Retire the Trending tab from Explore > Projects

Problem Statement

The Trending tab on our Explore > Projects list has become a maintenance burden with limited user value. Based on recent analysis, it should be removed rather than improved.

Rationale

Technical Limitations

  • Unsophisticated algorithm: Only lists public projects with the most number of non-system notes created within the last 1 month
  • Limited scope: Displays only ~100 most trending items maximum, and is limited to public projects
  • No search capability: Cannot be searched in its entirety, limiting discoverability
  • Stagnant development: No investment or improvements made in significant time

Usage Data

  • Very low engagement: Trending tab shows minimal click-through rates
  • User preference: "Active" and "All" tabs are the most accessed alternatives
  • Documentation gap: Minimal references in documentation, absent from Projects API

Maintenance Cost

  • Technical debt: Maintaining an algorithm we don't invest in
  • Design complexity: Adds unnecessary complexity to tab redesign efforts
  • Resource allocation: Time spent on trending features could be better utilized

Proposed Solution

Remove the Trending tab entirely rather than investing in improvements.

Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Preparation

  • Conduct final usage analytics review to confirm low engagement
  • Identify any remaining documentation references for cleanup
  • Prepare user communication materials
  • Review codebase for trending-related dependencies

Phase 2: Technical Removal

  • Communication: Include removal in release notes/changelog
  • Remove Trending tab from Explore > Projects
  • Clean up trending algorithm code and related backend logic
  • Remove trending-related API endpoints (if any)
  • Update automated tests
  • Remove trending references from documentation

User Impact

Minimal Disruption Expected

  • Low usage: Existing data shows minimal user dependence
  • Clear alternatives: Active and All tabs provide better discovery mechanisms
  • Standard communication: Release notes will inform users of the change

Migration Path

Users currently relying on Trending can transition to:

  • Active tab: For recently updated items
  • All tab: For comprehensive browsing with search capabilities
  • Search functionality: For targeted discovery

Breaking Change: No

Edited by Shane Maglangit