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Change RoomSettings so that the canonical alias is first-class #7372

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ara4n opened this issue Sep 21, 2018 · 5 comments
Open

Change RoomSettings so that the canonical alias is first-class #7372

ara4n opened this issue Sep 21, 2018 · 5 comments
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A-Aliases A-Room-Settings P1 S-Major Severely degrades major functionality or product features, with no satisfactory workaround T-Defect

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@ara4n
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ara4n commented Sep 21, 2018

Currently the canonical alias is set through a dropdown as a bit of an afterthought (even though it is now set implicitly when the user adds aliases for the first time, since matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#2171).

@erikjohnston points out that we should steer users into setting canonical aliases for rooms (so they can be used as identifiers in the UI if an m.room.name hasn't been set for whatever reason), so instead perhaps we should make the main text field be prompting for the canonical_alias (and then have the list of alternative aliases as very much a secondary feature).

Would need UX design.

@erikjohnston
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FWIW the way I'm picturing it in my head is something like:


Canonical alias for the room?:     [___________]
Secondary aliases (anyone can add a secondary alias for this room, but they aren't used to identify the room)?: View/edit secondary aliases

@lampholder
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we should steer users into setting canonical aliases for rooms (so they can be used as identifiers in the UI if an m.room.name hasn't been set for whatever reason)

Synced with @ara4n IRL to clarify my understanding of this - the intention is that we should opportunistically fall back on aliases when a room name hasn't been set (not that we should encourage alias use primarily in order to have a backup in case a room name hasn't been set).

@lampholder
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lampholder commented Sep 24, 2018

There are two phases to this problem I think:

  1. today, having aliases makes a lot of things JustWork; if room creators set an alias everybody will have better UX generally so we should just encourage the setting of aliases
  2. in the medium term, what purpose do aliases serve, and how can we express that concept and its value such that non-matrix-natives can understand the utility and its application?

Tackling the first of those, I think we could get a lot of milage out of just setting a sensible default alias. This could be derived:

  • from the room name (a la http://jsfiddle.net/5ocu2cqk/20/) with a unique number suffixed where necessary (or always suffixed in the case of generated alias) e.g. #video-test-room.43773:matrix.org
  • from the creator's display name or mxid if no room name is available e.g. #toml_room.12435:matrix.org
  • perhaps from a random set of dictionary words/animals/adjectives whatever to make something human readable e.g. #earth.three.fresh:matrix.org (I like this option the least due to the likelihood of generating a name with implied [and inappropriate] meaning)

Looking at the medium term, I think there's a lot that is suboptimal about our current UX:

  • we use the terms 'address' and 'alias' interchangably (in riot at least)
  • the real-world concept of an 'alias' includes aspects of:
    • a 'false name to conceal identity', which is not a meaning we're trying to express
    • an alternative name for something which has a real name, but in this case the 'real name' is the room id which we don't want people to use
  • a 'canonical alias' is almost nonsensical outside of Matrix - 'this is my real fake name'

I think what I would like to see is:

  • roomids to be routable (and for us to be happy that roomids are public, used, unique permalinks to rooms in matrix)
  • room 'aliases' to be clearly defined as 'human readable, redirectable, ephemeral routes to roomids'
  • could we get rid of the concept of a canonical alias entirely? Is a hierarchy of aliases something that users value, or something that's we've added due to implementation details?

I think the term 'alias' should be purged as much as possible - it's not an analogue that in any way aids understanding of the underlying concepts.

@lampholder lampholder added T-Defect ui/ux P1 S-Major Severely degrades major functionality or product features, with no satisfactory workaround labels Sep 24, 2018
@lampholder
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I've triaged this as a p1 major ui/ux bug because I think we could improve UX materially by addressing the immediate problem of somehow making more rooms have aliases set.

If we get a chance to make the immediate improvements, we should definitely consider with what priority we tackle the medium term bits.

@t3chguy
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t3chguy commented Dec 23, 2019

