Building on Existing Products: Google+ vs. Facebook

This article delves into the UX considerations behind Google+’s design, particularly highlighting the clever integration of the social network into pre-existing Google platforms like Search and Gmail. The author, Andrew Chen, contrasts this strategy with Facebook's approach, which prioritizes an independent platform.

The Google+ Navbar and Notifications System

A key aspect of Google+’s design is its global navbar, which is incorporated into various Google properties. This presents a challenge for the team – how to create rich user interactions within limited space. The solution they implemented is a mobile-like interface for engaging with comments, follows, and other features without leaving the current user experience.

Google+ designed a system where users could interact with comments, follows, and other features inline, without leaving their current experience.

The navbar and notifications system prioritize a streamlined, mobile-like experience within the context of other Google services.

The Difference in Notifications Design: Google+ vs. Facebook

The author contrasts Google+’s approach to notifications with Facebook’s. He points out that Facebook’s notifications act more like a “pointer” to actual content, requiring users to leave their current context for further interaction. Conversely, Google+ enables users to interact with notifications within the current experience, making it more seamless for users engaged with Google’s other services like Search and Gmail.

Google+ notifications allow users to interact with notifications directly within their existing context, while Facebook notifications act as pointers to the content, requiring users to exit their current experience.

Google+’s design prioritizes a smooth, context-aware user experience, ideal for users engaged with other Google services.

Utilizing Mobile-Like Interactions within the Google+ Navbar

Chen highlights the clever use of mobile-like interface elements within the Google+ navbar to enhance the user experience. This approach is particularly effective for handling notifications and interaction with features like comments and follows.

Google+ employs a mobile-like interface design within the navbar to provide a streamlined and intuitive experience for users.

This approach prioritizes efficient navigation and interaction with notifications, comments, and other features.

The Importance of User Experience (UX) for Google+

The author underscores the significance of UX considerations in the success of Google+. By integrating the social network seamlessly into existing Google platforms and implementing a mobile-like interface, Google+ aims to provide a fluid user experience that encourages engagement.

UX considerations play a crucial role in the success of Google+ by ensuring a seamless user experience.

Google+’s focus on integration with existing services and a mobile-like design enhances user engagement and adoption.

Considerations for the Future of Google+

While Google+ has faced its share of challenges, the article’s focus on UX design offers valuable insights for the future of social networks. By prioritizing a user-centric approach and incorporating innovative design solutions, Google+ can improve its ability to compete with Facebook and other social platforms.

By prioritizing a user-centric approach and innovative design, Google+ can improve its competitive position within the social media landscape.