Design Critique
Date: Sep. 2024
My mother, who is almost 60 years old and not exactly tech-savvy, surprised me when she started showing me her favorite TikTok videos over dinner. “It’s so easy,” she said, effortlessly scrolling through the endless streams of content. She was devastated when the app was banned in Nepal in November 2023. “Navigating the television buttons is too complicated” she would often complain. Since the ban was lifted recently, she’s happily back on the platform, consuming content like a pro. How did Tiktok manage to build an app that bridges generational tech gaps, making it equally accessible across all age groups?
Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 2AM, mindlessly consuming content, only to come across a reel telling you to put down your phone? And then, hesitantly, you decide it’s finally time for bed? Tiktok is like a packet of sugar-filled candies — you know it’s not good for you, but you keep craving more. Every feature in Tiktok works seamlessly to create a highly stimulating environment that encourages prolonged use.
Videos start playing automatically as soon as they appear on your screen, removing any unnecessary user action. As Macdonald notes, it’s essential to “use smart defaults without extensive product design experience” (Macdonald, 21). The short content format of about 15–60 seconds makes them easy to consume and share. You might think “Just one more video” only to get lost in an endless feed of content, with continuous scrolling for “without interruption in a single stream” (Macdonald, 123). The unpredictability of what comes next keeps users engaged, anticipating the next video. Additionally, access to trending music and sounds make it easy for users of all ages to participate in viral trends.
Tiktok has become a creator’s playground, offering a variety of tools to produce high quality video. I remember times I had to spend hours in Premiere Pro editing to get the perfect short social media ready clip. Now, Tiktok’s in-app editing tools, filters, and effects allow anyone to create polished videos without needing additional software. The platform’s built-in tools are simple to use, lowering the barrier to entry for new creators.
The step-by-step process for uploading content is intuitive, even for users with no technical background. The platform offers a creative space for videos ranging from polished to raw, authentic moments, inclusive of all skill levels and artistic styles. Features like Duets and Stitches encourage collaboration between creators, and allow users to build upon each other’s content. The licensed music and sounds provide endless possibilities to create content, appealing to users across generations.
Tiktok features a clean and user-friendly design, allowing users of all tech backgrounds to navigate the app effortlessly. It’s full-screen vertical layout maintains a focused and immersive experience with minimal distraction. The core navigation is straightforward with core tabs such as Home, Friends, Upload, Inbox, and Profile, making it easy for users to find exactly what they need. Tiktok’s UI design is all about simplifying workflows to “maximize consistency and save time” (Macdonald, 159). Tiktok’s UI is designed around minimizing complexity and focusing on essential actions such as swiping, liking, sharing and commenting.
Tiktok’s powerful algorithm, which continuously tailors the content on the “For You Page” based on user behavior. The algorithm adjusts the feed based on users’ interaction such as the videos they spend the most time on, the ones they like, share or comment. This feedback loop creates an incredibly engaging experience as the more you interact with the app, the more relevant content you receive. The algorithm also promotes new creators by surfacing their content alongside more popular ones, allowing new users to potentially go viral if their content resonates with the audience. This inclusivity motivates users to create and consume content, contributing to the dynamic and ever-evolving ecosystem of Tiktok.
Tiktok has combined the addictive content delivery, easy to use, and their powerful algorithm creates an ecosystem that appeals to users of all ages and tech proficiencies. The app’s ability to balance simplicity with powerful features allows both tech-savvy users like myself and my mother to enjoy the platform equally.
MacDonald, Diana. Practical UI Patterns for Design Systems: Fast-Track Interaction Design for a Seamless User Experience. Apress, 2019.