Usability Update: New Navigation and Theming
At Observe, we believe that usability is just as critical as functionality. Our mission has always been to help engineers understand and troubleshoot complex systems with clarity, and that requires more than powerful features — it requires a product that feels effortless to use.
We’ve been hard at work improving the usability of Observe and we’re excited to announce some major improvements.
Major Improvements
A Redesigned Navigation
We’ve reimagined how you move through Observe. The new global navigation introduces:
- A cleaner, more intuitive top-level navigation bar
- Updated icons and labels that reduce guesswork
- A more discoverable and consolidated admin area, so important features are easier to find
This redesign streamlines how you get around, reduces the number of clicks needed to reach key workflows, and lays the foundation for upcoming features.
A Visual Refresh
You’ll also notice Observe looking a little different — in the best way. We’re rolling out a new visual theme powered by our new component system, which brings:
- A modernized look aligned with our refreshed brand
- An improved dark mode!
- More consistent design patterns across the product
- Improved accessibility and responsiveness
- Updated components (buttons, forms, navigation elements) that feel clearer and more polished
The functionality hasn’t changed — but the experience has. By removing visual inconsistencies (like the old green color that confused status with interactivity), we’ve made the product easier to learn, explain, and use.
What This Means for You
Each improvement is designed to remove friction and give you back precious minutes in your day.
- For new users: A cleaner navigation and consistent design make onboarding smoother, so you can get to value faster without feeling lost.
- For power users: Keyboard accessibility and improved responsiveness let you move through the product faster, helping you stay in your flow.
- For admins: Settings are now consolidated and easier to find, meaning less time sifting through menus and more time solving problems.
Closing Thought
Great observability isn’t just about capturing data — it’s about empowering people to act on it quickly and confidently. If you have feedback, we’d love to hear it. Join the conversation in our community channels and help shape the next phase of Observe.
