Why Do Quora's Monetization Coins Resemble Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?
On the Quora platform, the interactive elements that users engage with, including the monetization interface, may seem to have a playful design approach. However, there's an underlying strategy at play behind the choice to use coin-shaped graphics. This article explores why these coins resemble Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and the rationale behind this unique design choice.
The Value of Design in Monetization
Quora, a popular QA platform, has implemented a monetization feature for its users to earn money by engaging with the community. This feature, however, has not always been straightforward. The monetization interface, designed by the design team at Google (given the location of Mountain View), includes various graphical elements to make the experience more engaging and user-friendly.
One of the most distinctive features on this interface is the use of coin-shaped graphics to represent earnings. These coins are not just plain circles; they are styled to resemble Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. This design choice raises several questions about the intent and strategy behind it.
Design Philosophy and Rejection of Traditional Paradigms
Typically, when designing monetary symbols, elements like wads of cash are often used, as they are easily recognizable and convey a sense of wealth. However, Quora chose not to go this route.
Firstly, using wads of cash would present too aggressive a tone and may appear mercenary, potentially deterring users from engaging. Secondly, these cash symbols might overestimate the actual earnings potential, creating unrealistic expectations. Additionally, the design team chose to avoid using local currency because the design needed to be universally appealing and adaptable to different cultures and regions.
Quirky and Cuddly Design Aesthetics
Instead of adopting a straightforward approach, Quora embraced a quirky and cartoonish design that aligns with its broader brand identity. This choice of design is not just about aesthetics; it serves a functional purpose in making the earnings interface less threatening and more inviting.
Consider the coin designs; rather than using traditional coins, Quora opted for a more whimsical design that includes elements reminiscent of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. The use of this specific shape is deliberate and strategic, as it provides a sense of warmth and approachability.
The Role of Color and Material
The design of the coins themselves is thoughtfully considered, especially in terms of color and material. One of the key elements is the use of copper, which is associated with warmth, affordability, and approachability. Gold and silver coins are often perceived as more prestigious, but they fail to convey the same warmth and inviting nature. Copper, on the other hand, is a more welcoming material, symbolizing smaller, more manageable earnings, much like the "pennies" users can earn on the platform.
The design of these copper coins also incorporates elements that enhance their recognizability. The increased thickness and ridges make them look like actual coins even when designed as cartoons, which is crucial for users to understand that these are tokens representing small earnings.
Comparison with Other Design Elements
For comparison, consider the graphics available online for Quora monetization. These often feature banknotes, which are stark, formal, and might come across as too aggressive for a QA platform. These designs are often poorly crafted but can appear excessively threatening, particularly if they look like large wads of cash.
Brand Integration and User Experience
Additionally, the use of such graphics is not just about visual appeal; it also serves as a branding tool. While the appearance of brand elements like Mastercard might seem unsubtle, it is done strategically to align with Quora's overall brand identity. The cute piggy bank and Mastercard imagery are carefully chosen to be visually engaging and relatable to users.
Finally, the design of these coins is a reflection of the actual earnings potential on Quora, which is more likely to be in the form of smaller amounts—pennies rather than large sums. This aligns perfectly with the design choices, making the interface more user-friendly and appealing.
Credits and Conclusion
The graphic designers at Quora, in collaboration with Google’s design team, have done an excellent job with this design. The choice to use coin-shaped graphics, inspired by Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, is about creating a warm and accessible experience for Quora users. If the grapho behind these designs were handsomely compensated, then the effort put into making these designs engaging and user-friendly is well worth it.
While the MasterCard branding might be a bit too overt, the overall design serves its purpose well. The design choices reflect the strategy behind user engagement and satisfaction, making the monetization experience on Quora more appealing and approachable.