Top bar

A persistent top bar for Suite-level functions

The problem

Not enough screen real estate for future features. Patterns were unfamiliar. Search was 'hidden'.

The decision

Introduce a persistent top bar for Suite-level functions, following familiar patterns.

Introduce a split between functionalities: top bar for Suite-level, side bar for module-level.

Structure

App launcher

Search + AI

Notifications

Support, settings, profile

Principles

Keep it simple

• Clear visual separation: Suite functions (top bar) vs module functions (side bar)

Intuitive for beginners

• Follows Jakob's Law: borrows patterns from well-known applications out there (Microsoft, Google, Asana, Zendesk, HubSpot).

• Users expect search in top bar

• Users expect app launcher in top-left corner

Powerful for experts

• Keyboard shortcut access for Search

• Status visible but unobstrusive