Zoom Gets a New Look
The familiar Zoom web interface will be replaced with a redesigned, “simplified” version later this Summer. You can give the new look a test drive today by clicking on the “Try new experience” toggle at the top of your account page at vcu.zoom.us.
When you do, a message will let you know you can revert to the older look at any time, at least until late August when the new look becomes the only look. A brief tutorial will show you where to find all the controls you need.
From that point on, you’ll find the initial landing page at vcu.zoom.us looks exactly the same, but once you’ve signed in, your new simplified Home page will more closely resemble that of the desktop app, with large “buttons” for easy access to the most commonly used functions.
- New Meeting: launches a spontaneous, “ad-hoc” meeting with a unique Meeting ID number
- Join: lets you enter the ID number for a meeting you’ve been invited to
- Schedule: lets you add a future meeting to your schedule (which you can start immediately if you wish)
Other options are accessible via the “waffle” icon at the top right of the page, next to your profile picture (or initials).
Use this icon for quick access to your Whiteboards, Notes, Surveys and more. (Note: “Zoom Canvas” is the new name for “Zoom Docs,” so don’t be fooled by the listing for “Canvas”: it’s not a link to your Canvas course page.)
If you need to access your account settings to update your name or profile picture, modify your security settings, find your recordings, run attendance reports, etc, click on your initials or profile picture to the right of the waffle icon, then choose “My Account.“
A new menu will appear on the left side of the page to connect you with all your account options.
Where the main menu used to stretch all the way down the page, the redesign uses pop-up sub-menus for a cleaner look.
To find the “New Meeting,” “Join Meeting” or “Schedule Meeting” options again, click on the “waffle” icon.
In short, all the controls you’re used to are still available, just relocated in a more streamlined design. It may take a little time to get used to the new workflow. Give it a test drive and if you like it, leave it on. If you decide you’re not ready to make the leap just yet, toggle it off again and try again later. Sometime near the end of August, the new look will become the standard regardless, but until then you can switch back and forth to experiment at your convenience.
As always, if you have questions about this or any Zoom features, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or schedule a virtual help session at a time that works for you.
Categories announcements, features