Issues of the Interface - Facebook Design

So from what I learnt today, an interface is...

"a means by which people interact with a particular machine, device or computer programme"

"layout of an applications graphic or textual controls in conjunction with the way an application responds to user activity"

...these are the two definitions I understand the most!

There are two different interfaces which I use to view Facebook. 1. Desktop screen-based interface - PC/Laptop
2. Handheld - Smartphones

Yes, both interfaces allow us to view Facebook but not in the same way. This is because the designs are different from each other.

When viewing Facebook on a desktop screen-based interface we are able to view a lot more than on a handheld device. The desktop version is constantly being changed and updated. Here are two images of the old and new Facebook interface:

                                                                        

The old Facebook layout

 

Facebook re-designed

In my opinion, the new Facebook interface is more appealing and looks more modern. Although, it did take me a while to get used to it. Over the years, from what I can recall, Facebook has changed its interface numerous times.

As you can see, from the re-designed Facebook interface it allows us to know what is happening at the very moment amongst our friends. This is called the "news feed". We can either choose to view news that is "most recent" or the "top news". On the left hand side of the page, we have the options to view our messages, events, photos and friends, as well as the applications we join. Whilst on the right hand side of the page, this is where our events and requests are. We are also given the chance to connect on the go and a link is provided to "try Facebook mobile".

On the other hand, on a handheld device (such as a Blackberry, which is what I use to view Facebook) there are two ways in which you can view the social networking site. Either through the Internet page or through the Facebook app which can be downloaded via Blackberry App World. I prefer to use the application as its much more easier and more efficient. Here is an image of the Facebook app interface:

 





Unlike the desktop version, we are limited in what we want to view on Facebook for Blackberry. With one reason being the obvious fact that the screen is smaller! The interface on a Blackberry shows us the "news feed", with six other icons at the top of the page. However, these icons are just images so in order to know what they are, you must hover over them until the text shows. The icons are: notifications, messages, upload a photo, friends, search and places.

So different Facebook interfaces have different designs, resulting in us interacting with it in different ways.