Why v1.3 had the best customer "account" system

[noesac]

I'm using v1.4 now and ...the customer account and "guest" system is very disappointing.

 

I read a post earlier about how the "guest" system was a bad idea. Rubbish, it's a great idea, just very poorly designed.

 

In v1.3, if you didn't create an account first, it would automatically create one for you once you submitted your first order, and it would auto generate your password too.

 

The best part about this was when a customer returned later on, and they forgot to login, they weren't told "EMAIL ALREADY EXISTS!", and then forced to login (because every bit of resistance decreases the odds of conversion).

 

Instead, they were able to simply type in their existing email and the order would be automatically linked to their original account. There were no cumbersome redirects or error messages or logins. They could just continue filling out the order form and get on with it. It was the most natural, intuitive way possible.

 

I understand why this auto account generation isn't possible anymore, I assume there is some EU law that says you can't just create an account for someone without their permission (even if this was the case, how narrow minded is it to force the rest of the world to adopt this design??).

 

But even if the auto account generation isn't possible, why do users still need to login when they return? Why can't it auto link their order to their existing account based on their email address?

 

In my opinion v1.4 and presumably v1.5 takes a huge step back in this regard. It's become so needlessly complicated and usability has taken a huge hit. Have any of the developers ever setup their own store and had to think about usability and conversions? Because this is seriously over-engineered in the wrong way.

Edited May 1, 2013 by noesac (see edit history)

[benjamin utterback]

Hi noesac, thank you for your feedback. I'll make sure that I report this accordingly. You do make some good points and I will come back with more feedback from the team.

 

Thanks for the consideration and time. We appreciate it!

 

Regards,

 

Benjamin

[Mr S]

Hi Benjamin,

 

Any update's on the customer account management?

[benjamin utterback]

Hi HA!*!*Y

 

Yes, you are right. There are laws that require users to log in, we can not auto generate the passwords.

 

Also, an Email log-in is usually linked to an Address, shipping address, phone numbers and more sensitive information. That information requires a log-in especially.

 

If a Login was not required anybody with knowledge of an Email address could be able to use that email to see this sensitive information.