Social Networks Influence Yahoo Homepage Redesign

Yahoo has rolled out a brand new Facebook-influenced homepage for its US website, promising to offer more relevant content to users.

The struggling Internet giant has said that the new Yahoo homepage is designed to be more intuitive and personal with an emphasis on sharing articles and interests.

The central feature of the purple-heavy homepage is an infinite newsfeed of stories. Users are able to log in with either their Facebook or Yahoo accounts to get thousands of news sources from around the web as well as content shared by friends.

Stream of information

In a blog post, CEO Marissa Meyer said that the design of the homepage reflect the fact that streams of information have become the “paradigm of choice on the web.”

“Yahoo first began as Jerry and Dave’s Guide to the World Wide Web, a directory of links created to help organize the Internet during its very early days,” said Meyer. “That simple directory evolved through the years into the Yahoo we know today – a starting point for your daily habits. Whether checking the latest news, sports scores, or just searching, Yahoo has always been about bringing you the very best of the web. And, today, we’re introducing a new, more modern experience to do just that.”

“Because you come to Yahoo everyday for must-know information, we’ve also introduced newly designed applications,” she added. “From your local weather forecast to Facebook friends’ birthdays, you’ll always have the information you need. We’ve also refreshed some of what you love most – including our Yahoo editorial features, and the daily snapshot into popular trending web searches.”

Yahoo homepage mobile friendly

The new design is optimised for smartphones and tablets, with Android and iOS users able to use swipe gestures to navigate the new pages, while pages load faster. Meyer has made mobile a priority in her efforts to revive Yahoo since she assumed control last year, stating that the company has “underinvested” in the fastest growing area of the Internet.

Last week, she stated that the company’s focus would be on fewer, but more key mobile applications and an email solution that is superior to its competitors. Mayer said Yahoo currently has more than 200 million active monthly mobile users and between 60 and 75 mobile applications – a number she wants to trim down to nearer to a dozen.

The signs suggest that Yahoo might be on the up after years of decline, with the company posting its first revenue rise in four years.

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