Pinterest Tests Site Redesign to Increase Engagement
Social network Pinterest is testing a new design for its users. Though the update is relatively small, it’s likely a stepping stone for a larger site overhaul many are predicting as Pinterest (continues) to work on its much desired revenue stream through paid media. It also comes on the heels of a large design update on Facebook’s newsfeed, which will put the two social networks head-to-head in the battle of the newly image-focused internet.
So what does the new design involve?
Homepage
For the homepage, not much. Pins have been made larger. White space around them has been removed, which previously made them appear more bulletin board-like. This results in larger pins that contrast more against the background. A graphic link to the board the pin was placed on replaces a simple text link in the previous design. This creates a heavier emphasis on discovering additional content.
The new homepage design.
The old homepage design.
Pins
The biggest change in the redesign comes from the window that displays once a user clicks on a pin. Previously the main focus of the window was the actual pin. Now, next to the pin is a side panel displaying images from the board the current pin is placed on. This was in the prior design of Pinterest, but the panel was below the actual pin, often times beneath the fold with no need for users to scroll down further to view it. The new design will likely appear new to many users, and I’m sure click through rates of the panel will increase substantially.
This change does quite a few things:
- It exposes users to more, relevant content, providing additional value as a social network platform.
- It increases the likelihood the user will begin following the board the pin came from. This will improve the number of followers boards receive, especially those that may not have had as much exposure before. As everyone hopes for, this means more followers, increased engagement, and improved social connection to Pinterest.
- It leads the way to paid content for brands, such as areas for sponsored suggestions based on similar content.
The new pin window.
The old pin window.
-Bryan Nagy
