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Google+: Putting the human experience at the center of UXD

While we are anxiously awaiting our invites (hint, hint), I was really intrigued about Google's approach in describing what makes Google+ better, different, more appealing to - well, humans. This video goes to show, when you model an online experience to the actual wants and needs of the human experience, you can be profoundly successful. That A-Ha! moment comes instantly. The acceptance and adoption is without barriers.

Look at this video and see what you think. I think Google+ may have just taken Facebook and put the human experience at the center of their user experience design!

I'll confirm this once I can personally experience it for myself.

If you are already a Google+ user, let us know what you think!

 

 

 

 

Execs Are Getting Social is a Game-Changer

There is a great infographic out now by Jive that reports business execs are now "getting social" and how social is and will be a game-changer in business.

Check out these stats reported:

FLF 06.10.2011 - Facebook Gets Roasted (NSFW) - College Humor

Last night, I spotted this one and while it's NSFW (unless headphones are on and don't mind "roast" humor), this video by CollegeHumor is brutally true and timely! I had a couple cringes myself...

I winced at the jab about Foursquare and I actually felt sorry for Myspace (or My[_______]  as their logo indicates).Maybe after becoming My[_____] this ridicule is warranted. Not to mention, they do use Facebook Connect. #Fail?

 

Interesting Answers to the Question: What is a Browser?

I love this video by Google, who asked over 50 folks of different ages and backgrounds basic questions about the Web, like "What is a browser?" and "Do you know what the difference is between a search engine and a web browser?"

It is a good reminder to hear and see how Search, like Google, has made the web browser virtually transparent. Great for Google, not so great for Google Chrome, but all in all - great for Google. :)

The dCMO & Building Pervasive Customer Experiences

My favorite article of 2011 to date!

Justin Wilden's post, Pervasive Customer Experience And How Digitally Focused CMOs Are Leading Our Revolution, is spot on for organizations looking for that "perfect person" to lead their marketing initiatives, and more specifically, creating a "pervasive customer experience," around the clock, seven days a week.

Here's some key points from Wilden's post worth considering:

• In 2011, the digitally focused CMO (dCMO) will replace the specialized digital executive.
• The dCMO knows that digital touchpoints are not websites and applications, but products and online services delivered via a digital experience.
• The ubiquitous nature of digital means people consume information on their platform of choice.
• dCMOs know that customers live in a connected world, and they expect a consistent product experience to be delivered across mobile, desktop, and other digital touchpoints.
• A good dCMO is always evaluating, tweaking and rethinking their digital strategy to align and support customer-facing, connected products or services.
• The dCMO looks for digital tools that aspire to be a proactive part of their customer's everyday life.

For more great points in this article, read on >>

Mom's on Facebook. Is Yours?

Flowtown assembles some amazing infographics and this one is no exception - My Mom's on Facebook? This infomap has valuable statistics we are asked all of the time. Instead of a long post, I'll let this infographic do the rest. Thanks Flowtown! Your infographics rock!

Oh yeah, and my mom's on Facebook. Is yours?

 

For more posts like this, see Viaspire's catalog of posts on:

• infographics
• internet statistics
• social media

But Wait, There's More to "Like"

There are some cool developments today in the world of "Liking" the Web a la Facebook. According to their Developers Blog today, the "New Like Button Features Mean More Opportunities for Liking."

Launching three new updates today, the Facebook Like button now offers the ability to:

• Like canvas URLs for Facebook applications that represent things such as a cause, movie, or any other real world object
• Link a Like button to a Facebook Page - (e.g., www.facebook.com/Viaspire)
• Offer “Box count” layouts that display the total number of likes above the button.

For more coverage on this development, also read:

• Facebook Tweaks The Like Button: Like Things In Apps, Link To Pages, And Show Box Counts by TechCrunch

Foursquare Is the Mayor of Geo-Targeting & Local Services

As a follow up to today's post on Going Local, TechCrunch addresses Foursquare's growth and leadership in the geo-targeting and local services space.

Read on: Foursquare Is Five Times Larger Than Gowalla And Growing 75 Percent Faster Every Day

Maps to the Power of Q - MapQuest's UX Journey

There are very few websites that have stood the test of time, like MapQuest. Even with new entries in the space, MapQuest has always served as a reliable, accurate and trustworthy maps and directions resource.

MapQuest's Brand Identity 2.0
Their mark is indelibly a brand that everyone recognizes, but after 15 years, MapQuest is all grown up! With a new mark, MapQuest matures its brand by distilling it down to its simplest essence.

MapQuest UX 2.0
Christian Dwyer of MapQuest writes about the journey the team has taken to truly simplify and enhance the user experience. Their video explains their approach and shows many of the capabilities alive within the new MapQuest experience.

Sticking to their core values, the redesign has all been based upon the simple promise that MapQuest helps people get directions to their destinations.

Their new streamlined design and map features certainly seem to deliver. Check it out at the new.mapquest.com.

Social Media Revolution 2.0

One of our favorite videos on Social Media has been updated to include more current statistics on social media and mobile. If you haven't seen this yet, the revolution is "right here, right now!"

Based on the book Socialnomics by Erik Qualman.