FBInsider

How to Design the Perfect Facebook Application for the Users and You - Make It Simple

(This is the 2nd part of a 4 part article, you can read the first part here)

Make It Simple.

As fundamental as this may sound, many developers have great ideas, but execute poorly because their application was confusing or too overwhelming. First impressions are huge when it comes to Facebook applications. Many users (especially in these early stages) are curious about new applications and are willing to give it a chance. If within the first 10 seconds after the application is installed and they are confused, more than likely they’ll remove that application and never install it again. Even if you change it in the future you’ve already lost the attention of thousands of potential users just because you didn’t initially make it simple to use. Start slow, introduce users to a small portion of the features, and walk them through using the application on initial install. Use FBML to make your application look like a part of Facebook. The users never left Facebook, so why change the look and feel? Give the users a proper introduction to your app and keep it consistent with the look and feel of Facebook. And here’s just how you can do this:

When a user first installs your application they are redirected to a specific URL that you set. This URL is called the Post-Add URL. You can set this in the settings of the applications under Installation Options. (Note: You can only modify Installation Options if you allow for your application to be added by other users of Facebook.) Create some type of tutorial or walk through of the basic features of your application. They can always learn new features later. Just point out the most important ones to the overall operation of your app. You want to assure them they know what your app is for and how to use it. Well document each feature of your application that will answer any of the user’s questions on the spot. If the user has made it through your introduction to your app, chances are, they’re going to keep it installed. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to use it. The strategies to keep your app users active will be explained and detailed later under the core concept: keep them guessing.

The Facebook Developer’s Platform has its own FBML (Facebook Markup Language). Within FBML is the ability to add menus, buttons, and links that are consistent throughout Facebook. Facebook today is very complex to many new users, with so many features that it’s very easy to become overwhelmed. So when users finally become comfortable with using Facebook there’s no reason to confuse them again through a new application. The first step to relieving this barrier is to release an application that has the same look and feel as Facebook. Using FBML you can create Invite Friend buttons, menu bars, sub-menu bars, Share buttons, and more that Facebook already uses. New and existing users will be familiar with these buttons and design and they will know how to act. Doing so will make your app simple, the first step to the perfect Facebook app.