When I send a message, why does it need to be so bloated. I just wanna send a message. Does being lightweight a feature too?
From the UX point of view, it's pretty lightweight for most common operations. Goes into the app, finds the contact, sends message, done. There is virtually no difference between WeChat, WhatsApp, and Apple's own Messages. For many other operations that are less common, WeChat is easier to use and manage (e.g. sending emojis, voice memo, photos).
From an app size point of view, I just checked on my iPhone. WeChat takes up 157.3MB, whereas WhatsApp takes up 105.9MB. The difference seems minor (just a few photos).
I have that Facebook messenger even has draw over other apps permission on Android. I hate the pop up chat. Am I out of touch?
Also, there was a post on here highlighting Japanese web design and you might say it's also a kitchen sink approach. And then someone posted, or the article updated and added(I don't remember exactly) some nice links to show that the exact same design phenomenon exists in major websites in Taiwan, Korea, and China.
We might theorize that users in these particular markets might want everything but the kitchen sink in one app, or one website. I'm not saying that's necessarily the case, but there's definitely some indicators.
Would be very interesting if it's a case of actual rejection of western style minimalistic designs, rather than something like it being all they've known and thus have simply gotten used to.
Let see... - Why do I care about reading someone's life moment on an IM? WhatsApp also tried this and another reason I think it is now heading to the "dark side" - Why do I said... Request a Didi on an IM ? - Why would I care to use it to pay for something? I just want to message someone. - Why do I even care about these features? I just want to message someone... - In fact, why do I care about so much eye-killing gifs/emoji
An IM is an IM. But then I grew up in the western world, so my opinions might not apply to everyone. But I am sure as hell share someone's opinion on this.
Is it bloated? Hell yeah, can it still make a case that Chinese general population would prefer bloated single-app? Sure, but that doesn't mean I like it.
You care that the other person will be on it too. But why will they be on it？
Mass adoption isnt just about what you want, its about what other people on the same service want as well. It has to offer a superset of your wants, her wants, his wants, etc or you will love it, but they will go elsewhere. Its not all about you. Having everyone on it is THE killer feature.
So that's bloated then ?
How do you distinguish between featureful and bloated? What are the criteria you would use to tell one from the other?