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Forum Discussion
UX feedback about "Join Folder" button when clicking on a shared link
As I share links (created via OS folder view) to customers, i have had several of them clicking "Join Folder" as they think that is the priority way of dealing with the link they received. My purpose has been to share a link that multiple users can access - if I have the need to give full read/write access to a user (aka "join folder") - I would give that permission in the first place.
This leads to two questions:
1) Why is the "Join Folder" -button so highlighted when user enters via normal link, instead of it being either "copy to dropbox" or "download"? (buttons shown to users could be filtered based on the link user uses to access the folder).
2) Would the "Join Folder" button be even needed IF the link shared is created with a method "who ever has this link can read the files and copy them"?
This leads to a conclusion, that maybe Dropbox should filter the buttons out based on the link user uses to access the folder.
Why this error happens on a user: To me understanding, it happens because a) the button is highlighted blue and they just click it by heart without reading what the buttons actually state, or 2) they do not understand what "join folder" means - as it really does not indicate in any way, that user is actually requesting full read/write access to a folder, 3) or both reasons -> they do not understand the button text and believe it is the right one as it is highlighted.
If the button must exist, I would 1) change the button order and put it to be the last option, 2) rename it to (something like):
- Request Ownership
- Full Access
- Authorize
Now it just reminds too much of "joining the folder to see the files".
- Hannah
Dropbox Staff
Hey Karo Holmberg, thanks for taking the time to post to our Community.
We really appreciate your feedback on this matter.
Just wanted to address your concerns/questions; when creating a link to a folder, are you choosing the option to create a "can view" or a "can edit" link?
A "can view" link shouldn't prompt the recipient to join the folder.
However, your comments have been taken into account and will be passed along to our team.
If you need anything else, please let us know!
Hi Hannah, I'm running into this issue as well. Our clients are also getting confused by the blue highlighted "Join Folder" button vs "Download". This isn't just one client, it's dozens for us so this isn't a one off and it is most certainly a UX issue. Regardless of whether we set the link to "Can View" vs "Can Edit" doesn't change the row of buttons on top.
Unless I'm completely wrong on how to share links, the solution stated above doesn't seem to change the button options.- Nancy
Hi eternam! Sorry for jumping in.
The folders that you’re sharing with your clients, are they already shared perhaps, or are they personal/regular ones? If you’re not sure about the distinction, you can also check this Help Center article; you can tell the difference by the different folder icons.