The immediate problem is dealt with:
image

@jryans jryans removed the Z-UI/UX label Mar 9, 2021
su-ex added a commit to SchildiChat/element-web that referenced this issue Jan 17, 2022
* Add permission dropdown for sending reactions ([\element-hq#7492](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7492)). Fixes element-hq#20450.
* Ship maximised widgets and remove feature flag ([\element-hq#7509](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7509)).
* Properly maintain aspect ratio of inline images ([\element-hq#7503](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7503)).
* Add zoom buttons to the location view ([\element-hq#7482](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7482)).
* Remove bubble from around location events ([\element-hq#7459](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7459)). Fixes element-hq#20323.
* Disable "Publish this room" option in invite only rooms ([\element-hq#7441](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7441)). Fixes element-hq#6596. Contributed by @aaronraimist.
* Give secret key field an `id` ([\element-hq#7489](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7489)). Fixes element-hq#20390. Contributed by @SimonBrandner.
* Display a tooltip when you hover over a location ([\element-hq#7472](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7472)).
* Open map in a dialog when it is clicked ([\element-hq#7465](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7465)).
* a11y - wrap notification level radios in fieldsets ([\element-hq#7471](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7471)).
* Wrap inputs in fieldsets in Space visibility settings ([\element-hq#7350](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7350)).
* History based navigation with new right panel store ([\element-hq#7398](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7398)). Fixes element-hq#19686 element-hq#19660 and element-hq#19634.
* Associate room alias warning with public option in settings ([\element-hq#7430](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7430)).
* Disable quick reactions button when no permissions ([\element-hq#7412](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7412)). Fixes element-hq#20270.
* Allow opening a map view in OpenStreetMap ([\element-hq#7428](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7428)).
* Display the user's avatar when they shared their location ([\element-hq#7424](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7424)).
* Remove the Forward and Share buttons for location messages only ([\element-hq#7423](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7423)).
* Add configuration to disable relative date markers in timeline ([\element-hq#7405](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7405)).
* Space preferences for whether or not you see DMs in a Space ([\element-hq#7250](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7250)). Fixes element-hq#19529 and element-hq#19955.
* Have LocalEchoWrapper emit updates so the app can react faster ([\#7358](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7358)). Fixes element-hq#19749.
* Use semantic heading on dialog component ([\element-hq#7383](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7383)).
* Add `/jumptodate` slash command ([\element-hq#7372](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7372)). Fixes element-hq#7677.
* Update room context menu copy ([\element-hq#7361](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7361)). Fixes element-hq#20133.
* Use lazy rendering in the AddExistingToSpaceDialog ([\element-hq#7369](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7369)). Fixes element-hq#18784.
* Tweak FacePile tooltip to include whether or not you are included ([\element-hq#7367](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7367)). Fixes element-hq#17278.
* Ensure group audio-only calls don't switch on the webcam on join ([\element-hq#20234](element-hq#20234)). Fixes element-hq#20212.
* Fix wrongly wrapping code blocks, breaking line numbers ([\element-hq#7507](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7507)). Fixes element-hq#20316.
* Set header buttons to no phase when right panel is closed ([\element-hq#7506](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7506)).
* Fix active Jitsi calls (and other active widgets) not being visible on screen, by showing them in PiP if they are not visible in any other container ([\element-hq#7435](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7435)). Fixes element-hq#15169 and element-hq#20275.
* Fix layout of message bubble preview in settings ([\element-hq#7497](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7497)).
* Prevent mutations of js-sdk owned objects as it breaks accountData ([\element-hq#7504](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7504)). Fixes matrix-org/element-web-rageshakes#7822.
* fallback properly with pluralized strings ([\element-hq#7495](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7495)). Fixes element-hq#20455.
* Consider continuations when resolving whether a tile is last in section ([\element-hq#7461](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7461)). Fixes element-hq#20368 and element-hq#20369.
* Fix read receipts and sent indicators for bubble layout ([\element-hq#7460](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7460)). Fixes element-hq#18298 and element-hq#20345.
* null-guard dataset mxTheme to prevent html exports from exploding ([\element-hq#7493](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7493)). Fixes element-hq#20453.
* Fix avatar container overlapping give feedback cta ([\element-hq#7491](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7491)). Fixes matrix-org/element-web-rageshakes#7987.
* Fix jump to bottom button working when on a permalink ([\element-hq#7494](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7494)). Fixes element-hq#19813.
* Remove the Description from the location picker ([\element-hq#7485](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7485)).
* Fix look of the untrusted device dialog ([\#7487](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7487)). Fixes element-hq#20447. Contributed by @SimonBrandner.
* Hide maximise button in the sticker picker  ([\element-hq#7488](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7488)). Fixes element-hq#20443. Contributed by @SimonBrandner.
* Fix space ordering to match newer spec ([\element-hq#7481](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7481)).
* Fix typing notification colors ([\element-hq#7490](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7490)). Fixes element-hq#20144. Contributed by @SimonBrandner.
* fix fallback for pluralized strings ([\element-hq#7480](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7480)). Fixes element-hq#20426.
* Fix right panel soft crashes chat rooms ([\element-hq#7479](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7479)). Fixes element-hq#20433.
* update yarn.lock and i18n ([\element-hq#7476](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7476)). Fixes element-hq#20426 and element-hq#20423.
* Don't send typing notification when restoring composer draft ([\element-hq#7477](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7477)). Fixes element-hq#20424.
* Fix room joining spinner being incorrect if you change room mid-join ([\element-hq#7473](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7473)).
