Five months later and it looks like Facebook is ready to release its new profile redesign. Facebook had announced it was working on a redesign earlier this year. In May, a glimpse of the redesigned was released to developers in the developers sandbox. Tomorrow evening the redesign will be open to the public.
Originally, the redesign was scheduled to be released earlier this week on Wednesday. However, there were numerous API problems which Facebook promptly notified developers about. Since then, developers and users have been able to access a preview of the new profile redesign by heading to http://www.new.facebook.com. Yesterday evening Facebook released the following message to developers:
"We know you've been working hard getting your applications ready for integration with the new profile. Thank you for working alongside us. We're close to the starting line - when users can start opting in to see the new site. We recommend you have your applications ready by Sunday evening so that users' first experience with your applications on the new profile will be a great one."
Now that it's time to get ready for the official public launch here's the scoop on some of what's new for users of Facebook:
I think the new redesign is great. I only wish that the wall and mini-feed were separated still. However, I love the idea of having custom tabs and I love the new menu bars. The breakdown and options provided for each tab is great and should encourage users to use certain features more like posting notes and sharing links. We'd like to hear your thoughts though. So leave a comment and let us know if you like the redesign or if you'd rather stick with the current design.
Comments
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Something web2.0 or the same crap ???
Posted by: LiviuX | July 20, 2008 9:40 AM
Looks clean to me. Nice one. Hope that some of the (german- and stolen-code-based) social networks that i use will go the same way..
Posted by: Stefan | July 20, 2008 9:46 AM
nice - I can't wait to see how it will improve the poor affliate marketing results people are seeing on the site.
Posted by: Luke Jeffrey Smith
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July 20, 2008 9:56 AM
Love is a strong word, but this is definitely going to be a well-received improvement.
Posted by: Frederick Townes | July 20, 2008 9:57 AM
the changes are exciting to me, as they are essentially a litmus test as to whether the FriendFeed model works with a mass audience.
Posted by: Jamie
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July 20, 2008 9:59 AM
Eh. I like the current design. I don't why companies keep wanting to re-design when their current design is great. Another example is the new dashboard for Xbox 360. The current blade design is so much better than the new Apple cover flow/Wii Mii rip-off.
Posted by: Rendition | July 20, 2008 10:27 AM
I like new design. I can't wait to use new user interface.
Posted by: Yasuo | July 20, 2008 10:47 AM
I now right now a LOT of people are going to complain regardless.
I look forward to the changes though. Hopefully it will de-emphasize clutter.
Posted by: Leonwestbrook | July 20, 2008 11:12 AM
This isn't the sort of in-depth analysis I know ReadWriteWeb for...
Posted by: Anon | July 20, 2008 11:28 AM
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/6836/newfacebookiu5.png
Posted by: Andy Day | July 20, 2008 11:42 AM
I think the new design is great, but I do think a lot of users are going to be pissed off. Their combining one of the most hated features (the mini feed) with the most loved feature (the wall)... Personally, I think it's fine, but I'm betting many users like it.
Posted by: Gabe Ragland | July 20, 2008 1:24 PM
I like it quite a bit. I have a feeling the mainstream users will freak though.
Posted by: Stephen Glauser | July 20, 2008 1:27 PM
ohhh shit
i hate it & they really have to feel shame of this design , didn't they take a look at deviantART redesign & see how redesigning should be a like :@ ?
Posted by: Leftist Egyptian | July 20, 2008 1:39 PM
i think it will be really good and clean ....looking good so far from the things i have read
Posted by: Hammad | July 20, 2008 1:57 PM
i certainly can't make a call just from looking at it. the real proof of improvement is if i find it more intuitive than it currently is (and it would be really hard for any redesign not to be more intuitive that what we currently have) and if that pulls me in to use facebook more.
Posted by: barefootmeg
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July 20, 2008 3:24 PM
No matter how innovative this new redesign is, there will be a slew of haters at the beginning. Of course, if the redesign sucks, the number of haters will grow instead of decline.
If it were me, I wouldn't fix it unless it was broke.
Posted by: Bryan Saxton | July 20, 2008 4:17 PM
As a college member of facebook, I am not a big fan of the redesign. Moving all the personal info to another page is very annoying. I also hate the merging of the minifeed and the wall. I know you can turn one on and off, but I liked them both, just separated.
Posted by: kevcops | July 20, 2008 7:31 PM
For those looking for an in-depth review of what changes we can expect, I posted one on spf13.com, my blog.
For what it's worth. I think it is another example of a well thought out and strategic decision made by facebook. Biggest change is clearly the de-emphasis on the applications and the emphasis on media and news feeds.
Posted by: Steve Francia | July 20, 2008 8:53 PM
wow nice
Posted by: tom | July 20, 2008 9:24 PM
Hopefully the bling factor is minimized for speeder load times.
