4 years might seem like a long time in the world of the new media, but when compared to the traditional media forms, it becomes relatively younger. That’s how long the popular networking site Facebook has been around. The internet phenomenon, which has over 100 million users, is no stranger when it comes to ‘breaking new grounds’ (Wikipedia).
One of the more noteworthy changes that Facebook went through was its decision to compulsorily enforce its new layout on all its users in September 2008. Although the new layout was made available to users as an option for nearly 2 months beforehand, that choice was taken away. This issue is covered in article by the Star available here.
(Above left: Facebook's old layout; right: Facebook's new layout)
Its creator Mark Zuckerberg, claimed that the changes were done for the better, while conceding that not everyone will agree with them. He was spot on. The change in layout resulted in a furore, a flurry of complaints and even a mini-revolt by the sites users. Many users were not happy, claiming that the new design and layout was confusing, less organised and had too much white space, among other things (Fulton, 2008).
Users, upset at the unfamiliar layout, begin demanding a revert to the old template, even forming groups on the website itself (Fulton, 2008). The following video shows an interview with one of those users.
(Source: I-report.com)
When look at in the perspective of issues in publication and design, the reaction to a massive change in the layout can be explained by the following:
‘In any document, the readers do not just read the words; they also ‘read’ the visual presentation and layout of the text. The design is there to guide readers, make it more interesting for them and to present an overall identity of the document.’
Source: Reep, 2006
Therefore, it follows that when the fundamental design of a document changes, it would have an effect on the reader.
On a personal note, I believe that such a change is only natural. After all, everything evolves somehow or another. When such change happens, especially a change in something that we are so familiar/intimate with, such as the well-known and liked layout and design of Facebook, those connected with it, users like us will normally have some sort of negative reaction as we are pulled out of our comfort zones and thrust into new/unfamiliar territory. Nevertheless, such changes are necessary or else, we can’t move forward. Just look at the reactions whenever Microsoft launches a new software or update. Though criticisms come pouring in hard and fast, users eventually embrace them as they are proven to be superior products.
Sources
Wikipedia - Facebook. Viewed on 28th October 2008 at <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook>
Facebook unveils new look with a new approach, 2008, The Star – Biz. Viewed on 24th October at <http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/10/business/20080910134240&sec=business>
Fulton, S.M. III, 2008, Facebook users unite in outrage over changed layout, Onekit.com Software Magazine. Viewed on 28th October 2008 at <http://www.onekit.com/store/review/facebook_users_unite_in_outrage_over_changed_layout.html>
Reep, Diana C. 2006, ‘Chp 4: Principles of Document Design,’ in Technical Writing, 6th ed., Pearson Edu, Inc., New York, p.173-190.
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