A Sample Profile


A Design That Whispers…
”It’s all about YOU”



The simplicity in design of the world’s leading social media site fascinates me. I originally thought it was incredible that Facebook could be so successful DESPITE its structural simplicity but later realized that it was BECAUSE of this simplicity that the site is so popular.

When considering its millions of users and booming success, it would be naive to overlook the site's design as a contributing factor. The communication medium’s classic format is definitely considered an attractive element by users.

Facebook is refreshingly simple. The standard white, uncluttered background and themed blue fonts provide an organized, simple and manageable environment. This provides users with a message that they are what is important and will not be dominated by clutter. All artistic design is left up to the author of the page to create. This simplistic web design places all the focus on the author’s information instead of its distracting surrounding elements.

Once a Facebook resident leaves their homepage nest, the user's profile remains just a click away, regardless of their journey into the world of links, albums, discussion pages...etc The "Profile" tab is always located horizontally at the top of each page along with the "Inbox" "Home" and "Friends" options.

Each person’s homepage represents a resting place from online browsing...it's the base the users return to after any activity. With photo albums, personal clips of information, video posts, discussion boards, friend connections...etc, Facebook allows a person's entire identity to be transferred into a virtual world of online pages describing them. These pages are, in a sense, a shrine to individuals and represent their identity to the world; profiles are a place of familiarity to users in a complex digital world. That said, Facebook realizes that an easily accessible homepage is an important feature. The Facebook design seems to tell users that life is hectic enough, and that navigation through their online world should not be. My opinion is that the site does an excellent job of keeping user pages organized and very accessible.


Unlike MySpace and other social networking sites, Facebook does not allow users the option of creating dominating elements on their homepage (too many homepage design options in color, pictures, background images...etc) It is like a mother online who forces you to keep your room clean which you appreciate later when you are in it.


MYSPACE PAGE...


The overall genius of Facebook design is in it's keeping it simple theme. People's favorite subject is themselves...so what better way to obtain an emotional appeal from users than to let their profile represent them without distraction.

FACEBOOK ANALYSIS: HOME PAGE