes look at building the Slack Design illustration library](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-building-the-slack-design-illustration-library-9115.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-building-the-slack-design-illustration-library/>)

Author: lcarmen2

Published: 2023-04-27T04:00:05Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [Library](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/library.md>), [Website](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/website.md>)

Tags: [building](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/building.md>), [creative](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/creative.md>), [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [designer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/designer.md>), [external](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/external.md>), [fonts](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/fonts.md>), [illustration](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/illustration.md>), [marketing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/marketing.md>), [post](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/post.md>), [product](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/product.md>), [product-features](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/product-features.md>), [technical](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/technical.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

A Slack brand designer explains how the company developed a cohesive illustration library after its earlier website-focused library caused inconsistent use across the organization. The article describes design principles and two illustration styles: objects for literal or technical product explanations, and people for marketing and external communications.

### Source excerpt

When Slack's new website launched in 2017, I felt like a kid in a candy store. As a brand designer, there's nothing more exciting than having new brand fonts and an entire library of illustrations at our disposal. However, this creative freedom was short-lived and replaced with frustration. Much like a sugar crash! Our new [...] The post A behind-the-scenes look at building the Slack Design illustration library appeared first on Slack Design.

## Designing Slack administration experiences with content design principles

DevFeed: [Designing Slack administration experiences with content design principles](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/how-we-design-for-admin-experiences-baking-good-content-into-the-process-9138.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/how-we-design-for-admin-experiences-baking-good-content-into-the-process/>)

Author: lcarmen2

Published: 2023-04-13T15:57:25Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [Information Architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/information-architecture.md>), [App](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/app.md>)

Tags: [architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/architecture.md>), [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [enterprise](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/enterprise.md>), [slack](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/slack.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

A Slack designer explains how content design can improve administration experiences by helping teams build clearer mental models, simplify information architecture, and present complex management tasks more intuitively.

### Source excerpt

Hi, my name is Stella, a designer working on the Slack platform administration experience. My job is to take care of a special group of users, our Slack administrators. While many think of Slack as a "people product," we're also a robust enterprise product. According to Okta's 2022 Business at Work report, the average number [...] The post How we design for admin experiences: baking good content into the process appeared first on Slack Design.

## What we've learned about designing for accessibility from our users

DevFeed: [What we've learned about designing for accessibility from our users](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/what-we-ve-learned-about-designing-for-accessibility-from-our-users-9163.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/what-weve-learned-about-designing-for-accessibility-from-our-users/>)

Author: lcarmen2

Published: 2023-03-23T16:09:16Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Accessibility](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/accessibility.md>), [User interface design](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ui-design.md>)

Tags: [accessibility](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/accessibility.md>), [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [interface](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/interface.md>), [keyboard](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/keyboard.md>), [navigation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/navigation.md>), [screen](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/screen.md>), [team](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/team.md>), [toolbar](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/toolbar.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

Slack's accessibility team describes changes intended to make Slack easier to navigate for keyboard-only and screen reader users. The article explains how feedback from blind and low-vision users shaped improvements to interface hierarchy, toolbar navigation, focus handling, keyboard navigation, and screen reader announcements.

### Source excerpt

Slack's accessibility team recently launched a series of changes to make navigating around Slack more reliable and efficient for keyboard-only and screen reader users. While our accessibility had significantly improved over the last few years, we were still hearing from blind and low-vision users that moving around the interface felt disorienting and noisy. One user [...] The post What we've learned about designing for accessibility from our users appeared first on Slack Design.

## How we redesigned Slack for the iPad

DevFeed: [How we redesigned Slack for the iPad](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/how-we-redesigned-slack-for-the-ipad-9142.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/how-we-redesigned-slack-for-the-ipad/>)

Author: skazan2

Published: 2022-09-02T00:50:18Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [Mobile](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/mobile.md>), [App](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/app.md>)

Tags: [app](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/app.md>), [customers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/customers.md>), [multitasking](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/multitasking.md>), [navigation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/navigation.md>), [os](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/os.md>), [phones](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/phones.md>), [search](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/search.md>), [slack](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/slack.md>), [threads](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/threads.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

Slack Design describes how the Slack team redesigned the iPad app after researching user needs and auditing the existing experience. The article identifies triage, search, and staying mobile as key use cases, and discusses navigation and productivity challenges in the earlier app.

### Source excerpt

We all get our work done differently. Some of us are at our desks from 9 to 5, while others work more flexible hours. Some of us commute to work, while others work from home (or do both). Regardless of our setup, we are always connected and available, either through our desktop or our phones. [...] The post How we redesigned Slack for the iPad appeared first on Slack Design.

## Beyond the last message: Designing for all information in Slack

DevFeed: [Beyond the last message: Designing for all information in Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/beyond-the-last-message-designing-for-all-information-in-slack-9122.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/beyond-the-last-message-designing-for-all-information-in-slack/>)

Author: lisa

Published: 2022-04-14T12:41:54Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Information Architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/information-architecture.md>), [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [FIRST](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/first.md>)

Tags: [files](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/files.md>), [information-architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/information-architecture.md>), [prototype](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/prototype.md>), [prototyping](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/prototyping.md>), [slack](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/slack.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

Slack Design describes a design effort to help users access important information beyond chronological channel messages, including files, documents, PDFs, and spreadsheets. The Information Architecture and Files teams collaborated and used rapid prototyping to explore solutions.

### Source excerpt

Slack is primarily designed for team communication in channels. Channels are where work happens: It's where teams exchange ideas, get feedback, and share files. It's a constant stream of conversation that keeps everyone on the same page. But plenty of important information in Slack exists in formats other than messages. Think about how often you [...] The post Beyond the last message: Designing for all information in Slack appeared first on Slack Design.

## Designing consistent, mobile-friendly, and localized onboarding emails for Slack

DevFeed: [Designing consistent, mobile-friendly, and localized onboarding emails for Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/how-we-transcend-languages-and-formats-even-with-our-onboarding-emails-9143.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://slack.design/articles/how-we-transcend-languages-and-formats-even-with-our-onboarding-emails/>)

Author: lisa

Published: 2022-03-18T20:24:14Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Slack Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/slack-design.md>)

Topics: [Slack](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/slack.md>), [Mobile](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/mobile.md>)

Tags: [brand-design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/brand-design.md>), [building](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/building.md>), [communication](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/communication.md>), [consistency](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/consistency.md>), [customer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/customer.md>), [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [designer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/designer.md>), [devices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/devices.md>), [email](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/email.md>), [experience](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/experience.md>), [lifecycle](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/lifecycle.md>), [mobile](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mobile.md>), [onboarding](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/onboarding.md>), [what-we-do](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/what-we-do.md>)

### AI overview

Two Slack designers describe creating guidelines for onboarding emails. The project addressed inconsistent, outdated email designs and aimed to produce cohesive communication across marketing and transactional messages, devices, and languages.

### Source excerpt

Hi, we're Alison and Zoe, Associate and Junior Designers, respectively, and we just joined Slack in fall of 2021. Our first project here: building guidelines for onboarding emails. If you've ever joined a Slack workspace, you've gotten one of these. In fact, every person that interacts with Slack as a product will receive onboarding emails [...] The post How we transcend languages and formats -- even with our onboarding emails appeared first on Slack Design.