Notion's New UI Design Update?! | What's changed, tips, and more (June 2025)

If you've opened Notion recently, you've probably noticed that things look quite different. The database UI received a major overhaul that's not just about aesthetics, it also changes how we interact with our workspaces.

After extensively exploring these changes, I'm here to break down what's different, share design strategies that work well with the new update, and give you my honest thoughts on what's working and what might take some adjustment.

What's New: The Main Changes Overview

The most significant changes are concentrated in the database functionality, and the shift toward minimalism is immediately apparent.

Minimal Database Display

When you create a new inline database, you'll notice the interface is much more streamlined. View tabs are no longer visible by default in inline databases, creating a cleaner appearance. The database title now consistently appears at the top, which is a welcome improvement for visual hierarchy.

Opening the database in full page view reveals that view options are still available. You can add new views as before, but the main view won't display tabs unless you specifically add additional views.

Property Creation Workflow Changes

The property creation process has been completely redesigned. When you first add a database, it appears extremely minimal—you won't see the full range of options until you begin adding pages and properties.

To add a new property, you must first type the property name, then select the property type. This reverses the previous workflow where you could select the type first. It's a significant change that requires some adjustment, especially if you're used to the old system.

New Settings Organization

The settings have been reorganized under a new slider icon (replacing the familiar three dots). This change affects how you access various database functions:

• Database Settings: Contains property editing, automations, and advanced settings like sub-items and dependencies
• Top-level Options: Property visibility, filtering, sorting, and grouping are now positioned at the top level

This separation means property visibility is now distinct from property editing—a split that takes some getting used to.

Important UI Changes to Know About

Filtered Empty Tables Behavior

If you use databases as inboxes with filters applied, you'll notice changes in how empty filtered views appear. Previously, empty filtered databases looked more sparse, but now they display a "No filter results" message along with a prominent "New page" button. While functional, this changes the visual experience for inbox-style workflows.

Drag and Drop Limitations

One significant limitation is that drag-and-drop functionality from to-do lists into task databases no longer works in table or list views. If you rely on this workflow, you'll need to switch to gallery view to maintain drag-and-drop capability.

Grouping Changes

When using grouped views with filters applied, adding new pages requires clicking the plus button within each group. The previous ability to click beneath groups to add pages is no longer available in filtered views, though it remains functional in unfiltered views.

Property Management in the New System

The New Property Creation Process

The property workflow now requires a specific sequence:

1. Click to add a new property
2. Enter the property name
3. Select the property type
4. The property becomes active

Simply pressing enter after typing a name won't create the property—you must select the type to complete the process.

Editing vs. Visibility

Property management is now split between two locations:

• Visibility control: Available directly from the main settings
• Property editing: Located under "Edit properties" in database settings

This separation means you can't edit property details directly from the visibility controls—you must navigate to the dedicated editing section.

AI Properties: Now Hidden but Still Powerful

AI properties have become less discoverable in the new interface. Unlike the previous version where AI options were immediately visible when adding properties, you now need to know the specific process:

1. Create a text, select, or multi-select property first
2. Access the property settings
3. Click "Set up AI autofill"
4. Configure your AI functionality

This hidden approach makes AI properties less intuitive for new users, though the functionality remains robust once you know how to access it.

Design Strategies for the New Interface

Rethinking Quick Add Buttons

The new curved tab design affects how quick add buttons appear when placed directly above databases. The visual integration isn't as smooth as before. Consider these alternatives:

• Separate section approach: Move quick add buttons to a dedicated section away from database headers
• Add dividers: Use dividers between buttons and databases to create visual separation
• Avoid direct placement: Generally avoid placing buttons immediately above databases

Embracing Minimal View Tabs

The new design opens up opportunities for more minimal dashboard styles. Instead of traditional text-based view tabs, consider using icons with minimal text or even just emoji indicators. This approach works particularly well when the view purpose is obvious from context.

Database Titles: Show Don't Hide

With database titles now positioned at the top, they integrate much better visually. Unlike the previous placement that often looked clunky, the new top position makes titles feel natural and purposeful. Consider showing titles instead of hiding them, especially for single-database pages.

What's Working Well

The new minimal aesthetic with curved tab design creates a cleaner, more modern interface. Database titles being positioned at the top makes much more visual sense and encourages their use rather than hiding them. The overall streamlined appearance reduces visual clutter and creates a more focused workspace experience.

Areas That Need Adjustment

The transition from the familiar three-dot settings icon to the slider icon creates some confusion, especially when following older tutorials or documentation. The property creation workflow reversal requires relearning established habits.

The separation of property editing and visibility controls, while logical, breaks the previous unified workflow. Additionally, the way filtered empty tables display feels less elegant than before, particularly for inbox-style implementations.

Final Thoughts

Notion's database UI update represents a significant shift toward minimalism and visual clarity. While some changes require workflow adjustments, the overall direction creates cleaner, more focused workspaces. The key to success with this update is understanding the new patterns and adapting your design approach accordingly.

The learning curve is real, but the visual improvements and streamlined interface make it worthwhile. As with any major interface change, patience and experimentation will help you discover new ways to optimize your Notion workspace for the updated design system.