Posted by: Robert | July 20, 2008 9:27 PM
Looks pretty ugly right now but I might change my mind...What was wrong with simple? I like facebook because it was clean and simple but it's slowly making its way to looking like myspace and that's when I will quit using it.
Posted by: Yasser | July 20, 2008 9:54 PM
too complicated ... too much infi crammed into so little space ...
need a better design ...
Posted by: subcorpus | July 20, 2008 10:09 PM
I still can't see how this is any improvement over the original design. They basically took everything that was all on one page and inconveniently placed them in tabs.
By the way, does ANYONE like the mini-feed? The only feature I want that thing to have is an off button.
Posted by: Coconut Monkey | July 20, 2008 10:11 PM
Should separate mini-feed and wall.
Posted by: facebook | July 20, 2008 10:41 PM
FaceBook has been around for quite some time, but I am still reluctant to join, simply because of its privacy and confidentiality concern. Hence, whether is it a new design or not, probably I won't be moved.
Posted by: Keith | July 20, 2008 10:57 PM
I, personally, like the current design. I'm not a fan of having to go to different tabs to see what I want to see. It actually seems like it would be more of a hassle to find what I want. I also wish that they would keep the wall and mini feed separate.
Posted by: Kelly Harbke | July 20, 2008 11:10 PM
To everyone that says "if it ain't broke don't fix it"..
Facebook was broke. Scrolling through tons of apps and crap to see info was horrible. The tabs make sense as they are organized now.
As for keeping the wall and feed separate, do you guys really love scrolling that much? Viewing Wall messages in chronological order with other updates has a purpose, even if it is a jarring change.
This is good change, not change for the sake of change.
Posted by: Craig S | July 20, 2008 11:47 PM
It's about time for a change. Facebook has looked like the same for quite a while. I'm ready for something new =D
Posted by: Evan | July 21, 2008 12:02 AM
I like it really a lot.
Wait. There isn't "Add video" function anymore! :( Why?!
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Posted by: 007rajaash | July 21, 2008 5:26 AM
The new status updater is interesting... Looks like they focus alot more on it... Maybe they want to compete against Twitter.? Looks like it.
Posted by: Tommy Vedvik | July 21, 2008 5:36 AM
I really think this design fits the typical use case for a facebook user: Open a profile, see status, post straight to the wall.
This redesign is brilliant. It brings out the signal, and burys the noise. I want to know what my friends are up to. I don't want to scroll through a million apps, interests, etc.
Posted by: Benjamin Reece | July 21, 2008 5:52 AM
anything that hides those fucking applications is an improvement. i'm a fan.
Posted by: elliott | July 21, 2008 5:55 AM
i have to say that this new design is pretty good.
i've always hated scrolling for hours on end just to reach the wall or some other information that i needed.
so the new tab system looks like a pretty good idea.
plus it could also have faster loading times because of the tabs. =]
Posted by: Ari | July 21, 2008 6:31 AM
niec
Posted by: hal | July 21, 2008 8:36 AM
We all are waiting for it. hope it's as good as the current design.
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Posted by: Tina | July 21, 2008 8:37 AM
IT ABSOLUTELY SUCKS AND I HATE IT. Its an ugly redesign!!
Remember how every one left myspace after they changed it? well, i see that happening with facebook. what a shame..
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Posted by: شباب ليبيا | July 21, 2008 12:14 PM
Like I told Facebook in my feedback to them, I think that the redesign has a lot of good - and perhaps necessary, in the case of not sifting through tons of applications - ideas. HOWEVER: these ideas came at the cost of Facebook's elegant visual aesthetic. I, for one, am pretty disappointed. I look forward to the possibility of Facebook integrating the old look with the new ideas.
Posted by: anon | July 21, 2008 12:55 PM
it sucks
Posted by: sadf | July 21, 2008 1:52 PM
"Their combining one of the most hated features (the mini feed) with the most loved feature (the wall)... "
i disagree.. the wall is my most hated feature. the mini-feed however i love. i just dont like people writing lame/personal stuff on the wall for everyone to see.
Posted by: Clay | July 21, 2008 6:26 PM
people whined and complained for weeks after facebook rolled out the news feed but now everyone loves it. it's going to be the same for this facelift. i love the facebook for the iphone and i think people will eventually come around to the new facebook.
Posted by: kramden88 | July 21, 2008 7:36 PM
that's what the wall is for though isn't it? for everyone to see? or else, people would just use instant messaging, or email (for example gmail supports chat-like email).
really curious to see what this will look like, but alas, it didn't change today!
one thing i don't like is the absence of wall post counts (i don't see it in the picture). other than that, i say bring it on facebook!
Posted by: jerome | July 21, 2008 10:09 PM
The redesign is live. as of about 1:18am EST.
Posted by: chris | July 21, 2008 10:25 PM
still gotta go to www.new.facebook.com to check it out, i don't see an option button anywhere yet.
