What do you guys think? Is it alright to combine Profile and Settings in web application? This is quite common approach in mobile apps. Reason to combine these two is to keep the header simple. Not to overwhelm user with too many items.
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How will you be communicating this in the menu?– dennisleesCommented Jan 29, 2018 at 14:03
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I was thinking something similar as Facebook and Twitter does: display the user's image that opens a dropdown with Profile, Settings and Logout.– imakesoftCommented Jan 29, 2018 at 14:26
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2 Answers
Use a generic "secondary actions" element, perhaps utilizing a 'user' icon or profile image, to reveal a categorized list of options
As you've mentioned in your comment below the question, large and presumably well-tested platforms like Facebook and Twitter use this approach.
On that point, my personal experience of the Facebook "gear" or "cog" icon, is that revealed dropdown seems overloaded and requires too much searching for what I need.
So just be mindful of that risk. Put careful thought into the order and categorization of your menu, and don't overload it.
answered Jan 29, 2018 at 15:05
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Thank you for your comment. I will keep those things in mind. Luckily our dropdown won't contain much items. Btw, I noticed that Facebook now has an arrow down for the dropdown to settings etc... I think the arrow down icon is too ambiguous. As a user I would expect to see the gear-icon or my face to access these things. Commented Jan 30, 2018 at 8:48
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@imakesoft as strange as it is, facebook is not the most user friendly website when it comes to things beyond posting and liking. Commented Jan 30, 2018 at 13:28
a) reasoning
These are two distinct categories and merging them can only cause inconvenience/ confusion. If this is the only way to win extra space, then go for it, but keep in mind that this is a compromise, not a solution, not even a workaround.
b) testing
Produce two prototypes - one with the merged icon and one with two icons and ask respondents to perform tasks such as changing the passwords, changing the display languages, etc. Watch in which case they tend to feel more comfortable.
