Improving the Google Stream User Experience
Introduction
The Google Stream plays a pivotal role in connecting users with their contacts and shared interests. However, several usability issues have been brought to attention, which can be addressed to enhance user satisfaction and engagement. This article explores potential improvements to the Google Stream, focusing on visibility, interaction, and layout, thereby contributing to a more seamless and user-friendly experience.
Visibility and Exclusion of Circles
One of the primary concerns is the visibility of circles within the Stream. Many users have expressed the need for the ability to exclude certain circles from the all-stream view. This would significantly enhance the user's ability to filter out unwanted content, making the stream more manageable and relevant. For instance, if a user has numerous circles, the ability to exclude specific ones would streamline the content they see each time they log in. Additionally, combining circles into a single category or block would further simplify the process of navigation and filtering.
Enhancing the User Interface (UI)
The current UI of the Google Stream requires attention, particularly in terms of font size, color, and information density. The readability and ease of scanning the stream are critical for user engagement. Improvements could include:
Adjusting the font size and color choices to make it easier to distinguish between various elements like the number of people outside a circle, the share count, and the older comments.
Implementing a cleaner and more organized layout to separate the main feed from sidebars like suggested friends and circles.
Clarifying the distinction between posts and comments to prevent the blend and confusion that affects ease of reading and navigation.
Redesigning the display of share and older comments information to be more organized and less cluttered.
Enabling users to configure the fixed width of the feed, especially for users on low-resolution screens.
Hiding multiple posts from the same contact under "More posts from this contact" or "There are X more posts from this contact."
Interaction and User Feedback
Another key area that needs attention is the ease of interaction within the Stream. Users find it cumbersome to exclude a circle when posting, which could be improved if a posting feature allowed for exclusion options. This would not only streamline the posting process but also enhance the overall user experience by providing more control over the content they share and see.
Conclusion
Improvements to the Google Stream involve a blend of functionality and aesthetics. By addressing issues like circle exclusion, UI clarity, and interaction options, the platform can become more user-friendly and engaging. The end goal is to create a more seamless experience that encourages users to stay active and engaged with the platform, ultimately leading to better SEO performance and user satisfaction.