# Salutations from the Orbiting Headquarters: Ars Technica’s Updated Site Design and Features
We are thrilled to unveil the new version of Ars Technica! After over 26 years of providing state-of-the-art tech news and insights, we have just launched our ninth major site redesign. The previous update was in 2016, making this a highly anticipated change. We have carefully considered your feedback, particularly from the reader survey we conducted in 2022, leading to a series of enhancements designed to enrich your experience on our platform.
In this article, we will guide you through the key upgrades, featuring a fully responsive design and fresh options to personalize your reading experience. Let’s get started!
## A Revitalized Look with Improved Functionality
The revamped design of Ars Technica goes beyond mere aesthetics. We have made notable enhancements behind the scenes to guarantee a faster, more legible, and customizable site. Here’s a summary of the most pivotal changes:
### 1. **Fully Responsive Design**
One of the standout updates is that Ars Technica is now entirely responsive across all devices—desktop, tablet, and mobile. Previously, we maintained separate codebases for desktop and mobile sites, but that practice has changed. Regardless of the device or browser you’re using, you’ll experience a smooth interface. This update ensures consistency across platforms and guarantees that all site features function optimally regardless of the screen size or window dimensions.
Although we have rigorously tested the new design, we acknowledge that some edge cases might arise. Should you encounter any bugs or layout concerns, please share your feedback in the comments. We are a dedicated team and are committed to resolving any issues in the upcoming weeks.
### 2. **Increased Default Text Size**
Another significant modification is the enhancement of the default text size. This trend has gained popularity on various websites in recent years, and we are adopting it to make the site more user-friendly, particularly for readers with vision challenges. Whether you browse on a desktop or mobile device, the text will be easier to digest. Of course, you still have the option to modify the text size to fit your needs.
## Minor Adjustments with Major Outcomes
While the two changes mentioned above are the most prominent, we have incorporated several smaller adjustments aimed at enhancing the overall user experience. Here are some of the highlights:
### 1. **Four Front-Page Views**
We’ve launched four distinct methods to view the front page, providing you with greater control over how you consume Ars. These views cater to various reading preferences and are organized according to information density:
– **Classic**: An exclusive mode for subscribers that features an old-school “blog” layout, allowing you to scroll through the opening paragraphs of each story. Click on the ones you wish to read completely.
– **Grid**: The default layout, which is an upgraded version of our previous format. It organizes stories hierarchically while still maintaining a reverse-chronological order.
– **List**: A straightforward view for those who prefer a simple reverse-chronological list of stories without unnecessary embellishments.
– **Neutron Star**: The most condensed mode we’ve ever provided, exclusively for subscribers. This view showcases only headlines and lower decks, omitting images or introductory paragraphs. It’s ideal for power users seeking a minimal, text-centric interface. You can navigate solely with your keyboard, expanding and collapsing headlines for previews.
Non-subscribers can sample the subscriber-only views to gauge their interest in upgrading.
### 2. **”Most Read” Box**
We have introduced a new “Most Read” box that showcases the leading stories from the last 24 hours, updated in real-time. This feature enables you to quickly discover what’s currently trending on Ars. Subscribers can even customize this box to display the most popular stories from specific sections, such as Space or AI.
### 3. **Expanded Sections**
All our regular beats have been segmented into their own sections, simplifying the process of finding articles on specific topics like space, health, AI, or security. This adjustment enhances your navigation experience and allows you to focus on the content that captivates you the most.
### 4. **Dark Mode and System Preferences**
Dark mode remains available for those who prefer it, but we’ve also included an option for automatic switching based on your system settings. This means that if your device is set to dark mode, Ars will seamlessly follow your preference.
## Customization for Subscribers: Conceal Topics You’re Not Interested In
One of the most sought-after features from our 2022 reader survey was the ability to conceal topics that don’t pique your interest. We have listened, and now subscribers can hide specific topic areas. For instance, if shopping posts or articles about cars don’t appeal to you, you can easily hide them.
We’ve also implemented
