If you found Google+’s “Incoming” stream a little confusing, you weren’t alone. Google has now listened to feedback from users and decided to remove the Incoming stream from its Google+ social network.
The Incoming stream was designed to provide Google+ users with an easy way to view content shared by people who had included them in their Circles. However, it seemed to confuse most users rather than make the process enjoyable.
The Purpose of the Incoming Stream
The Incoming stream was initially introduced as a way to help users discover new content and connect with others on Google+. It aimed to provide a centralized location where users could see posts from people who had added them to their Circles, even if they hadn’t reciprocated by adding those people back. This was intended to foster new connections and make it easier for users to find interesting content.
However, the feature did not resonate well with the user base. Many found it confusing and redundant, especially as Google+ evolved and introduced other features that served similar purposes. The Incoming stream’s complexity and lack of clear utility led to its underutilization.
Improvements and Alternatives
Dave Besbris, Engineering Director for Google+, explains:
“The ‘Incoming’ stream was a part of Google+ from the very start and it served an important purpose at the time to help people discover others on Google+. Since then, however, we’ve added a suggested user list, What’s Hot, the ability to share circles, and in-product search with saved searches. We’ve also greatly improved our friend suggestion algorithms. These changes all served the same purpose that Incoming originally did: connecting people.
Based on your feedback and our user research, we learned that the ‘Incoming’ stream was a very confusing part of Google+. Not surprisingly, this feedback was reflected in very low usage of the ‘Incoming’ stream compared to the rest of Google+, so we decided to remove it and simplify things.”
The removal of the Incoming stream is part of Google’s broader effort to streamline the Google+ experience. By eliminating features that are not widely used or understood, Google aims to make its social network more intuitive and user-friendly. The introduction of features like the suggested user list and What’s Hot has provided users with alternative ways to discover new content and connect with others.
For example, the suggested user list offers personalized recommendations based on a user’s interests and activity, making it easier to find and follow people who share similar passions. The What’s Hot feature highlights trending posts and popular content, giving users a snapshot of what is currently engaging the community.
Additionally, the ability to share circles allows users to recommend groups of people to their friends, further enhancing the discovery process. In-product search with saved searches enables users to find specific content and keep track of topics they are interested in, making the overall experience more tailored and efficient.
In conclusion, while the Incoming stream was an innovative idea at its inception, it ultimately did not meet the needs of Google+ users. By listening to user feedback and continuously improving the platform, Google aims to create a more enjoyable and effective social networking experience.
Source: Google
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