[dstaley]

I actually _really_ like these changes, but then again I was previously a VS Code user. I think JetBrains is specifically courting users who, like me, don't deal well with user interfaces that utilize large numbers of text labels. I think they're catching up to "modern design", and trying to skate to where the puck is so to speak.

However, I do want to point out that I don't think the author has actually used the new UI considering they mention the overuse of animations, considering that the new UI doesn't have _any_ as far as I can tell.

[beanaroo]

I haven't really used VSCode, so I can't really compare, but as a long time user of JetBrains IDEs I too really enjoy the new interface.

I mostly use keyboard shortcuts and when I don't know the combination, I rely on the Search Anywhere (double shift) and Run Anything (double ctrl) functionalities.

I find the new UI less distracting and the new VCS menu is a nice addition.

I also wonder how much technical debt has accumulated in the previous UI that is being addressed by a refresh.

[smilekzs]

> user interfaces that utilize large numbers of text labels

That, happens to be exactly what I want (icon + label for most things).