Interface Changes at Gmail And Twitter

Gmail:

http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/labels-drag-and-drop-hiding-and-more.html

"1) New location for labels
You'll notice your labels in a new location on the left of your inbox (or on the right, for those of you using the Arabic, Hebrew, or Urdu versions of Gmail). Instead of having their own section, your labels are now above your chat list, grouped together with Inbox, Drafts, Chats and other system labels.

2) Label hiding and showing
You now have control over which of your labels show. We've done our best to get you started by automatically showing the labels you use most and hiding the rest. Label hiding is my favorite new feature, since it saves me from having to look through labels I rarely use. If I ever need to reach any of my old labels, I just click the "more" link.
...
3) Drag and drop
You can now drag messages into labels, just like you can with folders. This does the exact same thing as "Move to" -- it labels and archives in one step."

The changes to Gmail have cleared up a lot of space. While the new versatility in how you can organize your messages is interesting, I think the best part of the update is the shifting and hiding of your labels. Do not forget about that freed up previously wasted space. What is particularly nice about Gmail is if you do not like the new design you have the option to switch back to the old one.

Twitter:

http://blog.twitter.com/2009/06/following-and-followers-page.html

"When you click on the Following and Followers links from your Twitter home page, you'll notice that we've upgraded the design of these pages and added features. Instead of a basic list, there are now actions you can perform that provide a better overall experience."

Most people seem to either like the change overall or be indifferent. The main negative effect from the change is that you are no longer able to see if the people you are following are following you back without clicking a button. Many people were also hoping for an option that would allow you to see more then 20 people per page. Unlike Gmail, there is no switching back to the old design. Regardless of if you like it, as I mostly do, you are going to have to get used to it; at least until they change it again.