In the “Direct Messages” leftmost pane show a miniature mugshot, in addition to the persons name shown. The same mugshot /image as shown in message conversation list view.

Sometimes the name is not know or remembered, but the face is not easily forgotten (unless your blind) and might be recognized, when initiating a conversation.

My list contain about 100 developers, many with similarly sounding names and it would ease when trying to find the right developer.

When having many contacts often the names becomes very similar i.e John A Smith, John B Smith, John C Smith.

Which of those is the John you met at the coffee machine?

Of course one can click on each and every one of the ones in the long list of Direct Messages, you believe you spoke with in order to see the mugshot, which is only shown after a specific contact have been selected, but it is a time-consuming process.

Can it be implemented in next release?

Thank you for your time. Please vote for this idea!