Meta: UX & Stability Roadmap — Search, Dashboard, Editor, Embed, Docs

[Yashb404]

Goal

Unify and stabilize the core UX for the SimuCLI dashboard, demo creator/editor, embed runtime, and docs. This epic groups 21 targeted issues into phased work so we can deliver high-impact improvements quickly.

Phasing (P0 = highest priority)

P0 (quick fixes and blockers — target 1-2 sprints)

• Fix search functionality (dashboard + docs) — reliable, states, routing.
• Implement library/analytics actions — ensure buttons route/work.
• Fix guide/logs routing — guide should open in-context; logs route correctly.
• Terminal color persistence — persist settings and reflect in embed.
• Settings page & wiring — make Settings reachable and functional.

P1 (experience & consistency — next 2-3 sprints)

• Simplify dashboard layout — reduce clutter, prioritize actions.
• Add page/loading animations and skeletons — improve perceived performance.
• Unify dashboard/editor aesthetics — shared styles and components.
• Standardize terminal components across creator/embed/user views.
• Profile & account actions + GitHub avatar — functional menu and avatar.

P2 (polish, features, design)

• Redesign demo creator to be drag-and-drop (scratch-style).
• Implement embed mini guide and ensure guide parity with user view.
• Fix asciinema import flow and add import fixtures/tests.
• Increase base font size and fix docs typography.
• Improve docs search UI and add lock indicators for missing docs.
• Create logo/mascot and apply brand assets.
• Fix small UX items: library/analytics deeper pages, header/quick settings, remove/clarify "admin" label.

Deliverables per phase

• P0: deployable fixes (bugfix PRs), tests for search and routing, small UX tweaks.
• P1: design tokens, component library updates, refactors for shared components.
• P2: design assets, larger UX flows, and documentation updates.

Acceptance Criteria (Epic-level)

• Dashboard and editor allow reliable authoring, preview, and publishing.
• Embedded runtime matches creator preview for terminal visuals.
• Docs and search are readable and usable with clear locked placeholders.
• Core header/settings/profile flows are discoverable and functional.

Next steps

1. Create individual GitHub issues (done drafts) and link them to this epic.
2. Triage and label each issue with P0/P1/P2, estimate, and assign owners.
3. Start P0 work: pick top 1-2 issues, open PRs, and run integration checks.

Linked issues (drafts to create/link)

1. Search is unreliable in dashboard and docs search UX needs polish
2. Dashboard layout is cluttered and needs simplification
3. Library and Analytics buttons are non-functional
4. Missing loading/transition animations between pages and major state changes
5. Create proper brand identity (logo/mascot) and apply consistently
6. Unify visual aesthetics between dashboard and demo editor/creator
7. Terminal experiences are inconsistent across creator, embed, and user view
8. Guide and logs buttons are mapped incorrectly and missing correct page definitions
9. Ascii cinema import flow is not working correctly
10. Typography is too small and inconsistent across app and docs
11. Terminal color settings do not persist or propagate to embedded runtime
12. Demo creator should be simplified into a scratch-style drag-and-drop builder
13. Embed mini guide is missing and inconsistent with terminal mini guide behavior
14. Settings and profile actions are non-functional; GitHub avatar should be used
15. Add lock indicator for docs that are not yet implemented
16. Guide should open in user and embed views instead of redirecting to docs
17. Implement functional settings page and wire all settings entry points
18. Account/profile interactions are non-functional and must support GitHub avatar + actions
19. Remove or clarify confusing "admin access" label in profile area
20. Create consistent global header with quick settings accessible from all key screens
21. Docs search UI needs visual and usability polish (functionality exists)