Jira Cloud has introduced a new user interface, bringing significant changes to navigation and usability. While Atlassian announced this update last year, it is now appearing in more instances, including my test Jira instance. In this blog, I will share my first impressions and walk you through the key updates.
First Impressions
Upon logging in, the most noticeable change is the repositioning of the top menu bar. The menu, which was previously at the top, has now been moved to the left-hand sidebar. This is a major shift, and while it might take some getting used to, it does offer a cleaner look. The new UI also includes a large search box, which is quite handy for quickly locating issues, projects, or other elements.
Personally, I miss the top menu because I was accustomed to it. However, this change is not a dealbreaker, as Jira users are generally adept at navigating through the system. With a little time, adapting to the left-hand navigation should become second nature.
Navigation and Menu Updates
A few other notable changes include:
- The left sidebar can now be collapsed using the left square bracket (
[), making it easier to maximize screen space. - A ‘Recent’ section, which shows the last accessed locations, making it easier to jump back to previous tasks.
- Filters are now in a separate section, accessible via the left menu.
- The issue navigator has been updated. In Jira Data Center, you could click on ‘Issues’ to get to the issue navigator instantly. In Jira Cloud, you now need to perform a search and then click “View all issues.”
These changes might seem small but will impact daily workflows. Fortunately, most of them are intuitive and will only take a few days to adjust to.
Customization Features
One of the best aspects of the new UI is the ability to customize the sidebar. Users can:
- Reorder items such as dashboards, projects, and filters to fit their preferences.
- Hide certain sections from the sidebar for a cleaner interface.
- Move elements around to prioritize the most frequently used sections.
This flexibility is a welcome change and something I had hoped Atlassian would implement. Being able to tailor the UI to suit personal workflows makes Jira much more user-friendly.
Project View Enhancements
Another interesting update is the project view:
- Boards are now listed under projects, making it easier to navigate between multiple boards within the same project.
- A quick access menu within the project view allows users to create new boards, go to project settings, archive projects, or add team members directly.
- The ability to delete a project is prominently displayed, though this can be risky if done accidentally.
This layout improves efficiency by centralizing project-related actions in one place.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this update to Jira Cloud’s UI is well-executed. While there are significant changes to navigation, they offer a more streamlined and customizable experience. The sidebar menu, recent items, search enhancements, and improved project views contribute to a more intuitive workflow.
Although it may take some time to fully adjust, the improvements are beneficial, especially for users managing multiple projects. Kudos to Atlassian for implementing these thoughtful updates!
If you’re using the new Jira Cloud UI, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you like? What could be improved? Share your feedback in the comments below!
Video Link :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJBvCWbo1kA