User Feedback on Quora's New Design: Aesthetic and Functional Considerations

As a website and app user, and with an understanding of design principles, I’ve been reflecting on Quora’s recent design changes. While personal taste on aesthetics can be subjective, it’s important to consider both the visual appeal and the functional aspects when evaluating a redesign. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of Quora’s new design, explore its possible intentions, and discuss its impact on user experience.

Aesthetic Changes and Critiques

The most obvious change is the new Q icon, which replaces the previous word-mark designed by Typographer Christian Schwartz in 2015. This new design is more abstract, resembling an “O” with a micro arrow attached, which is meant to represent a text balloon. However, many users, including myself, find this new design less engaging and less 'human.' This change might reflect a shift in Quora’s branding strategy, but it’s also a topic of speculation given the unclear reasoning behind the redesign.

The old Q icon, with its familiar and recognizable letter-based design, was more harmonious with the brand. It expressed 'Q' without relying on additional elements for context. In contrast, the new design, while maintaining the word "Q" in a speech bubble format, lacks the same level of simplicity and familiarity. Some users might find this design less engaging, especially given the current increased presence of automation and AI in many online spaces.

Functional Changes and User Experience

From a functional standpoint, the redesign aims to emphasize the interactive, social nature of Quora. The new logo’s speech bubble format suggests a more dynamic and engaging user experience, as it plays into the platform’s core value of community interaction and knowledge sharing. The inclusion of a red dot within the Q also adds a visual focal point that might help improve user navigation and highlight specific features.

While the redesign may reflect an improvement in terms of aesthetics, it’s important to consider whether these changes align with Quora’s broader goals. The size and placement of the red dot, for example, may be carefully considered to draw attention to particular elements of the website or app. Whether this is meant to symbolize a meeting point or a call to action, it adds depth to the logo and potentially enhances user engagement.

Conclusion and User Reviews

Overall, my personal opinion is that the new Quora design is an improvement in terms of its ability to convey the interactive nature of the platform. The old Q icon, while recognizable, was somewhat generic and lacked the dynamism that the new design brings. However, the new design is not without its critics, particularly those who value simplicity and familiarity in branding.

Ultimately, the success of the redesign will depend on how well it resonates with Quora’s user base and whether it enhances the overall user experience. While the aesthetic changes might be a point of debate, the functional improvements and the clear aims of the redesign are worth acknowledging. As a user and designer, I hope that the new design will continue to empower human interactions and knowledge sharing on the platform.