Preface

DeepSeek Harness (DSH) adopts a plugin-based architecture. When handling multi-session management and model switching, its Web interface can sometimes feel cramped. For mobile users or those who frequently adjust the layout, the native interaction details may not be user-friendly enough.

dsh-better-ux aims to solve these problems. It does not change DSH’s core logic, but instead optimizes session row actions, the model selection experience, mobile navigation, and global font scaling through a standalone Web UX Kit.

Plugin Overview

Name: dsh-better-ux
Author: MitsukiJoe
Purpose: DeepSeek Harness Web Interface UX Kit
Version: 0.2.1
License: MIT

This plugin provides four independently configurable interface improvements: session row actions, model selector, mobile optimization, and global font scaling.

Core Features

Session Row Actions

In the session list, hovering the mouse over an idle, running, or recently activated session row displays quick action buttons. By default, Rename, Branch, and Archive are provided.

  • Menu retention rules: The plugin hides the native ⋯ button only when all three quick action buttons are enabled and the native menu contains exactly these three actions. If any quick action is disabled, operations added by other plugins are detected, or the menu contents do not match, the native menu remains visible.
  • Interaction method: Hover the mouse over an icon to view the button name.

Model Selector

The plugin replaces the original crowded two-level menu with a full-screen overlay.

  • Layout: Includes a search box, provider chips, model cards, and a reasoning level selector at the bottom.
  • Scrolling: Providers are arranged horizontally. Use the mouse wheel or Shift + wheel to scroll horizontally. A fade indicator with an 8px fade appears at the edges.
  • Compatibility: If dsh-vision-router and dsh-vision-router-inline are installed, Auto Vision dual providers are not displayed as a separate group, but are collapsed into the corresponding original model cards. Selecting a model card selects the original model, while the image button on the right is used to select the visual routing option.

Mobile Optimization

This is a deep overhaul for phone and tablet use, enabled via the Settings -> Better UX toggle.

  • Navigation bar: Hides the native left sidebar and renders a custom horizontal navigation bar at the top. The first row includes the logo, a conversation title toggle button, and native actions such as new session, new workspace, search, view options, and settings.
  • Session list:
    • Displays status, title, time, and overflow actions.
    • Supports long-pressing a workspace or session tag to reorder it (click the appearing ‹ › buttons to move its position).
    • Truncates overly long titles and supports adaptive scaling.
  • Input optimization:
    • No auto-focus: Switching sessions does not automatically focus the input box, preventing the keyboard from popping up and obscuring content.
    • Add image: The native mobile editor only has a + button and cannot send images. This plugin adds an image button next to +, supports multi-selection, and reuses the host’s paste validation and sending flow.
    • Disable page zoom: Enabled by default to prevent accidental two-finger gestures from causing page distortion or layout issues.
  • View modes: Supports two modes: “by workspace” grouping and “flat list”.

Global Font Scaling

Allows independent configuration of font size, line height, and padding ratio for mobile (phone/tablet) and desktop.

  • Range: 10% - 200%.
  • Defaults: Mobile defaults to 80%, desktop to 100%.
  • Operation: Enter an integer or use 5% step buttons to adjust.

Installation and Activation

  • Prerequisites:
    • The DeepSeek Harness build version must include the built-in localization service.
    • Requires a Node.js environment version >= 22.
  • Activation method: In the DSH interface, go to Settings -> Better UX and use the toggle to control mobile optimization.

Notes

  • License: MIT License.
  • Visual routing compatibility: If dsh-vision-router-series plugins are installed, Auto Vision providers are automatically collapsed into the original model cards, with no extra configuration required.
  • Custom sidebar: If you have heavily customized the native left sidebar in DSH, it is recommended to disable mobile optimization to avoid layout conflicts.
  • Permissions: As a DSH plugin, it runs with the permissions of the current DSH process.

Conclusion

dsh-better-ux focuses on reducing the number of clicks and wasted space in Web operations. With intuitive session row actions and an overlay-style model selector, it can improve session management efficiency. The mobile-specific customization addresses the pain points of the native experience on touchscreens.

Documentation and source code:
* Skill Cloud Plugin Directory
* GitHub repository