Google Wave

I love the idea of the Google "wave"; a move forward, away from traditional 1-to-1 email.

BUT, having been using Google Wave for a few days, there are a few things that jump out at me that could be improved.

Obviously it's a beta version or "preview"; some things will be fixed, others are just a question of changing habits and others may continue to confuse or encumber.

We will see.

• To start with, I like the fact that you can minimise the different windows individually: it leaves a cleaner working space and is better for convenience and privacy. The only option you see in the centre of the page is "New wave"; remniniscent of the Google search page.
  
  

However, adding icons, labelling with editable keywords or colour-coding the different blocks for instant recognition would make it easier to find the one you're looking for.

As it is, I end up having to drop down each block in turn:

In fact Gmail suffers from the same problem - a ton of links and options that all look the same and require reading - a step back towards tidy looking but laborious controls and navigation.

• Something I really don't like is that it adds my "avatar" to the top of each message; breaking the mental model I have of communicating with others. Currently it looks like the conversation is with 3 others, rather than between myself and 2 others: 3 in total.

• At this point in time you cannot remove someone if you've added someone by accident, which is just encouraging mistakes (and frustration). However, it looks like sooner or later it will be possible.


• It also assumes that we all will personalize our avatars as soon as we sign up, that the photo will be clearer enough to identify people easily, and also that you know what the people look like who you are communicating with.

Unfounded assumptions?

Maybe I'm unusual in not feeling the need to upload my photo.

People I know like to upload a picture of their car, cat, baby, something they identify as being representative of their personality, but not necessarily a passport photo of their face. The exception maybe in company use...

This means that the system of seeing who is in a coversation (or wave or whatever) is not very efficient: it requires holding the mouse over each non-photo to see who is included.

• Also, I figured the difference between a wave and a ping was that the first was more akin to email and the latter to chat.
  I liked the idea of a quick ping. However, in reality they appear to be the same.


In the image above you can see a ping window over a wave window: both have the same formatting options and you can add other users. The ping window is just smaller than the wave window.

• The search box seems to have been designed by programmers for programmers, the geek influence and design of this program is loud and clear(!). "Query", commands, and "Submit" not "Search"?!




• Another disadvantage to me is that it's a separate account to my email account, which means another account to manage. Maybe with time they will get rid of gmail and integrate the accounts (I would be quite pleased to be honest).

What's cool about Google Wave?

• It has the novelty factor of being able to see the other person typing in real time, - which makes it more interactive than email, though possibly counter-productive if you're watching other people type (slowly, clumsily or otherwise). --It could also lead to mistakes - people seeing things they're not supposed to while you gather your thoughts :o
• Increased functionality: add gadgets e.g. maps, weather, yes/no event organiser, and I assume these gadgets will only increase in number.
• The save search function could be useful and the way to find a recent wave (clicking on a contact) is nice.
  
  
• But most importantly, adios to long forwarded emails messages and downloading mysterious attachments. Hoorah!