All Facebook notes that Facebook is suffering from user backlash against the new Facebook design, with users as well as some application developers complaining. As we noted last month, however, complaints over stylistic changes will never gain the traction, either in the media or in user groups, that privacy violations do. Some users have even noticed that Beacon has returned without much fanfare; according to Facebook Development Platform staff:
"Since late 2007, Beacon has been available on dozens of participating sites after we made a series of improvements to ensure that users have control over what information is shared to their friends on Facebook. We are not accepting new developers into the program, and this is not using Facebook Connect."
The Facebook "protest" is nothing new, however, as any site with a loyal userbase will see the same types of complaints any time changes are made. Social aggregator FriendFeed recently made some style changes to its beta site, and saw similar reactions. Some users even created a thread to suggest changes and features they would like to see either in addition to or instead of the design changes.
Users don't like change. It's human nature to cling to the familiar. Luckily, most sites ignore the change-averse users.
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The people begging for the old design are probably the same ones who whined the last time Facebook changed (to the design they now love). I've seen this happen on many sites that do a redesign - users don't understand initially, but it winds up being better for all involved.
I think the issue is not so much in the layout but the general performance of the user interface. The site seems more clumsy to use than it's predecessor and it can be frustrating trying to re-establish the routes to perform tasks.
The site has a wide user base with technophobes and techies sharing the same environment. This will inevitably lead to issues in site design acceptance as both are looking for different levels of customization, use etc.
Personally I think the design is quite pleasing on the eye and the concept of tabs etc. is a good one. However, the lack of clear guidance from FB on use can be frustrating, there are a number of glitches that become evident as you move through the site and it's annoying having to re-find everything after using the site for such a longtime.
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