Side panels are an underrated UX pattern
Most browser extensions try to grab attention.
Popups, overlays, floating buttons, auto-run behavior.
While building my extension, I chose the Chrome side panel instead, almost by accident.
It changed everything.
It doesn’t interrupt what you’re reading
It stays visible without covering content
It feels optional, not demanding
People use it intentionally, not reactively.
The side panel feels closer to a tool you open when needed, not something fighting for clicks.
It made me realize how often we mistake visibility for usefulness.
Sometimes the best UX is the one that waits.
Curious why more tools don’t use it.
