Strong disagree on this one. The horizontal orientation makes it simpler to navigate and brings it in line with iOS app switching. The sliding animation helps the user to understand where they are going to/from. Admittedly “reduce animation” in accessibility settings should turn it off. Learn to use command-tab to quickly switch apps and the space will follow.
https://mjtsai.com/blog/2026/06/03/macos-needs-its-spaces-grid-back/