34|Signup with Blogger Clarity
March 15th, 2006 by Marcel Ursprung
Wow, how easy was that!
Signing up for a new account with Blogger was a piece of cake.
Right from the start the home page looked inviting. It has 3 distinct sections, each for a different audience. The biggest section is for new bloggers and people seeking information on blogging. Having identified what I was looking for, I followed the giant orange arrow to the three step signup process. Usually I detest any form longer than name and email, especially multi-page forms like this one, which often leaves me guessing:
“Will this email be used as my user name? or will I get a chance to pick a user name in the next step?”
As I filled out the form I didn’t find myself having any of those issues. I don’t think it took more than 2 minutes to complete the signup process, from start posting my first entry.
This got me thinking; Why was it so easy?
At first I thought it might have been the friendly design that made the difference. So I went back to take a look at how the form was laid out (Maybe I can learn something from this). It turns out it wasn’t the design at all, although it certainly didn’t hurt. The main difference was that there was a helpful piece of descriptive text on the right of each form element. The description is basically just a line or two describing what the the input field value will be used for.
That’s IT, that was the MAGIC.
A simple descriptive line of text made everything crystal clear. With no ambiguity to frustrate me the signup process was completed in no time, and I still have a fond memory of the experience. see example image:
After signing up I was immediately directed to the blog editor. I didn’t have to check my email for a password or confirm my registration. With these simple steps Blogger has completely rid their signup process of resistance, it’s now as slippery as a slide and just as fun. Try it out yourself, I bet it won’t take more than 2 minutes before you’re posting to your very own blog. When you do send me a link. 
Related Article
I just saw an article discussing the need to avoid ambiguity in online processes from onedegree.ca (a Canadian internet marketing resource).
“Any lack of clarity in language, labelling or visual design creates a stress point where your user has to stop and consider options. The more stress points the greater the chance of failure in any online process.”
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Posted in Blogging, Usability | 49 Comments
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