Snap has responded to the Change.org petition signed by 1.2 million users, which asked the company to rethink its Snapchat redesign. In its response, the company said it is aware that people hate the new Snapchat redesign, and therefore, it would bring in some changes that should be acceptable to the users.
“We hear you, and appreciate that you took the time to let us know how you feel,” Snap responded to the petition creator Nic Rumsey and other “Snapchatters” who feel the same. Further, the company stated that they are aware that those who signed the petition found the re-designed Snapchat a little awkward.
In its response, Snap stated that it made an effort to pool everything into one place to enable users to connect with people they care about. Further, it said that the Friends page is not only customizable, but would evolve into something smarter with time. Another new feature, Discover also shares the same skin, offering more value to the user in time the more they use it.
Snap further noted that an update for the redesigned app would first debut on the iOS followed by Android with tabs in Friends and Discover to make it simpler for the users to find stories that they are interested in.
With the response, the app developer wants to convey to the petitioners that it completely understands their frustration and would always lend them an ear. Snapchat’s recent changes include the tabs feature, which allows users to “sort things like Stories, Group Chats and subscription to facilitate better customization of the app.” Further, Snap and Giphy are working on animated stickers.
When Snap first announced the redesign last year in November, it noted that they were short of knowing how the community would react as they started interacting with the newly redesigned app. The company, however, said that it was willing to take that risk because the redesign is aimed towards solving a real problem, notes Gizmodo.
Since its start, Snapchat has been a hit among young users, but it failed to appeal to the older lot, who found Facebook a more convenient way to remain socially connected. Last year, Snap admitted that the platform is growing at a slow pace and many are finding it difficult to use. Hence, a redesign was imminent.
However, after the redesigned platform was made available, users were complaining that Snapchat is “too over complicated” now, and they are finding it difficult to locate their friends. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, and YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) also expressed their dislike for the new design.
“I’m seeing this same comment so often. I liked that you guys felt like we were friends. I’m sad it doesn’t feel like that anymore. How many people have to hate an update for it to be reconsidered?” Teigen tweeted earlier.
Ironically, Snap says the changes are meant to make the app simpler to use and understand. Last week, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel also defended the redesign, expressing commitment to the newer version. On Thursday, during a Goldman Sachs investor event, Spiegel said that users need to give more time to the new design.
“It’ll take time for people to adjust, but for me using it for a couple months I feel way more attached to the service,” he said.
