Google Plus: 5 Likes & 5 Dislikes

Initial Reactions to Google+

Having been a consistent Facebook user for a significant period, the announcement of Google+ initially came as a surprise.

The prospect of Google directly competing with Facebook in the social media landscape seemed like a substantial undertaking.

Considering the Challenges

Despite my initial surprise, I recognized that disruption was possible, citing Facebook’s rapid rise and subsequent dominance over MySpace as a precedent.

However, considerable planning, extensive marketing efforts, and dedicated work would be essential for success.

Previous experiences with Google Buzz led to doubts regarding Google’s ability to effectively execute such a complex social platform.

Delaying Engagement

Upon the launch of Google+, I deliberately refrained from using the platform for approximately a year.

This decision stemmed from both skepticism and a past experience as an early adopter of a nascent social network.

Early adoption can be isolating, akin to attending an event meticulously prepared for a large crowd, yet sparsely populated.

A Strategic Approach

My intention was to join Google+ at a later stage, when the user base had grown and a more vibrant community had formed.

This approach was based on the belief that a more established network would offer a more engaging and fulfilling experience.

10 Aspects of Google Plus: A Detailed Evaluation

My colleagues at MUO successfully encouraged me to explore the functionalities of Google Plus more thoroughly. A significant number of our writers had already become active users, contributing articles such as Dave’s guide on expanding your network and Ann’s explanation of accessing Google Plus user updates.

Upon joining, I gradually familiarized myself with the platform, identifying both appealing and frustrating elements. These observations are informed by my 15 years of experience in designing and refining user interfaces, leading me to perceive certain aspects of Google Plus as either remarkably innovative or notably perplexing.

Criticism #1: The Ambiguous “Stream”

Initially, I found the organization of the main feed somewhat unclear. It wasn’t immediately obvious where my personal profile space resided. Upon logging into Google Plus for the first time, I was presented with a stream of updates from individuals I followed.

Through exploration and interaction with the icon-based buttons, I discovered the pathway to my profile – a feature analogous to the “wall” concept on Facebook. I considered it unusual that this central personal space was positioned as the third icon from the right, rather than being the default landing page.

Criticism #2: The Posting Process

Another point of confusion arose when attempting to share updates on my profile. Unlike platforms like Facebook, where a status field is readily available on the personal wall, Google Plus lacked this immediate input option.

To post an update, one must navigate to the main stream, where updates from connections are displayed. Only then, after a short delay, does the post appear on the user’s profile page.

Criticism #3: Circle Buttons and the Share Function

The arrangement of buttons during the posting process initially struck me as unconventional. While the intention – to provide granular control over audience visibility through “circles” – was understandable, the combination of button and link formats felt disjointed.

A consistent design approach, utilizing either buttons or links exclusively, would enhance clarity. The inclusion of both, alongside the “Share” button, created a potentially confusing array of options for new users.

Criticism #4: Managing Circles – A Complex Interface

Adding individuals to Google Plus circles presented a challenging user experience. The page layout was, in my assessment, disorganized and overwhelming.

The lower portion of the page displays suggested connections, which can be conveniently added to circles by sliding them into the appropriate category. However, the search functionality at the top of the page is less intuitive.

The purpose of the “Relevance” button remains unclear without experimentation, and the duplicated “Type a name” search fields lack obvious differentiation. This convoluted design may prove frustrating for users unfamiliar with social networking platforms.

Criticism #5: Dispersed Settings

A further source of annoyance was the fragmented location of Google Plus settings. Unlike Facebook, which consolidates settings within a readily accessible menu, Google Plus integrates them into the broader Google account settings.

Users accustomed to Facebook’s streamlined approach may find this arrangement counterintuitive. Accessing Google Plus-specific settings requires navigating through multiple layers of menus, a process that feels unnecessarily cumbersome.

Appreciation #1: Photo Navigation

Despite these criticisms, Google Plus offers several commendable features. I particularly appreciate the ease and enjoyment of browsing photos. The collage-style presentation of images shared by connections is visually appealing and engaging.

The platform facilitates seamless navigation between photos posted by others, personal uploads, and even images captured on a mobile device.

Appreciation #2: Discovering New Connections

While I previously expressed concerns about the “Find People” page’s clutter, I also recognize its potential for discovering new and interesting individuals. Typing keywords related to one’s interests yields a wealth of relevant profiles and pages.

The growing popularity of Google Plus pages contributes to this abundance of options, enabling users to connect with communities and organizations aligned with their passions.

Appreciation #3: Page Creation Simplicity

Creating a Google Plus page is remarkably straightforward. A previous article I authored detailed the process, highlighting its simplicity and efficiency. Updating a page is equally convenient, accessible through a dropdown menu within the main stream.

Appreciation #4: Google Games Integration

The inclusion of Google Games is a significant advantage. Recognizing the role of casual gaming in Facebook’s success, Google Plus provides a dedicated space for entertainment and relaxation.

The organized categorization of games enhances discoverability, offering a potentially time-consuming but enjoyable diversion.

Appreciation #5: Granular Control with Circles

Despite my earlier criticisms of the interface, I commend Google Plus’s “circles” feature. The ability to categorize updates for specific audiences is a powerful tool for managing online presence.

This functionality surpasses Facebook’s current implementation, offering a more intuitive and flexible approach to audience segmentation. The “circles” feature represents a key differentiator and a potential catalyst for Google Plus’s growth.

These are my observations regarding the strengths and weaknesses of Google Plus. I am eager to hear your perspectives – what do you appreciate and dislike about the platform? Share your suggestions for improvement in the comments below.