Twitter has announced a redesign that simultaneously simplifies the site and adds new features, which positions the micro-blogging site as more of a direct Facebook competitor.
The revamp centres on four key elements: “Home” (a new homepage), “Me” (your user profile or brand profile), “Connect” (anything directly related to you), and “Discover” (a new interface to find and search hashtags).
The new design is being implemented to the Web site, mobile apps and TweetDeck. While the new Twitter is beginning to roll out slowly over the next few weeks, it is currently available for iPhone and Android users.
“We've simplified the design to make it easier than ever to follow what you care about, connect with others and discover something new,” says Twitter.
“What we're announcing today is just the beginning. We now have a framework in place that we will quickly build and iterate upon to help users connect with whatever is meaningful to them.”
Speaking at the press conference, where the redesign was announced, chairman of Twitter Jack Dorsey said the aim of the redesign is to make Twitter more accessible for all seven billion people on the planet.
“It's the best place to represent yourself on the Internet,” said Dorsey.
Twitter has also introduced brand pages for companies that allow for better functionality and interactions with followers. Brand pages can now be customised with logos, and companies can promote tweets in their own streams to highlight content.
Information environment
World Wide Worx MD Arthur Goldstuck says the new design turns Twitter from being just a tweet stream into more of an information environment.
“It allows users not just to manage their own activity, but to also get a good perspective on what's going on around them.
“It is clearly aimed at making Twitter a direct competitor to Facebook,” says Goldstuck.
“People used to differentiate between the services by saying that Facebook is more content- and feature-rich and more of a social ecosystem. But the new Twitter definitely has the feel of a cohesive ecosystem.”
Clear evolution
Goldstuck says the new Twitter is “definitely” a threat to Facebook. “Twitter decimated traditional blogging by offering a much easier way for people to express their ideas. In the same way people may see the new Twitter as an easier way to share their lives.
“The one thing that I don't see in the new design is Facebook's ability to let users manage who they interact with in which way. But at the same time, I think that kind of functionality would damage Twitter.
“So for the foreseeable future, Facebook and Twitter will still have separate roles. But it is clear that Twitter is evolving.”
Speaking of the introduction of brand pages on Twitter, Goldstuck says it is the next phase of the commercialisation of Twitter.
User reactions
Since the announcement of the changes, Twitter has been buzzing with user reactions using the hashtags #letsfly and #newtwitter:
“Anyone like the new #twitter updates? Seems much crisper as far as I can tell #letsfly”
“Oh wow! This is my first login to the new Twitter setup! It's different but I think I like it! #newtwitter #letsfly”
“Again impressed w/ the way @Twitter constantly improves their product. Great new update. Can't wait to see what else will come!”
“Dear New Twitter, #LetsFly sounds promising, just don't pull a Facebook on us with bad changes and we'll be happy. Sincerely, Everyone.”
Goldstuck says he thinks the redesign will be well-received: “There will always be those people who can't handle change, but within days they will have forgotten the old design and adapted to the new one.
“I'm looking forward to a more effective and feature-rich Twitter service,” says Goldstuck.
To see the new design and learn more about the different elements, visit fly.twitter.com.
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