You might see that the Dropbox Community team have been busy working on some major updates to the Community itself! So, here is some info on what’s changed, what’s staying the same and what you can expect from the Dropbox Community overall.
Forum Discussion
Generate a unique email address for "Email to Dropbox" based on usernames.
For Emailing to Dropbox, they use a 5 random-word list model... so something like:
ecology.tastey.pillow.depth.example @addtodropbox.com
There is a big problem with this... both for Dropbox and their users. It's a nightmare to use. Try telling a client that URL. Result: NONE USE.
They should use a user generated model with tight guidelines. so Something like:
DigitalMarketing1000@
or
RickStark100@
Easy to Pick a winner - easy for the user to use. THAT is what we want. There is easily a million easy options for both users above. So why do they do it? This model is easy for the IT department - the computer geeks decided... not the marketing dept. / user advocates.
If DB is looking for EASE OF USE for their CUSTOMERS... then go to the trouble of user created addresses. Their current model is EASY FOR THEM... but poo for the user. Let me ask you: Do these super-duper-really-long-multi-word-URLS-seem-very-usable-to-you dot question? Do they seem like they would be popular to users to you? If your answer is NO - then THAT is why adoption is low for emailing to dropbox and I and millions of others don't use it.
Switch to a tougher (user-generated address), but better for the consumer, model. Go for usable... which is above functional.
Thoughts? Support?
Rick
- Nancy
Dropbox Staff
Thanks for posting about this here, RickStark2120.
All of your comments and feedback are appreciated and I’ve made sure to pass them along to the appropriate team.
If there’s something else you may need, feel free to give me a nudge.
You can also check thee current randomly generated "Email to Dropbox" addresses are secure but impractical for user convenience, leading to poor adoption. A user-generated model, like custom usernames with guidelines, would enhance usability and encourage adoption by making addresses memorable and client-friendly. Dropbox should prioritize user experience over IT simplicity for better engagement.
