Redesign `Erase` Page

In this article, we will delve into the redesign of the Erase page, a critical component for user account deletion within our platform. This page, accessed via the Delete account button in the Danger zone of the MyProfile section, requires a comprehensive overhaul to enhance both its functionality and user experience. We will address existing issues, propose solutions, and explore the rationale behind our design choices, ensuring a secure and intuitive process for users who wish to permanently delete their accounts. This redesign is not merely about aesthetics; it's about providing a clear, secure, and user-friendly pathway for a sensitive action.

Background: The Importance of a Well-Designed Account Deletion Process

The Erase page serves as the final step for users opting to delete their accounts. This is a significant decision, and the process surrounding it must be handled with utmost care and clarity. A poorly designed deletion process can lead to user frustration, anxiety, and even accidental account deletions. Therefore, the redesign of the Erase page is paramount to ensuring a positive user experience, even in the context of account termination. The existing page, while functional, suffers from several shortcomings that necessitate a redesign. These include broken animations, suboptimal content positioning, and modal designs that lack clarity and user-friendliness. Addressing these issues will significantly improve the overall experience for users choosing to delete their accounts.

Problems to Solve: Addressing the Shortcomings of the Current Erase Page

Our primary objective is to rectify the existing problems plaguing the Erase page. These issues can be broadly categorized into three main areas:

1. Broken Animation

The broken animation, as highlighted in the provided GitHub link, detracts from the page's overall professionalism and user experience. Animations play a crucial role in guiding users and providing visual feedback, but a malfunctioning animation can be jarring and confusing. Fixing this animation is essential to restoring the page's visual appeal and usability. The animation should ideally serve a purpose, such as visually emphasizing the irreversible nature of account deletion, or providing a smooth transition during the process.

2. Misaligned Description

The misaligned description, currently positioned to the left of the page, disrupts the visual balance and makes the page appear less polished. Centering the description, as illustrated in the provided image, will create a more visually appealing and professional layout. This simple adjustment significantly enhances the page's overall aesthetics and readability. A centered description also naturally draws the user's eye, ensuring they fully understand the implications of deleting their account.

3. Redesigning the Account Deletion Modals

The account deletion modals, which appear after the user clicks the Delete account button, are a critical area for improvement. The current modal designs are inconsistent and lack the clarity needed for such a sensitive action. We propose a complete redesign of these modals, taking into account various user scenarios based on their account setup (e.g., password, email, or both). These modals are the user's final interaction before irreversible account deletion, making their design paramount for ensuring clarity and preventing accidental deletions.

Proposed Solutions: A Comprehensive Approach to Redesigning the Erase Page

To address the aforementioned problems, we propose a multi-faceted approach encompassing animation fixes, content repositioning, and a complete overhaul of the account deletion modals. Our solutions are designed to create a secure, intuitive, and user-friendly experience for account deletion.

1. Fixing the Broken Animation

The immediate solution is to repair the broken animation. This involves identifying the root cause of the malfunction and implementing the necessary code fixes. We will also re-evaluate the animation's purpose and ensure it effectively communicates the gravity of the account deletion process. The animation should be smooth, visually appealing, and functionally relevant, enhancing the user's understanding of the consequences of their action. This may involve simplifying the animation, optimizing its performance, or even replacing it with a more suitable visual element.

2. Centering the Description

Centering the description is a straightforward yet impactful solution. By simply adjusting the CSS styling, we can reposition the description to the center of the page, creating a more balanced and professional layout. This seemingly minor change significantly improves the page's visual appeal and readability. The centered description will also naturally draw the user's attention, ensuring they understand the implications of deleting their account before proceeding.

3. Redesigning the Account Deletion Modals: A Scenario-Based Approach

The core of our redesign lies in the complete overhaul of the account deletion modals. We recognize that users have different account setups, which necessitate tailored modal designs. We propose four distinct modal variations, each catering to a specific user scenario:

a) MyUser with No Password and No Emails

For users who have neither a password nor an email address associated with their account, the modal should clearly state the finality of the action and emphasize the irreversibility of account deletion. The modal should feature a prominent confirmation button and a clearly labeled cancellation option. The language used should be straightforward and unambiguous, leaving no room for misinterpretation. This scenario requires the most direct approach, as there are no secondary authentication factors involved.

b) MyUser with Only Password Set Up

If a user has only a password set up, the modal should prompt them to enter their password to confirm the deletion. This added layer of security helps prevent unauthorized account deletions. The password field should be clearly labeled, and the modal should provide feedback on password correctness. A confirmation button and a cancellation option should also be prominently displayed. This step adds a crucial layer of security, ensuring the user is the legitimate account holder.

c) MyUser with Only Email Set Up

For users with only an email address linked to their account, the modal should instruct them to check their email for a confirmation link. Clicking the link will initiate the account deletion process. This method provides a strong verification mechanism, ensuring the user has access to the associated email account. The modal should clearly explain the steps involved and provide a timeframe for email confirmation. This method leverages email as a verification tool, adding a layer of security against unauthorized deletion requests.

d) MyUser with Both Email and Password Set Up

When a user has both an email address and a password associated with their account, the modal should offer multiple verification options. They can either enter their password or check their email for a confirmation link. This provides flexibility and caters to different user preferences. The modal should clearly present both options, allowing the user to choose their preferred method of verification. This dual-factor verification approach provides the highest level of security for account deletion.

Detailed Breakdown of Modal Designs: Ensuring Clarity and Security

Let's delve into the specifics of each modal design, highlighting key elements and rationale behind our choices:

a) Modal for Users with No Password and No Emails

This modal will feature a prominent warning message emphasizing the irreversible nature of account deletion. The primary call to action will be a clearly labeled Delete Account button, positioned alongside a Cancel button. The design will be clean and minimalist, focusing on conveying the critical message without distractions. The text will be concise and avoid technical jargon, ensuring accessibility for all users.

b) Modal for Users with Only Password Set Up

This modal will incorporate a password input field, requiring the user to enter their password to proceed. A clear label will indicate the purpose of the field, and a Show Password toggle will be provided for convenience. The Delete Account button will be disabled until a valid password is entered. An error message will be displayed if an incorrect password is provided. This approach adds a layer of security, ensuring the user is the legitimate account holder.

c) Modal for Users with Only Email Set Up

This modal will inform the user that a confirmation link has been sent to their email address. Clear instructions will guide the user on how to proceed, including checking their spam folder if the email is not received within a reasonable timeframe. A Resend Email button will be provided for convenience. The modal will also include a Cancel option, allowing the user to abort the deletion process. This method leverages email verification, ensuring the user has access to the associated email account.

d) Modal for Users with Both Email and Password Set Up

This modal will present two distinct options for verification: entering their password or checking their email for a confirmation link. Each option will be clearly labeled and accompanied by appropriate instructions. The password input field will function as described in scenario (b), and the email verification process will follow the steps outlined in scenario (c). This dual-factor approach provides the highest level of security, allowing users to choose their preferred verification method.

Conclusion: Enhancing User Trust and Security Through Thoughtful Redesign

The redesign of the Erase page is a crucial step in enhancing user trust and ensuring the security of our platform. By addressing the existing issues and implementing our proposed solutions, we can create a clear, intuitive, and secure account deletion process. The fixed animation, centered description, and redesigned modals will significantly improve the user experience and minimize the risk of accidental account deletions. This comprehensive approach underscores our commitment to providing a user-centric platform that prioritizes both functionality and security. The redesigned Erase page will not only address immediate usability concerns but also reinforce our commitment to responsible data handling and user empowerment.