Usability of the iDisk Web Interface
I’ve received an email from a reader, Bogdan, a couple of days ago, where he pointed out a usability issue he constantly faces. It’s an interesting problem and it’s to do with the file hosting service iDisk, which is part of Apple’s MobileMe services.
iDisk allows you to share files with your friends or colleagues by placing them in a public folder and sharing a link to it. That link points to a web interface to iDisk where you can download the shared files. The problem is, it’s not that easy to figure out exactly how to download them. Bogdan told me that people constantly ask about how to download the files — even those experienced with technology.
Take a look at this screenshot (click for full size):
How would you go about downloading the file? The interface looks a lot like what you see on a desktop file manager, but clicking on the file or trying to drag it on your desktop won’t work. Instead you have to click that little icon on the right hand side. That small tiny circle with a down pointing arrow is the download link.
I think it’s a case of being a little too clever. Sure, the down arrow may symbolize a down-load, but it’s not really that clear. Earlier this year, MobileMe had the log out button symbolized by the power off icon:
This really confused users who weren’t sure that clicking the button would simply log them out of the system or would shut down their computers. Apple realized the problem and have since changed it to a text label, which may not be as elegant, but it’s unmatched in its clarity.
When using symbols you need to be careful to make sure that these symbols work well to embody the action you chose them to perform. If the chosen icon has multiple meaning, you risk confusing your users. I think this is the case with iDisk’s download icon, which is not only very small and fades into the background, but is also vague regarding its function.
What do you think? Do you think the little piece of UI in iDisk is functional, or has Apple made a slip?
I never used iDisk, but when I looked at the screenshot I inmediatly found the download link. But after reading the whole post I realized the only reason for that is that I use Mac OS since I’m a child, so I’m very used to their interface tricks, signals and style. This has always been a big problem with Apple: yes, OK, they make it great in usability, but not so great, because they focus too many times in already-users, not in new-apple-users. In last years they’re trying to get more people into Mac world, so they are little by little solving this problem (maybe in the wrong way, but that’s another point). Anyway, they are still Apple.
I don’t have a problem with download icon. Being a PC user, I imagine I’d have problem with the old logout icon. I prefer “logout” spelled out.
I sure have a problem with the download icon. It’s too small.
They should put a label in the header or make the icon bigger.
Apple should read “Don’t make me think” :D
I’ve never used iDisk, but finding the download button in the screenshot was not very difficult. I agree they could have made it a little more obvious, by either spelling out “Download” on a button or by making it a little bigger in size.
Another quirk in an Apple app would be worth mentioning in this context - the option to empty the trash in iPhoto.
I took nearly a minute or two before I had to google about how to empty the trash. I later figured out that the option was hidden within the context menu of the Trash sidebar item, and in an not-so-obvious location - the iPhoto menu on the main menu strip. It would’ve been better if they made a button on the toolbar to do that and added the option in the Photos menu item of the menu strip.
I agree, the download icon can be a little more prominent.
Found it pretty easily, but still think it should be more obvious. Double-clicking to download would be nice, as well as a big download button on the toolbar to download multiple files.
Jorge: They have indeed been making things more obvious for new users. For example, they got rid of the apple logo on the command key, replacing it with text and icon. Same thing with the option key, replacing the icon with text, and leaving ‘alt’ text there too. Makes it less ambiguous for those used to a PC.
Although I’ve never used iDisk, I can see the issue some people would have with it. For such an important action like downloading files, it’s certainly not prominent enough as other people have said. At the very least it should be that blue color seen in the toolbar buttons. Another button next to “Upload” that lets you download file(s) after making a selection couldn’t hurt, either.
Hey Dmitry,
Glad you decided to write the post about the iDisk issue. About the Command key icon beeing replaced with text, when was that changa made. I have only icons on my keyboard.
I remember when I first switched I had minor issues in getting to know those 2 buttons (control and command) but in like a few days I was their master.
Back ontopic, I think a good solution for the iDisk issue would be replacing that icon with the reverse of the upload icon (right top corner), and downsizing it a bit.
Cheers, and keep up the good work!
The fact that your readers found it doesn’t dilute your point Dmitry. We’re all a little too expert to use our own experiences as evidence.
A column header and a bit of colour would sort the problem I reckon. Just now it’s a bit of an apology of an icon.
Bogdan: They changed the apple icon to the abbreviation “cmd” about a year ago when they released the new aluminum iMac. Yeah, I’m a fanboy ;)
Hmm, I don’t think the icon is a problem per se BUT it’s always nicer to have multiple ways of doing stuff. It would be good to have the icon, then drag/drop, context menu etc.
I can’t off the top of my head think of examples where this is done well, but I’m sure people will know what I mean:
There’s the ‘intended’ primary method (in this case the small icon) then there are often numerous other less obvious but sometimes simpler ways of achieving the same effect. A mediocre example I suppose would be in the Windows OS you can either click the red cross on the right to close an app, or you can double click the app icon on the left.
I reckon keeping the icon and offering other ways would be an idea — though I have never actually used iDisk…
I’m a PC user and I found it immediately. Still I agree that it should be more outstanding. Apple could easily add more constrast, make it bigger and maybe add some explanatory text “download” next to the icon.
Wow. I did not see the download circle at all until I got to that part of the paragraph. Similarly, I have no idea what file I am downloading by the time my eyes get over to the download button.
My first thought was right click anywhere on the line with the file or to click on the actual filename.
Failing those two options I probably would be frustrated and start looking around for the close application button. Although, I probably would have found the download button on the way out.
They’ve got to realize their target audience a little bit more. Not everyone has been trained by the iTunes store to look for smaller symbolic icons.
This would be a great thing to include as an option, but by default it should be much more clear.
I’m a PC User,I like “logout”!
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Did Apple forget, repeal, or figure that they are above Fitts’ Law? (”The time to acquire a target is a function of the distance to and size of the target.”)
Tiny targets are hard to spot, hard to target, hard to use. Here’s where a two-button mouse is useful: right-click the file name and make the first choice “download”.
Apple: too clever by half.
I really would have expected that I can drag and drop the file to my desktop or elsewhere… This is most disappointing.
@Andy
In order to drag and drop onto your desktop, the content should be embedded. I think this only works with images and links. I never tried with anything else. The bad thing about iDisk is that you cannot even right click and save as…
So much time has passed since then and still nothing.