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Pete is… 13.06.09
Writing an article about status messages – and how they relate to the future evolution of the web. And I know status messages are an obscure place to start, but just humor me for now, this is going somewhere!
The ‘Pete is…’ status message
We’ve had it for a while, the status message; which I believe originated from chatrooms and MSN Messenger – and eventually, and successfully was implemented by FaceBook – who, in fact, have essentially evolved directly from this technique. It’s a nice idea, and it was done well – but in true internet fashion, the idea of status’ have been copied…. a lot. I notice that LinkedIn have a status box, as does Google Chat – and a whole host of other web-based apps… and I’m led to wonder whether it’s all really that necessary.
The reason I mention the status message is that during the architecture and design of an upcoming webapp – I’ve been asking the question of whether features such as the status message are really necessary. If there is a website, like FaceBook or Twitter that offer that same service (and trust me, they’ve probably built it far better than you ever could) – then why not harness that, instead of starting from scratch? The same applies for a lot of web-technologies – for example; why build your own custom javascript function, when jQuery has done it all for you?
The ‘Inbox’ Problem
In the same application I’ve been designing – there arose a need for and administrator to engage in a ‘conversation’ with the client. So the “solution” of having an inbox and message creator was suggested. So once more, I found myself questioning the need for such a complex service – especially in an age where users have become accustomed to the features offered by Gmail, Facebook and the likes that we’d have to match. So instead, we’re using something far simpler – not trying to emulate google, not trying to compete with Facebook.
Given these two examples, the evolution of the internet seems apparent. Websites now have the opportunity to integrate some services that already exist, instead of having to start from scratch.
If you can use an existing service, instead of building your own – do. And if you can keep it simple, instead of trying to match that of your much more powerful competitors – do.
Where before, video’s were placed in custom players, they’re now embedded straight from YouTube and Vimeo, and where photos once took up valuable server space, they’re now able to stream direct from Flickr. This creation of extremely powerful websites, which are essentially amalgamations (mashups) of existing services – will give life to a new breed of website… one that won’t give you yet another opportunity to update your status, or present a new way of sending messages.
However, the risk of giving users the opportunity to travel away from your site to Flickr or Twitter may put off many – but if you consider the experience from the point of view of the user, then this new breed of site is the obvious and logical evolutionary step. And you’ll just have to trust that your users will return (because they will)… if you’re providing them with something of value, that is.
Hey!
HeyBuzz is a collection of musings, learning's, tips and inspiration... mostly about digital stuff, as observed by Buzz.
Buzz is a freelance digital designer working in and around London (studio). See more of his design work on his portfolio
Buzz is also a skiier, sailor and surfer who enjoys referring to himself in the 3rd person.
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