User profile page is a screen where users can perform profile or account management.
In the context of UX design, profile or account management refers to the series of steps that users go through when creating and managing their personal interactions within a digital product or service. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of a user account, including registration, login, profile setup, etc.
Profile created by a user becomes their online persona, allowing them to develop or collect content, giving them access to the platform and the ability to interact with other users. Because of that, it is essential to let users change almost every aspect of their profile.
In the context of UX design, the terms “Account” and “Profile” are often used interchangeably, but they can have slightly different meanings depending on the specific system or platform.
An account typically refers to a user’s overall presence within a system or platform. It represents the user’s identity and provides access to various features and functionalities. Meanwhile, a profile usually refers to a specific section or page within a user’s account that displays information about the user. It represents the user’s public or semi-public persona within the system.
A profile often includes details like the user’s name, profile picture, bio, contact information, and any other relevant information the user chooses to share. It’s important to note that the usage of these terms can vary across different platforms and applications, so it’s always a good idea to consider the specific context when designing user experiences.
This article will explore popular apps’ best examples of this flow pattern.
Firstly, giving users easy access to their Profile and Account settings is crucial. In most applications, the icon or button directing there is located on the homepage. On some platforms, users access their account management page through the “Settings” menu. On other platforms, they can access the “Settings” through their profile page. In either case, the entry point to profile management is present and visible on the homepage.
If the platform’s account settings entry point is on the profile page, then the options the user needs to go through to manage their profile are limited. But if the entry point is located on the settings page, the “Account” button will most likely be situated among many different app settings.
You don’t want to overwhelm the user with too many options. It is vital to prioritize different options and to keep those with the highest priority above the fold. Profile and account settings should be clearly labeled and visible right after opening the screen. Good information architecture is crucial – it is the best strategy to categorize different options into more general categories.
An example of this approach is Blinkist’s Settings page. The app uses headers to differentiate various categories and use it to organize their menu options. Apps like Netflix or Storytel go even further and separate different groups into individual screens.
To the platforms providing their services on a paid-subscription basis, it is essential to let users cancel their subscription just as easily as subscribing to an app.
Including the option to cancel the subscription is essential to UX design. Users must be able to disengage from a platform if they choose to. Failing to do so may be considered an unfair practice and a deceptive design pattern.
Spotify allows users to manage their subscriptions easily. If users choose to, they can review their paid plan through the “Subscription” page, cancel their subscription, and switch to a free plan.
Just as well, providing a straightforward and easily accessible account deletion feature ensures transparency and builds trust with users. By prioritizing account deletion as part of the user experience, designers can demonstrate their commitment to user privacy. It is crucial to design a straightforward process that allows users to delete their accounts permanently. Moreover, it should offer the option to download or preserve any data they want to retain.
However, the “delete account” button should not be put in the too prominent position. It should not be near any often used or similar buttons (like, for example, logging out). This approach should avoid accidental account deletion.
Nevertheless, a profile is an online persona for a user. It gives them access to content they spend a lot of time creating or collecting. In some cases, they had to pay a subscription fee to gain access to the platform’s features. Therefore, there should be some safeguards before changing important information on a user’s profile.
Before changing elements like the user’s nickname or avatar image, it is unnecessary to put protection in place. Adding unnecessary steps like that can create frustration in users. However, for crucial changes, like email, password, or account deletion, it is essential to provide a safeguard in email or password confirmation.
In conclusion, when designing any user profile page flow in UX design, there are a few main things to consider:
These guidelines allow designers to create a user-centric experience. It helps to design an experience compliant with privacy principles that build trust between users and digital platforms.
Best Practices on User Profile Design with Examples by Nazar Kvartalnyi
How to Design Best Profile Page? Top 15 Examples by Kostia Varhatiuk