Design decisions in the ever-changing realm of social media
are more than just aesthetic preferences; they have meaning and function.
Instagram, one of the most prominent social media platforms, has made a number
of design changes throughout the years, each with its own set of reasons. One
such move that has piqued the interest of many is the colour of the
"Follow" button, which is green. But why is it green? Let's look into
the reasons for this decision.
Colours, first and foremost, have an important function in
psychology and human behaviour. Green is connected with pleasant feelings,
development, and energy in many cultures. It's the colour of new leaves,
expansive meadows, and the "go" signal on a traffic light.
Instagram may be unconsciously urging users to take good
action by turning the "Follow" button green. When you see green,
you're more likely to conceive of it as a positive, affirmative activity,
increasing your likelihood of clicking on it.
Furthermore, green sticks out. A green button may readily
capture the attention on a platform dominated by a plethora of colours from
various photographs and videos. When someone sees a profile, their attention is
instantly pulled to the "Follow" button, increasing the probability
that they will interact with it. It's a basic yet effective method for
increasing user involvement.
Another thing to think about is the realm of branding.
Instagram, like all major platforms, aspires to provide a one-of-a-kind and
unforgettable user experience. Instagram distinguishes itself by using a colour
that is not frequently used for key activities on other networks. This
uniqueness can enhance the user experience by ensuring that consumers identify
the green "Follow" button with Instagram only.
Furthermore, the colour green may be a reference to
Instagram's early days. The site began as a place for wildlife photographers
and lovers to exchange their work. Green, being connected with nature, might be
a subtle nod to the platform's history, reminding users of its beginnings and
the trip it has made.
Finally, it is critical in the field of technology and app
design to keep consumers interested and decrease misunderstanding. A clear,
distinguishing colour for a core action, such as following someone, ensures
that even inexperienced users may easily navigate the site. It shortens the
learning curve and guarantees that the platform stays user-friendly for all
users, regardless of technical ability.
To summarise, while Instagram has never formally commented
on the particular reasoning behind the green "Follow" button, it's
evident that this design choice was well considered. The green button performs
several functions, including exploiting colour psychology, assuring user
engagement, paying tribute to its heritage, and simply standing out. It
demonstrates how even little design changes may have a major influence on user
experience and behaviour.
