Yes, Facebook has changed its layout once again.

And how did I find out? In true Facebook style – through other people’s status updates.

There were decrees of: “I hate the new-look Facebook. The last one wasn’t broke, so why try and fix it?”; “New Facebook? Not again!”; “Facebook, you so did not need to stress me with your new format.. I get on here to unwind not spend my time trying to obtain a degree in Facebookology. Make it simple. Yes, change is good. But change every time I get on here.. not so good!” and, my favourite, “Dear Facebook, I just want to be able to see status updates and photo albums, OK? I have no interest in sending anyone a gift, growing some imaginary farm, finding out my horoscope or meeting girls in my area…actually perhaps that one can stay… Anyway, please sort. Lots of love…”

But then there are the positive comments: “They needed to upgrade to accommodate for new software and members”; “I like it. It’s more organised and tidy. I can still find everything OK,” and of course, my favourite – “I like it too. Everyone is like, ‘change it back.’ But I say, go and ring talkback, you squares!”

(Names, punctuation and spelling changed to protect the innocent…)

It wasn’t until I got into work today, that it became my turn to sample the redesign, as my account had been chosen for the new product (ie. the roll-out had finally reached me). OK, admittedly I was slightly confused to see my homepage look a little askew, but I endured, gave it a brief once-over, and decided I liked it.

Unlike Facebook-style changes in the past, I just don’t see anything wrong with this new layout. They have simply given the homepage a reshuffle and left the profile page just as it was.

First up, you’re greeted with a large box introducing the changes: “Welcome to your new, simplified home page.” Then, an easy-to-follow diagram shows you where to find everything: your requests, messages and notifications are now grouped together in the top left-hand corner; messages, applications and chat have all been moved to the left-hand panel – along with games and applications; and then the all-important privacy settings are under the Account tab in the top right-hand corner, and finding things has become easier with a large search bar at the top.

So, what’s wrong with all that? Unless someone can challenge my relaxed attitude on the new layout, then I think it’s nice to embrace new changes, as change is a good thing.

For further reading:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/3300284/Another-redesign-for-Facebook-on-sixth-birthday

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10624834

Check out your Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com

Related posts:

1. What’s the Buzz?
2. Google’s Android overtakes iPhone