Now that Facebook has embraced experimentation with their privacy settings and become the equivalent of programming a VCR for your stream, visiting Facebook always makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong. The interface of the site and the functionality is different for each and every person. I feel like I’ve broken something. Maybe if I just log in I can see this person’s info? And then I log in and nothing’s changed. Or maybe if I friend this person I can see more information about them? I friend them and nothing’s changed.
I’m not getting what I want. I’m getting a UX that each user wants to give me. Facebook constantly makes me think. It makes me deduce the reasons why the interface is different for each person.
It’s the opposite of good design. I’m supposed to have a consistent interface that I’m able to customize to my regular use. But on Facebook it’s the opposite. I’m given a different UI and functionality for each person I view. I’m confused. And if I’m confused, middle America isn’t too far behind…