[JENKINS-67933] De-emphasized search bar makes use of Available tab confusing (regression in 2.325)

[jenkins-infra-bot]

As noted by Ulli in #5916 (review)

One thing that I really don't like is the position of the search bar. It is far too wide in the upper right corner (where it looks unrelated) and a lot of users will not find them when opening the new page the first time. It already is not ideal in the current UI (where it is above the tabs rather than right above the table), but now I think the usability is getting worse.

As the search bar is the major UI element that admins need to use for the Available tab, given it only lists a tiny subset of plugins (50 out of ~2000), this is a choice so poor IMO it's a regression.

The search bar should be big and centered on this tab, almost like search engine home pages, not far off to the side.

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Originally reported by danielbeck, imported from: De-emphasized search bar makes use of Available tab confusing (regression in 2.325)

• assignee: timja
• status: Closed
• priority: Major
• component(s): core
• label(s): regression, ux
• resolution: Fixed
• resolved: 2022-04-15T13:20:10+00:00
• votes: 0
• watchers: 3
• imported: 2025-11-24

Raw content of original issue

As noted by Ulli in #5916 (review)
One thing that I really don't like is the position of the search bar. It is far too wide in the upper right corner (where it looks unrelated) and a lot of users will not find them when opening the new page the first time. It already is not ideal in the current UI (where it is above the tabs rather than right above the table), but now I think the usability is getting worse.
As the search bar is the major UI element that admins need to use for the Available tab, given it only lists a tiny subset of plugins (50 out of ~2000), this is a choice so poor IMO it's a regression.

The search bar should be big and centered on this tab, almost like search engine home pages, not far off to the side.

• environment: 2.325+

[jenkins-infra-bot]

• Remote links associated with this issue:

  • jenkinsci/jenkins#​5916
  • [JENKINS-67933] Move plugin manager search bar back to middle #6484

[jenkins-infra-bot]

danielbeck:

• Original comment link
• Raw content of original comment:

  This is particularly annoying because the move of the search bar from right to left was part of Pre-filter the 'Available' plugin manager tab, allow multiple terms #4580 exactly because we wanted it more noticeable. I do not understand why this move back is part of "modernization" 
  

This is particularly annoying because the move of the search bar from right to left was part of #4580 exactly because we wanted it more noticeable. I do not understand why this move back is part of "modernization"

[jenkins-infra-bot]

timja:

• Original comment link
• Raw content of original comment:

  cc janfaracik
  

cc janfaracik

[jenkins-infra-bot]

danielbeck:

• Original comment link
• Raw content of original comment:

  FWIW the first iteration of the old PR had the search bar huge 
  
  
  

FWIW the first iteration of the old PR had the search bar huge 

[jenkins-infra-bot]

basil:

• Original comment link
• Raw content of original comment:

  I concur with danielbeck that this is a functional regression. I am not much of a designer, but as a user I have been stymied by this several times now. In my opinion, the current position at the top right of the white portion of the page is too far away from the main UI elements in the white portion. I also think it is too close to the global search bar in the black header portion of the page, and I think users might not be sure about the difference between the two at first glance. I wish I had a constructive suggestion to offer here, but I am useless at visual design. All I can say is that finding that plugin search box still takes me longer than I think it should, and I haven't gotten used to that even after several weeks.
  

I concur with danielbeck that this is a functional regression. I am not much of a designer, but as a user I have been stymied by this several times now. In my opinion, the current position at the top right of the white portion of the page is too far away from the main UI elements in the white portion. I also think it is too close to the global search bar in the black header portion of the page, and I think users might not be sure about the difference between the two at first glance. I wish I had a constructive suggestion to offer here, but I am useless at visual design. All I can say is that finding that plugin search box still takes me longer than I think it should, and I haven't gotten used to that even after several weeks.

[jenkins-infra-bot]

basil:

• Original comment link
• Raw content of original comment:

  At this point I would settle for just moving it back to where it used to be (above the "updates/available/installed" section) so that I do not have to move the mouse all the way to the upper right of the screen every time. It is really annoying from my perspective.
  

At this point I would settle for just moving it back to where it used to be (above the "updates/available/installed" section) so that I do not have to move the mouse all the way to the upper right of the screen every time. It is really annoying from my perspective.

[jenkins-infra-bot]

basil:

• Original comment link
• Raw content of original comment:

  Can confirm that the experience is a lot smoother with the search bar in its old place. I am no longer frustrated having to pan back and forth across the screen. Many thanks!
  

Can confirm that the experience is a lot smoother with the search bar in its old place. I am no longer frustrated having to pan back and forth across the screen. Many thanks!