Web Development

The Facebook Factor: Redesigning a Website

September 26, 2008 Facebook.com is in the final stages of deploying its newly designed layout. The changes are being met with fierce opposition from its users. Facebook has made strides from their last major redesign when they introduced News Feeds overnight to a similar uproar. Ironically, News Feeds have become one of Facebook’s most desirable features.

This time around, Facebook made the wise decision to wean people off of their old look. They gave users a few weeks to optionally switch between the new and old layouts to familiarize themselves and ease the transition. Despite their best efforts, there are currently 7 million out of their reported 100 million users who have joined groups denouncing the new look.

Old Facebook.com:

New Facebook.com:

As a web developer, it is easier to understand and appreciate the new design than it may be for a casual user. When building your own site it will quickly become clear that a side effect of development is uncovering and fixing bugs. Though bugs are inevitable and must be addressed, they hinder forward progress in releasing new features. Had Facebook attempted to keep two branches of their code base (the new and old layout), they would have essentially needed to double their staff to both fix problems and make progress.

The story of Facebook is amplified by their size, but the rules should be taken into account for any web designer or web developer.

·       People do not like change.

·       Changes must add enough functionality (for you or your users) or improve usability in such a way as to offset your visitors’ resistance.

·       Give users fair warning and let them know why you are making the changes. “A new database for content” is not a sufficient reason because most users won’t understand. “Providing more frequent updates with the ability for users to make comments” might be more palatable.

·       Listen openly to the criticism of your users.

·       Do not take any negative commentary to heart. Expect that feedback will be negative; positive feedback is just icing on the cake.

Whatever the outcome of Facebook’s redesign, these rules should always be applied to changes in your site.

Check out http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/09/22/facebook.facelift/index.html?eref=rss_us for more discussion on this hot topic.

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