- livingthedash.tv

I ran across this post on Google’s Official Gmail Blog.

The post describes a new feature in Google’s Gmail product that allows a Gmail user to quickly send an email message without text in the body of the email.  Gmail usually displays a warning message when users try to send an email without text in the body, but now users can bypass the warning message by simply typing “EOM” at the end of the email subject line.

It is a relatively small feature that will never be used by most Gmail users, but it is a perfect example of 1 of 10 principles that contribute to a Googley user experience.

This is how Google describes this design principle…….

Engage beginners and attract experts. 

Designing for many people doesn’t mean designing for the lowest common denominator. The best Google designs appear quite simple on the surface but include powerful features that are easily accessible to those users who want them. Our intent is to invite beginners with a great initial experience while also attracting power users whose excitement and expertise will draw others to the product. 

A well-designed Google product lets new users jump in, offers help when necessary, and ensures that users can make simple and intuitive use of the product’s most valuable features. Progressive disclosure of advanced features encourages people to expand their usage of the product.

Google is brilliant at building advanced features into their products that power users love without letting those features get in the way of beginner users.

- Apply this design principle to the design of a phone and you end up with device simple enough for a 7 year old to use and a device powerful enough for an adult to use for email, texting, scheduling, voicemail, notetaking, stock portfolio tracking, GPS tracking, and much, much more.

- Apply this design principle to the design of a workplace and you end up with an organization that attracts and develops new employees while satisfying and retaining those employees with more expertise and experience.

- Apply this design principle to the design of a coffee shop and you end up with a place where a new customer feels comfortable ordering just a small black coffee and a long-time, passionate customer can order a triple venti sugar-free vanilla, nonfat, extra hot, extra foam, extra drizzle, caramel macchiatto.

- Apply this design principle to the design of a church and you end up with an experience that is comfortable and attractive to unchurched people and a community where believers can grow and mature and serve.

Engage Beginners & Attract Experts

No related posts.