Conversation about “Like” vs. “+1”
Friend: I don’t know about you guys, but clicking on the +1 button doesn’t have the same effect on me as clicking on a Like button.
I agree, because “Like” is colloquial ie. it’s more natural for us to say/express we “like” something than to say we “+1” something, unless we are on the basketball court - so I think it’s a too “techspeak” - the Google engineer who created it and their colleagues understand it, but the normal user will never use it because frankly, it’s not in their (everyday-use) lexicon
Friend: And, +1 usually refers to a significant other or date. Google needs to come up with a word that’ll sit right next to the +1 button. They should just use “Nice” or “Sweet” or “Dope” or “Yeah!” Friend: Or they should allow you to choose different sayings so it’s more personalized. I know one of my options would be “Oh, hayle no.” haha. Because the logic behind +1 is that when you “+1” something, you are bumping it up in the Google Page rankings, although this is a tool where 1 user will add benefit to other users, ultimately, that 1 user doesn’t really care as “+1” simply feels mechanical. Friend: Yes! It’s just numbers. +1, +2, +3… Only problem is if you add more personalized options, the user interface gets bogged down in having so many options, to the point where anybody strolling by that feature will see the feature, won’t have the time/patience to learn about what that feature is (and why it has so many options), and ultimately not use it, which defeats the purpose of having those options there in the first place.This is also a question of who you want to appease more? The hardcore user (which there are less of) who wants customization or the stroller-by window shopper (which there are more of)? Ultimately, you want as many users to use the base-use option (as well as your service) in the first place, so in the interest of numbers, keeping it simple, providing no customization and only one option is the best way to get as many people using your service.