Meta Recruits Apple Design Leaders in Major UI Overhaul
MENLO PARK,CA – February 29,2024 – Meta has substantially bolstered its design team with the recruitment of several key figures from Apple,signaling a major push to revamp the user interface across its family of apps – Facebook,Instagram,WhatsApp,and Quest. The move, confirmed by multiple sources, comes as Meta increasingly prioritizes design alongside its aggressive investment in artificial intelligence.
For years, meta has been criticized for inconsistencies and a lack of polish in its software platforms. ”Meta has always been a software nightmare,” says Anshel Sag,a tech analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. “There’s a lot of inconsistency across all of Meta’s software platforms. Facebook, Insta, WhatsApp, Quest-they have not had the highest standards of quality. That’s especially true of the user interface. If they want users to stay on their platform, they’re going to have to fix the UI.”
The hiring spree underscores a recognition within Meta that a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing user experience is crucial for retaining users and competing with rivals. This shift in focus is especially evident as the company doubles down on AI-powered hardware, like its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, were design plays a critical role in consumer adoption. The success of the Ray-Ban Meta lenses is partially attributed to the designs created by partner EssilorLuxottica; peopel are less likely to adopt powerful technology if it appears unattractive.
While Meta continues to invest heavily in AI, including a “Superintelligence lab” and its AI-powered smart glasses, the company is also reportedly considering significant budget cuts to its Reality Labs division. This strategic realignment suggests a prioritization of refining existing platforms and products, rather than solely pursuing ambitious, long-term projects like the metaverse.
The influx of Apple design talent is expected to address longstanding issues with Meta’s UI and create a more cohesive experience across its diverse range of applications. the company hopes that improved design will not only attract new users but also encourage greater engagement from its existing 3.07 billion monthly active users.