Facebook UI Re-design 2010: Just Holding My Breath…

I had to stifle a squeal of child-like glee when I returned from lunch, and before getting back to work, I logged onto Facebook and discovered that FINALLY, after about of week of anticipation my account reflected the new UI re-design. Here I am geeking out about new simplified and more usable header and sidebars, but I know full-well that it’s only a matter of time until it starts. What starts? You might ask. Well, it seems that it’s inevitable that in the next few hours someone will log-on and be so taken-a-back by the appearance of the new FB that they will start their revolt; just as it seems to happen every time that FB makes a significant change or improvement. The page for the FB group “Bring Back The Old Facebook!” is already, showing comments from newly discontented users. It’s funny.

In a nut shell, I totally get where they’re coming from but I also know they they just don’t get it. Things like FB start to become familiar comforts for people and just like when something is disrupted in their environment the change is often not welcomed. Obviously some take it worse than others. I’m totally that way too when it comes to other areas of life. I just get settled in and unpacked(sort of) and in a few weeks I’m moving again! I’ve also learned that no matter how much of an adjustment/inconvenience something can be, probably 98.3% of the time there’s a greater side benefit that results. In this example: Moving = Inconvenience/Hate My Life + New Place = More space = Overall Improved Quality of Life. The same applies to Facebook’s annual UI face-lift (no pun intended). It may take some getting used to but like any other product or service FB is constantly examining and re-examining itself. The funny part is that in a few weeks I’d bet the same people complaining about the new UI will become used to it and a year from now grovel over another change, wishing it were the way it is now.

Maybe I just have stars in my eyes for Facebook, I’m a fanboy. I like the new UI. Now if only they could do something about all those annoying Farmville and Mafia Wars notifications.

Posted on February 8, 2010 | 3 Comments | Filed in: Design, Social Media