Why Whatsapp Rules ?
Here’s a comprehensive review and analysis of the User Experience in the most frequently used Instant Messaging app i.e Whatsapp.
Here I will discuss why I feel it has become the backbone of online chatting and how subtly it leaves us with difficulty to find its replacement in our lives.
1. Interface-
First things first, it has the simplest-to-use interface which can be used by anyone around having minimal technical know-how. The use of intuitive labels, symbols and icons has made way for an engaging experience on this app.
The Chats tab shows just what is needed : the contact name, the display picture, last message and the time frame without the user having to struggle, in particular referring to ‘#hours ago’ trend followed by other apps.
2. Sticks to the purpose
What I like the most about the app is that it restricts to the purpose of chatting. No distractions are involved in terms of in-app advertisements or brand endorsements or anything of that sort. The us of specific tabs makes navigation much easier which is one of the most importatnt aspects of UX design in any application or interface as it makes the content yet aesthetic easily accessible.
3. Aesthetic UI elements
The Chat window is yet another beauty. According to me, unlike the modern bluish gradient chat bubbles against white background in many other apps, Whatsapp’s subtle white and greenish chat bubble against the default beige background stands apart and engages the audience. The bright gradients might look attractive , however it might as well bore the audience after a while.
4. Putting itself in user’s shoes
A key aspect of engaging users is by putting oneself in user’s shoes and facing what he might face and consequently either fixing those issues or provide users with an aternative to achieve that task within the application.
A much thought of such feature is the ‘Reply to individual message’ feature as previously it was a bit difficult to specify the context of our message and with this feature it has successfully resolved the problem.
Another well-thought of feature which most of feel blessed as users is ‘Delete message for everyone’ feature. Yes it still arises certain questions as to showing the same onscreen but yes there’s no denying the fact that the app prioritises the user’s choices. You are saved big time !
3. In-app integrations
The easy and quick in-app integrations yet gain makes it one of the most user friendly apps. Sharing media to other apps, mails etc is not quite a task now.
4. On-point abstraction
As mentioned above , the app maintains abstraction beautifully by showing what is needed and hiding what is not. Just for instance , the time frame(HH:MM) in each chat bubble is inevitably an important aspect of messaging. I’m glad it’s not hidden like few other IM apps.
5. User’s satisfaction
I know many of us would say , it’s just another part of the above point ‘putting oneself in user’s shoes’ but I wanted to give it its own importance. The acknowledged by all , denied by none feature of the status of the message sent. In simpler words, the instant satisfaction one receives on seeing blue ticks next to your message is an important aspect of Nielsen’s Heuristics (Visibility of System status) and thereby giving users an engaging experience.
I’m sure there’s hardly any Whatsapp user not having a FAMILY group and the app has kept generations of all times adapt to it rather stick to it for hours. I still believe had it not been for whatsapp, the not-so-tech-savvy group of people wouldn’t have evolved this fast. It has become a medium to keep them active and up-to the never-ending changes.
Final word:The User Experience in all, has made justice to making Whatsapp the most liked. The traditional elements stand out amidst everything. I am pretty sure there will be different perceptions and individuality is always welcomed and sincere apologies for something said wrongly . Hope you guys like reading this. Do leave your reviews !