Facebook And MySpace Redesign Sites, But Usability Remains Flawed

Facebook and MySpace recently redesigned their sites, but Forrester's Web Site Review methodology still uncovered major usability flaws on both. Of the 10 criteria we examined, Facebook passed four and MySpace passed only three. The sites shared some common problems like inefficient task flows, illegible text, and scarce security policies. But the experiences weren't all bad. Facebook gave key content prominence on its home page and helped users find new contacts. MySpace provided a flexible way to search its site. Customer experience professionals at these and other sites should get the most out of their site redesigns by evaluating their experiences, attacking problems with known solutions, and designing for the unique needs of younger users.