The criticism for outdated desktop design of Facebook is well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
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