craigslist will beg to differ
and is an example of why functioning site with shit look is better than great look with bad function
the guys at 42 floors figured this out by testing. http://darrennix.com/our-homegrown-ab-testing-framework-at-4...
I know of designers who rail against that look though. I think HN follows most of the same craigslist principles.
Often times users have no choice but to use the only choice. That's like saying people choose Comcast because it's a great product. No. People choose Comcast because it's the only product.
Craigslist became popular at a time when thoughtful UI design wasn't repeated or regarded as necessary.
Why are sites like HN and the one linked earlier following a similar style.
Cause core of design != look which is how the 3 apps mentioned above seemed to be looking at.
Function needs to be the core of design.
If they are the only game in town, then I will put up with bad functional design and if needed crawl on my knees to solve a problem of mine.
I remember years back trawling through multiple expertsexchange pages to solve some coding issues.. Now I don't as better options have come along...
Why is the same not happening with craigslist, cause they do the basic job well.. have a functional designed site which solves peoples problem easily.
Sure looks like good design though. Pity about the functionality. :P