One thing that bugs me with new sign-ups, especially in our web-app heavy world of start-ups, is the way in which we have to sign up to products. The word “frictionless” surely arises at some point in product meetings. Entering my name, address, phone number, email address, zip code and ticking the t&c box is too much hassle.
Using Twitter/Facebook integration this is made less strenuous, but with those services used to sign-up it feels too much like I’m giving an app way too much insight into my personal life than it needs. I’ve stopped using Draw Something because the app now requires Facebook login to have unmitigated access to posting on my wall (something you could turn off previously). I don’t want my timeline cluttered with Draw Something artistic endeavours.
What also annoys me is services requiring a username. Why do most services require a username when it’s not used? We already have a protocol for unique usernames – our emails. No ones email is a duplicate. Lots of services are taking that on-board these days, most likely because at some point everyone has come across the dreaded scenario where you remember your password, but not the username.
Sign-ups should be simple. Plain and simple. Email address & password are likely to be the only two things a service needs. If obligatory, then maybe the first name. Rarely is the surname important.
KISS. Keep it simple, stupid. Our email addresses are unique & beautiful snowflakes, and are the key to frictionless sign-ups. I’m more like to join a new service to try out when I have less work to do. After all, it’s my data that you want.