* Only return the approved widget capabilities instead of accepting all requested capabilities ([\element-hq#7454](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7454)). Contributed by @dhenneke.
* Fix quoting messages from the search view ([\element-hq#7466](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7466)). Fixes element-hq#20353.
* Attribute fallback i18n strings with lang attribute ([\element-hq#7323](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7323)).
* Fix spotlight cmd-k wrongly expanding left panel ([\element-hq#7463](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7463)). Fixes element-hq#20399.
* Fix room_id check when adding user widgets ([\element-hq#7448](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7448)). Fixes element-hq#19382. Contributed by @bink.
* Add new line in settings label ([\element-hq#7451](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7451)). Fixes element-hq#20365.
* Fix handling incoming redactions in EventIndex ([\element-hq#7443](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7443)). Fixes element-hq#19326.
* Fix room alias address isn't checked for validity before being shown as added ([\element-hq#7107](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7107)). Fixes element-hq#19609. Contributed by @Palid.
* Call view accessibility fixes ([\element-hq#7439](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7439)). Fixes element-hq#18516.
* Fix offscreen canvas breaking with split-brained firefox support ([\element-hq#7440](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7440)).
* Removed red shield in forwarding preview. ([\element-hq#7447](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7447)). Contributed by @ankur12-1610.
* Wrap status message ([\element-hq#7325](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7325)). Fixes element-hq#20092. Contributed by @SimonBrandner.
* Move hideSender logic into state so it causes re-render ([\element-hq#7413](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7413)). Fixes element-hq#18448.
* Fix dialpad positioning ([\element-hq#7446](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7446)). Fixes element-hq#20175. Contributed by @SimonBrandner.
* Hide non-functional list options on Suggested sublist ([\element-hq#7410](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7410)). Fixes element-hq#20252.
* Fix width overflow in mini composer overflow menu ([\element-hq#7411](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7411)). Fixes element-hq#20263.
* Fix being wrongly sent to Home space when creating/joining/leaving rooms ([\element-hq#7418](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7418)). Fixes matrix-org/element-web-rageshakes#7331 element-hq#20246 and element-hq#20240.
* Fix HTML Export where the data-mx-theme is `Light` not `light` ([\element-hq#7415](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7415)).
* Don't disable username/password fields whilst doing wk-lookup ([\element-hq#7438](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7438)). Fixes element-hq#20121.
* Prevent keyboard propagation out of context menus ([\element-hq#7437](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7437)). Fixes element-hq#20317.
* Fix nulls leaking into geo urls ([\element-hq#7433](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7433)).
* Fix zIndex of peristent apps in miniMode ([\element-hq#7429](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7429)).
* Space panel should watch spaces for space name changes ([\element-hq#7432](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7432)).
* Fix list formatting alternating on edit ([\element-hq#7422](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7422)). Fixes element-hq#20073. Contributed by @renancleyson-dev.
* Don't show `Testing small changes` without UIFeature.Feedback ([\element-hq#7427](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7427)). Fixes element-hq#20298.
* Fix invisible toggle space panel button ([\element-hq#7426](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7426)). Fixes element-hq#20279.
* Fix legacy breadcrumbs wrongly showing up ([\element-hq#7425](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7425)).
* Space Panel use SettingsStore instead of SpaceStore as source of truth ([\element-hq#7404](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7404)). Fixes element-hq#20250.
* Fix inline code block nowrap issue ([\element-hq#7406](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7406)).
* Fix notification badge for All Rooms space ([\element-hq#7401](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7401)). Fixes element-hq#20229.
* Show error if could not load space hierarchy ([\element-hq#7399](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7399)). Fixes element-hq#20221.
* Increase gap between ELS and the subsequent event to prevent overlap ([\element-hq#7391](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7391)). Fixes element-hq#18319.
* Fix list of members in space preview ([\element-hq#7356](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7356)). Fixes element-hq#19781.
* Fix sizing of e2e shield in bubble layout ([\element-hq#7394](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7394)). Fixes element-hq#19090.
* Fix bubble radius wrong when followed by a state event from same user ([\element-hq#7393](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7393)). Fixes element-hq#18982.
* Fix alignment between ELS and Events in bubble layout ([\element-hq#7392](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7392)). Fixes element-hq#19652 and element-hq#19057.
* Don't include the accuracy parameter in location events if accuracy could not be determined. ([\element-hq#7375](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7375)).
* Make compact layout only apply to Modern layout ([\element-hq#7382](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7382)). Fixes element-hq#18412.
* Pin qrcode to fix e2e verification bug ([\element-hq#7378](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7378)). Fixes element-hq#20188.
* Add internationalisation to progress strings in room export dialog ([\element-hq#7385](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7385)). Fixes element-hq#20208.
* Prevent escape to cancel edit from also scrolling to bottom ([\element-hq#7380](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7380)). Fixes element-hq#20182.
* Fix narrow mode composer buttons for polls labs ([\element-hq#7386](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7386)). Fixes element-hq#20067.
* Fix useUserStatusMessage exploding on unknown user ([\element-hq#7365](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7365)).
* Fix room join spinner in room list header ([\element-hq#7364](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7364)). Fixes element-hq#20139.
* Fix room search sometimes not opening spotlight ([\element-hq#7363](matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#7363)). Fixes matrix-org/element-web-rageshakes#7288.
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A-Aliases A-Room-Settings P1 S-Major Severely degrades major functionality or product features, with no satisfactory workaround T-Defect
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