Airtable is planning to remove elements-based interfaces

Joseph_Roza · ‎Jul 26, 2023

I was just checking out the docs page of airtable interfaces, and this was at the top, updated July 6.

“While elements-based interface layouts are still currently available, we invite you to try the newer. These layouts offer a more streamlined building process that ensures consistency and efficiency throughout your organization.”

Does that mean they’re completely removing the customizable, drag-and-drop interfaces?

Is this the plan? Because that would completely kill my interfaces.

ScottWorld · ‎Jul 26, 2023

If so, that would be a disaster that would likely push people to other apps.

However, if Airtable improves those new interfaces to include all the elements and all the drag-and-drop capabilities that we are all accustomed to, then it would be fine.

kuovonne · ‎Jul 27, 2023

This has already started with record detail pages. See this thread for more info.

kuovonne · ‎Jul 27, 2023

> I was just checking out the docs page of airtable interfaces, and this was at the top, updated July 6.

Could you please provide a link to the exact page (and a screenshot in case the page changes)?

Thanks.

ScottWorld · ‎Jul 27, 2023

I was going to ask him to post the same thing, but I found it.

It’s on multiple pages. It’s on any page that references the original interface layouts.

Heres one link, along with the screenshot:

https://support.airtable.com/docs/en/interface-layout-dashboard

BillH · ‎Jul 27, 2023

Thank you, I saw that page but couldn't get back to it and thought it had been removed.

Strange that they would be thinking of removing a feature that others are implementing (or trying to).

For example, from Stacker

Joseph_Roza · ‎Jul 27, 2023

If you look at how record detail pages are now made, it's just showing/hiding fields. It removes a lot of the flexibility, and feels just like checking boxes.

I like a lot of the added features, and the potential for mobile interfaces, but it feels streamlined to the point of oversimplification and makes me really worried as to how flexible interfaces will be in the future.