Designing for Respect

Chapter 4. For Inspiration

So as we begin to think about our next design project, it will help to view a few quick examples of services that in some way or another, make us feel like our time, feelings, and trust matter:

Some examples that respect time

• Google Chrome can automatically update in the background and requires no effort from the user.

• In offline mode, Facebook’s app clearly states that you can continue to post. This saves users time by allowing them to continue interacting while not connected (Figure 4-1).

  

  Figure 4-1. Facebook app clearly messages offline capabilities

• Another example from a smaller service is from a local realty page (Figure 4-2). We can appreciate how straightforward the main call to action is about what will happen next. It clearly lets the user know that they are “almost done” and that there is bit of a process involved in getting a home valuation. This is a great example of how simple language can inform users how best to use their time.

  

  Figure 4-2. Call to action sets user expectations for what comes next

Some examples that earn trust

• Although this example doesn’t fix our notification overload problem, the App Store messaging shown in Figure 4-3 provides a useful warning when about to download files over cellular. This builds trust ...