Last.fm Beta

The May 2008 beta version of Last.fm is live for paying subscribers, and I have to say: I really do like it.

It’s a lot cleaner than the current design, though some testers have called it too much like other social networking sites - this is a valid concern, and from the staff posts in the beta forum they are listening and constantly adjusting the site.

The one issue of system development this has raised for me is that there are a lot of people who have absolutely nothing useful to say at all:

My only feedback to this beta design:

Get rid of it and completely keep the old (current) working and functional design!!!

This is totally useless in terms of figuring out what users want. Staff have spent so many man hours working on this new design to improve the site, and their asking for help is totally ruined by this comment. Somebody, teach this guy to give useful feedback or hit him hard with the banhammer.

Last.fm May Beta

A quick screen capture:

Last.fm May 2008 beta from Alex Muller on Vimeo.

I’m still thinking on my complete opinion of it, but subscribers can see the current version live at beta.last.fm


A couple of things I’ve mentioned/sent feedback on so far:

  • The “On tour” red text after a band’s name doesn’t look great when it runs over onto a second line.

Comments

By Moosey on 23 May 2008 at 13:50:

Last.fm Beta has some very nice features, but the design IS lacking to say the least - it’s just not especially efficient in displaying the same information as the old one, and feels clunky. Sure they are certain to improve it, but in terms of usability and functionality the current layout works well, and if it isn’t broken, then they shouldn’t change it so drastically.

Yes, constructive criticism is always appreciated more, but equally that’s the sacrifice of free speech. And for every useless comments, there are equally useful ones, so just live with it.

-Moosey

Scientology is a dangerous CULT

By Alex Muller on 23 May 2008 at 13:53:

I love so much that you posted that… ;)