Saturday 31 October 2015

Free Chrome Extension to Provide Flat Facebook Redesign

The criticism for outdated desktop design of Facebook is well known. Even some designers in association with web design company still question the fact that why the design of Facebook desktop site is not as good as expected. As per look Google+ and Flip board are much ahead of Facebook.

At present, flat design looks the part to modernize Facebook as it gives an edge in performance. Also, it can reduce the complex content of Facebook into a basic and easy to understand layout. Such design also allows the users to interpret the data and find the things in quick manner.


Updating the Design of Facebook


Though some part of content like timeline, games and photos may be relevant, but too much of any stuff may give detrimental result. Hence some essential steps for redesigning of an interface to please users on the Internet include:

  • Illusion of invisibility – While designing of a new interface, the motivations of the user right alongside any financial interests must be duly considered. The companies first of all need to draw attention to themselves along with great new features. But users tend to prefer the opposite.

    The most useful UIs are the ones which are forgotten about their presence. Similar to an invisible hand, they have been known to guide the user completely in their goals easily. The Slippy UX is designed for enabling the user to solve their problems devoid any distraction. Removal of stats listings like “Recent Posts” and “Trending” has prevented the users from getting distracted.

  • Updated Labels – The left menu has been among the most confusing aspects of Facebook. The original design was actually an improvement on the current and existing one. In order to manage the current load of Facebook, a more efficient label system is required.

    Inclusion of the “my this, my that” format to the original menu contribute in adding of a nice personal touch. The Flat label of Facebook is logical, consistent and self-evident.

  • Reducing page-to-page friction – Good designs have been known to reduce the amount of clicking to a minimum. At present in Facebook, leaving the main page contributes in disappearing of the menu hence forcing the users to go into extra clicks. Simply a sticky menu was considered to be the best solution which never leaves even on the profile page of own.

  • Streamlining the typeface – Flat typography has contributed in encouraging website designers to think in a more careful manner about every type of selection. Even serif typefaces have been known to evolve with simpler letter forms becoming the norm hence allowing the content to shine through.

    Flat interface of Facebook opened up a lot of doors for typography with the freedom to be seen. Trebuchet for typeface because it is still friendly and the curvature helps to populate the space. The typeface of social network needs to be clear and inviting to the users.

  • Bold strokes of color – Colors create an instantly understandable emotional language. A successful update to Facebook may require a new coat of paint. Less gradients lead to less visual noise for easy searching and navigation for the user. CSS style has been used to completely flatten the color palette.

    For backgrounds and menus, bold and bright colors create a natural contrast, drawing the viewer towards the content and navigation.

  • Embracing white space – White space impacts the visuals of a site as much as color and typography. As white space improves comprehension, it has been regarded as the perfect medicine for sites like Facebook which suffer from overcrowding.  Also the content becomes more scan able along with being legible.

    Stretching of each content card was the best solution to get rid of awkward extra space. Without the right-hand stats column, there was plenty of room to play around with.

Final Consideration

The redesign needed to be better, but also familiar. With the Facebook Flat chrome extension, the goal is to return Facebook to a more content-focused design by applying the usability principles of flat design.


You can also read - 6 Web Design Tips to Maximize Conversion Rate

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