Hey Creators,
Thank you for your feedback on experience controls — we’ve heard you. While we initially planned for the right side of the screen, we’ve decided to move them to the left, largely based on your input. Starting on November 20, we will begin testing the updated experience controls to a percentage of users. The experience control layouts we are testing are all left-aligned, and some vary by the prominence of the text chat controls.
We want to make sure your in experience UI works for your needs, and your feedback has been invaluable in guiding our decision.
Why the left side?
After hearing your feedback, we revisited our goals and felt that we could still deliver on 1) a clear distinction between the UI for in-experience actions and Roblox platform actions and 2) build a permanent, easy-to-access space for immersive controls (such as chat and self view) with a left-aligned design. This change also paves the way for future platform developments, accommodating new features without cluttering the interface.
What does this mean for you?
If you already made a design change using the experience control APIs, the APIs will respect the shift in reserved space. Users will now see both your changes without obstruction and the updated experience controls.
If you have yet to make a design change, we encourage you to use the signal API and/or the new TopbarSafeInsets API that are available across Roblox client and Studio. These APIs will make it easier for you to design your experience UI in a way that is compatible with the Roblox reserved space.
The road ahead…
Our journey forward involves rolling out updated experience controls to all users by early 2024. As noted, please use the new APIs to refine your UI for a smooth transition. Roblox’s goal is to reimagine social interaction, and these experience controls will play a key role with simpler, scalable designs.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, happy developing!
FAQ
What if I already made design changes that removed my UI from the right side?
- Thank you for testing this with us! If you made a design change using the new experience control APIs, the API will respect the shift in reserved space. Users will now see both your changes without obstruction and the updated experience controls.
Will experience controls move again?
- We don’t expect to move experience controls alignment again. Informed by your feedback, our aim is to keep these platform controls on the left. While we anticipate adding more features inside the expandable experience controls, using the recommended APIs ensures your UI remains adaptable and consistent.