Wiki sidebar lacks visual separation from content, disrupting F-pattern reading
Problem
After moving the Wiki sidebar from right to left, users report the layout feels "visually unbalanced," "cut off," and "incomplete" (issue link)
UX analysis reveals the root cause: insufficient visual separation between sidebar and content disrupts F-shaped reading pattern.
| Current implementation | Reading experience |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Research Evidence
Nielsen Norman Group's eyetracking research states:
"The gazes on the left fall on the left part of the content area, not on the very leftmost part of the full page, if the left column is occupied by a navigation rail."
Without clear visual separation, the eye cannot distinguish where navigation ends and content begins. The F-pattern scan hits the sidebar instead of the content first, disrupting natural reading flow.
- Sidebar and content blur together during F-pattern reading
- No clear content boundary
- Harder to maintain reading focus
Solution
Restore visual separator between sidebar and content for wiki pages
Options:
- Vertical separator line (1px border)
- Increased padding + background color difference
- Combination approach
User Impact
Current: Degraded reading experience on all wiki pages