Currently, users can only add emojis through text search, requiring knowledge of exact emoji names. This solution creates unnecessary barriers for users. To address this issue, I propose implementing a visual emoji picker that complements the existing text search functionality, allowing users to browse emojis visually in organized categories while still being able to filter results by typing emoji name fragments.
Justification:
Emojis are inherently visual elements, and forcing users to think about them in textual terms creates an unnecessary cognitive barrier
Users with writing difficulties, older users, or non-English speakers (who may not know English emoji names) will have significantly more trouble with a text-only system
When users must know emoji names, they can't discover new options. A visual picker allows serendipitous discovery of emojis they might not know but that would perfectly express their thoughts
When emoji usage is difficult, users simply stop using them, leading to more "dry" communication and loss of an important channel for expressing emotions and nuances in text
Visual emoji lists are used across all major communication platforms on desktop (Discord, Slack, Facebook, WhatsApp web applications), while mobile users have access to their device's emoji keyboard, desktop users rely entirely on the platform's interface to browse and select emojis visually.
Visually scanning an emoji list is significantly faster than remembering and typing emoji names
In a list, users can see similar emojis side by side and choose the most appropriate variation
I would greatly appreciate if this enhancement could be considered for future development, as it would improve the user experience.