Posted by: jerome | July 21, 2008 10:33 PM
Looks very clean to me. I think the good or sucks depends on the daily use (routine). First time looks very strange, but in two months will very comfortable.
Posted by: Alex | July 22, 2008 7:08 AM
I like the redesign, can't wait to get some hands on time with it.
Posted by: Mr. Tech | July 22, 2008 9:05 AM
it's live for me right now
Posted by: Chris Harris
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July 22, 2008 12:30 PM
Yeah I've heard that before......just like the new.facebook.com should get me to the new profile :)
Posted by: Snay Trivedi
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July 22, 2008 12:35 PM
thanks
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Posted by: wed-gan | July 22, 2008 2:14 PM
i really dislike the new layout, though being more organized in some ways, it doesn't show any individuality as you have wiped off all the personalized design such as applications and all. it doesn't look personalized anymore. on the other hand if you have to click around to see one's information, whats the point? I might as well use my email then, no difference. the wall tab looks really messy with the photos and comments all stuck together.
I hope you make a wise decision to stick to the old design. I sincerely hope you do, or else i dont even know whether i'll continue using facebook.
Posted by: s | July 22, 2008 6:15 PM
Are they rolling it out in stages? Not live for me yet, but I see that a previous commenter mentioned it was live (but didn't say how they liked it or not?).
I for one will be glad to be able to better hide applications (like vampires, likeness, etc.). While I like being able to participate with some friends, as my Facebook circle widens I find that it's more difficult to keep on top of all the privacy settings (which aren't all in the same place, aren't intuitive and it's frustrating not being able to see what your "limited" profile is set up to see to make sure you have hidden enough). Being able to at least push some of those applications back to another tab is somewhat helpful as not everyone clicks around in profiles.
I've always thought the current interface is a bit awkward, so looking forward to the new one. Of course there are always people who freak out when it comes to change, so it will be interesting to watch that ripple.
Posted by: crystal king | July 23, 2008 5:50 AM
Facebook should stick with what they have. MySpace was pretty good until they went overboard.
They are going a little too far in my opinion.
Posted by: Phillip Hines | July 23, 2008 8:55 AM
Facebook's new design is a mess. I never thought I would say this, but MYSPACE'S interface looks cleaner than the Facebook redesign!!!!! Also, if you click on the "take me back to the old Facebook" link, some sort of bug comes up and you can't comment on people's walls. The old Facebook was much more convenient and easy to use. Up until this point, I have thoroughly approved of most of the changes to Facebook. But I don't have high hopes from the new Facebook...
Posted by: ebooks | July 23, 2008 9:46 AM
I was a fan of Facebook since day one, and I loved their approach to a clean user interface and great use of javascript and AJAX. With that said, I absolutely hate the new Facebook redesign. It totally looks like MySpace, which has the worse user interface in history. I hate it when sites try to emmulate other more popular websites, only to inherit their horrible bad habits.
Posted by: Thinkwell | July 23, 2008 9:10 PM
looks great beautifull
Posted by: monza | July 24, 2008 3:32 AM
Looks Crap-tastic. Sites without some kinda boarder on the content always look like trash. The tabbing is ok but they significantly decreased the aesthetic appeal of the site previously had at the same time.
Posted by: Andrew | July 24, 2008 9:59 AM
Facebook is very much improved these days. Whooping Myspace if you ask me. I would like to see the Wall separated in some way.
Posted by: Niche P | July 27, 2008 9:08 AM
I like the small aesthetics, the buttons for example, but the layout is confused and indistinct, the old design held together better. The news feeds and profile activity lists are far too confused as well, there's not enough visual distinction between different items and types.
The worst thing is the over-use of js/ajax, it goes beyond functional, there's no reason for the tabs not to reload the page. Grabbing remote content should be done to facility functions on the page: edit in place, validation, etc. There's no good reason to use it to serve entire pages.
Posted by: miles | July 27, 2008 1:59 PM
There are some drawbacks but I liked most of its features...
Posted by: Outsourced Product Development | July 28, 2008 1:43 AM
Hooray. It's about time. I heard that Newscorp (myspace) is considering a buyout of facebook...
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Posted by: Oigen | July 29, 2008 2:17 AM
Although I don't use websites like Facebook any longer, I welcome the change. Facebook has long needed a usability overhaul.
Facebook was too complicated, and horrible in usability terms. Looks like they fixed some of the obvious layout issues they used to have.
Posted by: Dwayne Charrington | July 31, 2008 9:25 PM
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Posted by: Lia Ale Panzacchi Schonenberg | August 4, 2008 11:37 PM
I love it
Posted by: Spyko | August 8, 2008 12:17 AM
I don't like the new desgin becasue it was confused AND it needs a lot more space then last time. I hate to admit it but I like the old one because it was much more clear and fun. I know that I want something new and fresh for facebook but it was not enough. Sorry.
Posted by: Judith | August 12, 2008 5:25 PM