Facebook Testing More Timeline Options

Facebook Timelines are once again likely to undergo a redesign. Although it is unknown when this new look will be launched, the preview (shown above) shows a single column on the right hand side of the Timeline with other features on the left.

The social platform began testing a single-column view for user’s Timelines last October. It now seems that an update will show a similar design that uses the same header and swaps the two columns of posts and activity around on the site.

The new layout shows that all posts from the publisher will appear in a column wider than the currently traditional two columns. Modules and activities such as ‘Recent Activity’, ‘Friends’ and ‘Places’ are placed onto the left hand side of the page and will no longer be as wide as the posts.

The control of these modules will also change. Each section will have a pencil icon in the top corner where users can rearrange the boxes or remove them altogether. These cannot currently be altered and can only be hidden if they are from a third-party application.

One of the most frequent complaints directed at the current Timeline is that a user has to search up and down their profile to read content. The new design has removed the line from the middle of the page which means that it looks less like an actual Timeline.

The timeline of dates is still visible in the top right hand side of the page for users to access particular months and years. The header of a profile is also much cleaner than what it currently is.

Also, when a life event occurs, the current Timeline would display the events across the page, much larger than regular posts. The new Timeline however will put a blue banner in the corner of the post but remains a normal size.

Do you like how the Timeline in testing looks?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Twitter Updates Embedded Tweets

Twitter have improved Embedded Tweets so that they look more like the original tweet on-site.

Embedded Tweets, which were introduced in late 2011, allow users to post interactive tweets on third party sites.

The updated service improves the performance of the tweet and displays all the information present on Twitter cards.

“Embedded Tweets display photos, videos, article summaries and other content shared in a Tweet, just like you see on twitter.com”, said Twitter on the Twitter blog.

“You can also view retweet and favorite counts to better understand engagement, and we’ve made some tweaks to the design so that embedded Tweets are easier to read”.

To embed a Tweet just click on the ‘more’ option at the bottom and select embed, then follow the instructions on the pop-up.

Do you like the improvements Twitter has made to Embedded Tweets?

NHS Employers Unlease New Social Media Guidance

A published guidance called ‘HR and social media in the NHS’ has been published by the NHS Employers organisation as they hope to promote social media in order to make the health service more effective.

The report discusses what elements of social media can support high quality care for patients. With social media’s help, patients can be better equipped to find good information online.

Social media would allow the NHS to understand developments in staff and/or patient situations sooner and with more ease. Also, the use of it would lead to a stronger relationship between staff and the public.

Director of the NHS Employers organisation, Dean Royles, said: “I believe 2013 will be the year when the NHS significantly changes its view of social media. A tipping point has been reached and people throughout the NHS are recognising that the positive benefits of social media far outweigh its risks.”

“I know some people have concerns about confidentially and reputational issues. In the NHS it isn't social media itself that's the issue, but the need for greatly clarity on professional behaviour and confidentiality combined with a more permissive approach in organisational policies encouraging staff to use social media safely. I hope our new guidance helps many organisations find that clarity.”

“The NHS more than ever before wants to promote a culture where people can raise issues and be heard. Social media can be an important barometer of emerging issues, opinions and concerns, and we have a duty to listen and get involved.”

Founder of #NHSSM (NHS social media) and contributor of the new guidance said that: "The NHS staff of tomorrow will all use the internet to improve their work. Many will have been educated by the UK’s schools, colleges and universities who will have provided online modules, revision apps and helpful multimedia.”

“Collectively these future staff will demand and expect to use social media in their jobs. Human resources in the NHS has to come to terms with this and help lay the foundations for staff to use social media to improve their work."

“Currently, guidelines in the NHS for use of social media suggest 'if you wouldn't say it in the canteen, don't type it'.

Do you think this guidance is a good idea?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or via Twitter.