Before even getting to the point of writing a document, there are very distinct user experiences (UX). I have my own preferences, but I am very curious what others think.
When somebody decides to create a new Microsoft Word Document in the Windows Live Site on their Skydrive they’re presented with this interface.
Windows Live Skydrive Microsoft Word Document (Click for full size image)
To start typing in the prospective document you much choose your security, enter a document name, and save the document. It assumes that you absolutely want a unique name, will have a document viewable by the entire Internet, and that you have to save it just to start.
In Google Docs though the approach is entirely different. When you create a new Google Document you are presented with the actual document interface as shown.
Google Docs Interface (Click for larger image)
Google Docs assumes that you want to immediately start typing your word processor document. It also assumes you may not know what you want to name the file, nor that you even need to actually save it, until you of course start typing. At that time the document starts to automatically save. It also assumes that this is your document and you don’t want the entire world to be able to view the document.
So I’m left with questions:
- Which interface do people really prefer?
- Do people prefer to start typing immediately or filling out the three pieces of information like the MS Word Doc requires?
- One appears to allow for immediate productivity for the document creator vs. the other one. Is that just my observation or do others see it that way also?
(Cross-posted @ Composite Code)
Disclaimer: I have been recently recruited by MSFT. I’m just expressing my personal opinion here, based on my own experience.
I used to be an Office desktop user, then a Google Doc user, then an Office 365 user.
IMHO I prefer to first declare some attributes about my new file, before starting typing.
I might be constrained by the way I used to work on my desktop. It just seems weird to me to start typing without classifying my doc and what I’m doing.
Like you, I’m curious to know what others think.
Regards, Erix.
I’ve had simular discussions (in a bit different context) on this topic before. The first situation assumes the user knows exactly what they are going to write, while the second situation gives blank piece of paper als lets see.
My personal preference is the second, because I usually only have a rough idea what to write and the idea slowly grows on me. I’ve also a habit of changing document names over time and I never share anything as soon as I start writing. My experiences with collaboration is that it works best if there is a rough idea to start from. I (or someone else) will first write some rough ideas and only then share the document.
In other words, like the content the document name and sharing options are changing over the life time of the document
Regards
-Aad
I like Google’s approach better. It is the same way desktop version of MS Word works – i open application and start writing the text. and only when i decide to save my work i have to choose document’s name.
So often, when I write a document, create a spreadsheet, or draw a diagram, I save it (go through the procedure of giving it a name, in line with a specific customer’s naming convention, and then later, having immersed myself in the document and really understood it’s presentation, I have to find the document through a file browser, and rename it to match my ‘new thoughts’ on the content.
I’m firmly in camp #2.
How shameful – *its
At this point it seems like I’ve just done some free user research for Microsoft. 😉