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Can anyone comment on the state of UX with Element these days? I'm changing to Linux/Windows from Mac, so i'm dumping iMessage - but i'm not convinced Signal h

Can anyone comment on the state of UX with Element these days? I'm changing to Linux/Windows from Mac, so i'm dumping iMessage - but i'm not convinced Signal has a good enough UX to keep me and my family happy. Sidenote, i love how i can pay Element and support Matrix/Element.

robjan 6y ago
Element is probably harder to use than Signal for less technically inclined users. There are some other matrix clients, like Pattle, which hide much of the complexity and give a more familiar UX to other messaging apps.
Shared404 6y ago
Personally speaking, I'm extremely happy with Element. With good UX, easy encryption, the option to self host if you feel so inclined, I haven't found anything to complain about.
j-james 6y ago
In my opinion, Signal's UX is better than Element. Element's distinction of rooms / communities is not great, and hindered by the user interface. Although, after checking out Element again, all the other parts of the UI that I thought were unintuitive were changed up, so it's certainly improving. Particularly for the situation you described - small, family chats - I'd recommend Signal over Element / Matrix.
Avamander 6y ago
Still not good, confusing and not very fast. Like Keybase four years ago. They have some catching up to do and I hope they do it before Keybase is shut down. If a Riot contributor is reading this comment, go try Keybase out while you still can, there are things it does well.
DenseComet 6y ago
If you want to support the project and get something from it, a good way is to get yourself a hosted server from Element. The cheapest plan is $10 per month for 5 users, and includes things like a custom domain. https://element.io/plans-and-pricing/pro https://element.io/plans-and-pricing/pro
wraptile 6y ago
I think it's pretty good! Been using it every day for the past year or so and most of the UX issues I've had before (channel switching, creation and discovery) has been more or less adressed! The only UX feature I miss is threads to help organize bigger discussions better.

robjan 6y ago

Element is probably harder to use than Signal for less technically inclined users. There are some other matrix clients, like Pattle, which hide much of the complexity and give a more familiar UX to other messaging apps.

Shared404 6y ago

Personally speaking, I'm extremely happy with Element. With good UX, easy encryption, the option to self host if you feel so inclined, I haven't found anything to complain about.

j-james 6y ago

In my opinion, Signal's UX is better than Element. Element's distinction of rooms / communities is not great, and hindered by the user interface. Although, after checking out Element again, all the other parts of the UI that I thought were unintuitive were changed up, so it's certainly improving. Particularly for the situation you described - small, family chats - I'd recommend Signal over Element / Matrix.

Avamander 6y ago

Still not good, confusing and not very fast. Like Keybase four years ago. They have some catching up to do and I hope they do it before Keybase is shut down. If a Riot contributor is reading this comment, go try Keybase out while you still can, there are things it does well.

DenseComet 6y ago

If you want to support the project and get something from it, a good way is to get yourself a hosted server from Element. The cheapest plan is $10 per month for 5 users, and includes things like a custom domain. https://element.io/plans-and-pricing/pro https://element.io/plans-and-pricing/pro

wraptile 6y ago

I think it's pretty good! Been using it every day for the past year or so and most of the UX issues I've had before (channel switching, creation and discovery) has been more or less adressed! The only UX feature I miss is threads to help organize bigger discussions better.