## Problem Statement The `Trending` tab on our `Explore > Projects` list has become a maintenance burden with limited user value. Based on [recent analysis](https://10az.online.tableau.com/#/site/gitlab/views/ProjectsExplore/GitLab_comTrendsExploreProjects?:iid=1), it should be removed rather than improved. See https://gitlab.com/explore/projects/trending for context. ## 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 - [x] Conduct final usage analytics review to confirm low engagement - [x] Identify any remaining documentation references for cleanup - [ ] Prepare user communication materials - [x] 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**: Yes