Instagram is Testing a Flatter, Simpler Design for iPhone App

[MacRumors]

Instagram has selected a group of users to test a version of its app with an overhauled design, which can be seen in a series of screenshots sent to MacRumors by reader Sebastien. Unlike the previous Instagram design, which utilizes a white feed bookended by blue and black borders and blue accents, the new design features a more monochromatic look.

The new color scheme appears to be part of an effort to help photos, specifically color photos, pop more in a user's feed. The icons have also undergone design changes. The camera button on the bottom bar is no longer singled out with a blue box around it, and the camera button in camera mode is now a grey ring rather than a blue circle. The activity button on the bottom bar is a simple heart rather than a heart in a speech bubble and the profile button on the bottom is the outline of a person rather than a user's photo.

Instagram tells Mashable that the company often tests "new experiences with a small percentage of the global community" and that this test was "a design test only." It's unclear whether this design will become official in a future update or whether the company decides to not move forward with it.

More recently, Instagram has been making tweaks and changes to how its app works. Two weeks ago, the company added video channels to its "Explore" feature. Before that, it expanded video clips from 15 seconds to 60 seconds and announced that it would introduce an algorithm-based feed.

Instagram is available in the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Instagram is Testing a Flatter, Simpler Design for iPhone App

 

[wegwhehwegqwegqew]

Could they extend that to their app icon? I always keep it in a folder because it's so inconsistent. It's a nice piece of art but they need to let die already.

 

[v0lume4]

Honestly, I like the app in its current form. I understand the pursuit of "less," however, unfortunately, since everyone else in the world is pursuing minimalism in their app designs, many apps are beginning to look the same. And at what point is "minimalism" form over function?

 

[Caliber26]

No, I like it how it is. I don't want a sterile looking app. That's just me, though.

 

[Col4bin]

Speaking of Instagram, time to get rid of that Scott Forstall-esque skeuomorphic design and modernize that 2007 looking icon already!

 

[Altis]

There seems to be a direct relationship between Instagram usage and narcissism. Would like to see a study on the subject.

 

[chriscrk]

Could they extend that to their app icon? I always keep it in a folder because it's so inconsistent. It's a nice piece of art but they need to let die already.

I saved an image with a flat icon to replace the original Instagram one on my home screen. It doubles the process of opening Instagram because it's just a "link" icon, but that's how much I despise the original one

 

[Col4bin]

There seems to be a direct relationship between Instagram usage and narcissism. Would like to see a study on the subject.

Think you can add most social media platforms to that argument. Most useless distraction of the century.

 

[Shirasaki]

One more major app leaving skeuomorphism design concept.
The end of an era led by Microsoft and Apple?

 

[freepomme]

Looks good to me

 

[vertsix]

I like the Apple Watch Instagram icon.

They should just carry that over and carry the simplicity and color scheme of the icon to the app (lighter blue).

 

[jonnysods]

I haven't really found the UI stealing thunder from the pics in my feed....

 

[MacCubed]

Personally, I wouldn't mind the minimalist look. Take for example in VSCO, the colors in my feed pop out much more with a minimalist color scheme and icons.

 

[Michael Scrip]

I miss the blue.

It's too white now!

Well... they can't regress any further... the only color left is clear!

 

[Bbqthis]

As a UX designer, this almost looks like a wireframe to me, not a finished UI. But that's probably because I'm expecting the current palette.

 

[chasonstone]

Change the icon!

 

[Lobwedgephil]

It appearing for me tonight, I actually really like the look after getting used to it.

 

[blairh]

Current feed sucks. Get rid of the top blue bar. How about black background and white text instead? That would make the photo really pop.

And please change that dated icon.

 

[zzLZHzz]

i had the new design. somehow i wish that there will be a dark theme.

 

[C DM]

There seems to be a direct relationship between Instagram usage and narcissism. Would like to see a study on the subject.

Think you can add most social media platforms to that argument. Most useless distraction of the century.

It's not like there are plenty of people who just share photos with relatives and friends.

 

[mariusignorello]

Think you can add most social media platforms to that argument. Most useless distraction of the century.

Use it for business only. I have no time for looking at pictures of people's faces.
[doublepost=1461733627][/doublepost]Those hipsters won't let that atrocious app icon die.

 

[pinsleric]

It appearing for me tonight, I actually really like the look after getting used to it.

Did you have to opt in to that, or did it just happen?

 

[zzLZHzz]

Did you have to opt in to that, or did it just happen?

there is no opt in/out button.

apparently i got the new design after this morning update. it is probably a random chance that you get it and when you get it, you will continue to have it until the next update? However I do notice that the old design is still available within the app. I managed to see this by closing the app and re-launching it. it takes less than a fraction of a second to switch to the new design.

 

[pinsleric]

there is no opt in/out button.

apparently i got the new design after this morning update. it is probably a random chance that you get it and when you get it, you will continue to have it until the next update? However I do notice that the old design is still available within the app. I managed to see this by closing the app and re-launching it. it takes less than a fraction of a second to switch to the new design.

Gotcha, thanks!

 

[BrodieApple]

It's funny how I have this update but my friends don't