Messaging Layout Direction

How should the unified conversation list + chat area be arranged?

Messages
+
Search...
AI
Claude
Analyzed your research project...
2m
M
Maria 2
Can you share that paper?
1h
J
James
Thanks for the invite!
3d
AI
Claude
Online
I found 3 relevant sources for your research on distributed systems...
▶ crow_search_memories (3 results)
Thanks! Can you cite them in APA?
+
Type a message...
↑

A. Classic Sidebar

WhatsApp/Telegram style — conversation list on left, active chat on right. Clean and familiar. Works at all screen sizes with sidebar collapse.

Messages
All
AI
People
AI
Claude2 min ago
I found 3 relevant sources for your research on distributed systems. Here are the APA citations...
M
Maria1 hour ago
Can you share that paper about CAP theorem?
2
J
James3 days ago
Thanks for the invite!
R
Research Bot1 week ago
Project summary exported successfully

B. Full-Width Threads

Signal-style — conversation list takes full width. Tapping a thread navigates into it (back button to return). Filter tabs for All/AI/People. Maximizes space on mobile.

AI
M
2
J
R
+
Claude
● Online
Anthropic / claude-sonnet
I found 3 relevant sources for your research...
Thanks! Can you cite them?
Type a message...
↑
AI
Claude
AI Provider
Shared Files
research.pdf
notes.md
Encryption
🔒 End-to-end encrypted

C. Three-Panel (Discord-like)

Narrow avatar strip + chat + contact info sidebar. Dense, information-rich. Shows encryption status, shared files, contact details alongside the conversation.