How could Xero improve the homepage?

I would like to share feedback regarding the new homepage layout.

While I appreciate that updates aim to improve functionality and modernise the interface, I experienced the new layout as visually overwhelming and cognitively heavier than the previous version.

Some specific observations:

Increased visual amplitude
The larger card sizes, expanded whitespace, and increased typography scale make the dashboard feel more dominant and “loud” compared to the previous compact layout.

Greater visual emphasis on charts
The taller and more prominent graphs draw strong attention, even when I simply want to access operational data quickly. This shifts the tone from a bookkeeping workspace to a performance dashboard.

Reduced spatial familiarity
The previous layout allowed for stable spatial memory. I knew exactly where key information was located. The new arrangement requires relearning navigation patterns, which increases cognitive effort.

Scanning effort
The increased spacing between elements requires more eye travel and scanning distance, which can feel fatiguing during daily accounting tasks.

Lack of compact mode
It would be highly beneficial to offer:
– A compact or reduced-density view
– A “bookkeeper” or operational mode versus an executive dashboard mode
– Greater control over card size and visual intensity

For users who work in accounting daily, predictability and visual calm are important for efficiency. The new layout may work well for high-level overview, but for operational users it increases cognitive load.

I would strongly encourage the option of a density toggle or minimal mode to improve accessibility for users who are sensitive to visual overstimulation.

Opening it for the first time created a stress response in me.

I got rid of most of it and tried to recreate the previous layout which is possible in a limited capacity.