New Post UI: Home Feed Or Profile Page?

Hey guys! We're diving into an important design decision for our CU-CSCI3308-Fall2025 group project (BSAFIG): Where should users be able to create new posts? Should the UI for this live on the home feed or on the profile page? This is a crucial question that impacts user experience and how people will interact with our platform, so let's break it down. We need to consider the pros and cons of each location and figure out what makes the most sense for our users. Let's jump in and explore this further!

Home Feed: Centralized Posting

Placing the new post UI directly in the home feed offers a centralized and convenient location for users to share their thoughts and updates. Think of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or even LinkedIn – the compose box is front and center, encouraging immediate engagement. This approach can significantly boost content creation and overall platform activity.

One of the major advantages is increased visibility. By having the post creation option readily available in the main feed, users are constantly reminded of it. This can lead to more spontaneous posts and a greater frequency of content sharing. Imagine a user quickly jotting down an idea they had while scrolling through their feed, or sharing an interesting article they just came across. Making it super accessible removes friction and encourages participation. Plus, for new users, it's incredibly intuitive – the first thing they see is the opportunity to contribute.

Another critical factor is the sense of immediacy. When users are already engaged with the content in their feed, they're more likely to want to add their own voice to the conversation. The home feed is the heart of the platform, the place where people go to see what's happening and connect with others. By having the post creation UI right there, we capitalize on this existing engagement and make it a seamless part of the user's flow. It's like striking while the iron is hot – encouraging users to share their thoughts in the moment, while they are already in the mindset of consuming and interacting with content.

Furthermore, a centralized posting location promotes community interaction. When posts are easily created from the home feed, it encourages a more dynamic and interactive environment. Users can quickly respond to each other's posts, share their own perspectives, and engage in discussions. This contributes to a vibrant and lively community where ideas are exchanged freely and connections are formed. It's all about fostering a sense of belonging and making it easy for users to participate in the ongoing conversation. This approach aligns well with the goal of building a platform where users feel encouraged to share and connect with one another.

However, we also need to consider the potential downsides. A cluttered home feed can be overwhelming, and if the new post UI is too prominent, it could detract from the consumption of existing content. We need to design it in a way that's both accessible and unobtrusive. Finding the right balance is key to ensuring a positive user experience. It's about making the post creation option readily available without it becoming a distraction. Think about how platforms like Instagram handle this – the post creation button is present but doesn't dominate the screen. We need to strive for that same level of elegance and user-friendliness.

Profile Page: Focused Contribution

Alternatively, placing the new post UI on the user's profile page focuses on individual contribution and creates a dedicated space for managing personal content. This approach aligns with the idea that the profile page is the user's personal space within the platform, where they can showcase their activity and contributions. It can be particularly beneficial for platforms where users want to curate their content and present a specific image or identity.

One of the primary benefits is contextual relevance. Users visiting their profile page are likely in a mindset of managing their own content and presence on the platform. They might be updating their bio, reviewing their past posts, or reflecting on their activity. Placing the new post UI in this context makes sense because it aligns with the user's current goals and intentions. It's a natural extension of managing their personal space and showcasing their contributions. This approach can be particularly effective for platforms where users have a strong sense of ownership over their profile and the content they share.

Another advantage is reduced clutter on the home feed. By keeping the post creation UI separate from the main feed, we can maintain a cleaner and less overwhelming experience for users who are primarily interested in consuming content. This is especially important for platforms with a high volume of posts, where a busy home feed can be distracting and make it difficult to find relevant information. By reserving the home feed for content consumption and placing the post creation option on the profile page, we can create a more streamlined and focused user experience. It's about respecting the user's attention and providing them with the tools they need without overwhelming them with options.

Moreover, it encourages thoughtful posting. When users have to navigate to their profile page to create a new post, it adds a small layer of friction that can encourage them to be more deliberate about what they share. This can lead to higher-quality content and more meaningful contributions. It's about shifting the focus from impulsive posting to more intentional sharing. This approach can be particularly beneficial for platforms that value in-depth discussions and thoughtful contributions. It's not about discouraging users from sharing, but rather about encouraging them to take a moment to consider what they want to say and how they want to say it.

However, this approach also has its drawbacks. It may decrease the frequency of posts, as users need to take an extra step to create content. This can be a barrier for users who want to quickly share an idea or thought. We need to weigh this against the benefits of more thoughtful posting and determine what's most important for our platform. It's a balancing act between ease of use and content quality. We need to consider how much friction we're adding to the process and whether it's worth the potential decrease in posting frequency. The goal is to find a sweet spot where users are encouraged to share their thoughts without being burdened by unnecessary steps.

Weighing the Options: User Behavior and Platform Goals

So, where do we land? The best location for the new post UI really depends on our specific goals for the platform and the expected user behavior. If we want to maximize content creation and encourage frequent sharing, the home feed is likely the better choice. It's all about making it as easy as possible for users to contribute and participate in the community. A prominent and easily accessible post creation option in the home feed can be a powerful tool for driving engagement and fostering a dynamic environment. This approach aligns well with platforms that thrive on real-time updates and quick interactions.

On the other hand, if we prioritize thoughtful contributions and want to encourage users to curate their content, the profile page might be a more suitable option. This approach is about creating a dedicated space for personal expression and content management. It allows users to take a more deliberate approach to sharing and to present themselves in a curated manner. This can be particularly beneficial for platforms where users want to establish a strong personal brand or showcase their expertise. It's about fostering a sense of ownership and control over one's online presence.

We also need to consider the overall user experience. A cluttered home feed can be overwhelming, while a hidden post creation UI can be frustrating. We need to find a balance that makes it easy for users to both consume and contribute content. This requires careful consideration of the visual design, the information architecture, and the overall flow of the platform. It's about creating an intuitive and enjoyable experience for users of all levels of technical expertise. The goal is to make the platform feel welcoming and accessible, regardless of whether users are primarily interested in reading or sharing content.

Let's Discuss and Decide!

Ultimately, the decision of where to place the new post UI is a critical one that will shape the user experience and the overall success of our platform. Let's discuss this further as a group, weigh the pros and cons of each option, and make a decision that aligns with our goals for the CU-CSCI3308-Fall2025 group project (BSAFIG). What do you guys think? Where should we put it and why? Let's get the conversation started!