"New tab" extensions: yay/nay?
What do we think about browser extensions that take over a "new tab" when opened in your browser. I just launched our browser extension a few weeks ago and realized that users who I talk to tend to create a habit more easily with the product than users I don't touch manually. I believe this is because the core functionality of our product is "search" and it's really difficult to change the way people currently do something.
I have an idea to bring the value to the user quicker by intelligently displaying documents they might need into the "new tab" window when you open in the browser.
I'm curious if anyone has any experience with competing "new tab" experiences with more than one extension they have installed? Has this been a successful strategy? What tactics have you used to show value quickly?
In the past I would never get a new tab extension. I very much prefer the default new tab with search bar and frequently visited sites, because honestly those are usually the two actions I take after I open a new tab.
But then I tried one popular new tab extension, just to see what it was like. I was fully intending to uninstall but turned out I enjoyed it so much I kept it.
I also tried making a new tab extension once, which had flash cards based on a configurable set of vocabulary words. It worked but didn't really help me with learning the words because mentally I would skip it. Also the acquisition rates were not great so I took it down.
TL;DR You have to offer some value proposition with the new tab. Either help user to go where they want to go as fast as possible, or some other added value. In the new tab extension I use the value is in the small bit of happiness I get from it.
----
OKAY so something completely different now, I am testing out your extension
I understand why you have the "obie won't work in webstore or new tab" because you are using content script. I know the popup is hideous but I would use it anyway because that message maybe confusing to an average user.
Second thing instead of adding new tab I would much rather consider adding the obie search into omnibox. You can read more here
The survey questions were mildly annoying but only two so that was fine.
UI is very well made, far above most extensions, so good work there.
Consider adding a demo on the install page. I have a demo walking the user through the extension use and I get great feedback from time to time, "thanks for showing how it works, many others's do not bother". Can simply be a video. Many people will not watch it i'm sure but then it is on them - at least offer a choice.
WOW! Thank you so so much for this detailed feedback. I really appreciate this.
I've been thinking a lot about the omnibox vs. new tab experience. A lot to consider here. Thanks again!
Hey Chris, Obie looks great! I do think that replacing completely the new start page is a bit weird, but to each their own -- I used to run blank page since its a lot less distracting for me.
I do now run Earth View from Google Earth and I have installed Obie as well just now, will need to gauge how useful it is for me.
As for relevant experience in the "new tab" space, Partizion maker is another IH addon maker, so maybe he'll chime in with some comments? @Matthewbf your input would be welcome.
I try to talk to all the users of Partizion too. Some hate the new tab override some love it. Unfortunately, as people install more chrome extensions your override will be overridden. Or, maybe they want to use your extension but would like to use a different new tab page. It's all preference.
I would suggest developing your product to accomplish the same goal, but not making it necessary or even required to be on the new tab page. Let your power users enable this feature.
Got it. Thank you, Matthew. I think it makes sense to let the the "new tab" experience be optional, as you mentioned.
Thanks so much for the feedback!!
At one point, the extension I've built took control of the new tab and showed recent assets and such from within the application, but the experience was poor, so I scrapped it.
I suppose the point here is that I wasn't confident what I'd done added enough value to the user experience.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing! I guess if it fits the flow, right..
to many extension asking for being on my new tab so nay
I built a weather new tab extension but it never really took off. It has about 150 users. I think most people are protective of their homepage. Momentum Dash has done a good job in the new tab extension space.
Okay cool, thanks Tim!