Complementary 43: Design for Customization
Oct 13, 2024
The hosts share their chaotic house-moving experiences, offering a humorous take on settling into new spaces. They delve into the differences between customization and personalization in design, stressing user-driven changes. The discussion includes how A-B testing shapes user experiences, illustrated with examples like Facebook's interface. They also explore the limitations of operating systems, comparing Android and iOS, and highlight the importance of accessibility in software design, emphasizing user preferences and effective default settings.
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Distinguishing Customization vs Personalization
- Customization is when users actively choose settings themselves, like selecting a colorblind theme.
- Personalization is when software makes decisions for the user, adapting the experience automatically based on context.
Microsoft Office Personalization Failure
- Microsoft Office tried personalizing menus by hiding unused items to reduce clutter.
- It failed because users found changing menus over time confusing when learning the software.
Customization Spectrum in Software
- The balance lies between one large customizable software and many small focused apps.
- Customization lets users tailor software, but too many apps can fragment experience.