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Remove Login/SignUp dialog from download flow when sharing link to files

More often than not, when I share a link with a client who is not a Dropbox user, they respond to me, asking if I can please share the file with them using a method other than Dropbox because they do not want to sign up for an account. I will then have to send them detailed instructions on how to download the file, because while they can actually accomplish this without an account, the current UX/UI dissuades that by displaying Login/SignUp so prominently in the hierarchy that the small text offering the "download only" option is illegible or otherwise pushed below the fold.

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File Access

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Shared Files

Developer

Closed - Not for right now

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Accepted answers

Neal

Hi @jaycub,

Thanks for sharing your feedback.

I appreciate the frustration you go through with the current file sharing process. I can see you weighed in on this idea that was closed as of yesterday.

As a bit of context, I was the one that investigated this idea and if it was feasible or not and spoke with the relevant stakeholders internally.

Unfortunately I can say for certain this idea will not be implemented. As @maher1982 mentioned, this is exactly to introduce new users to Dropbox. Your clients still have the option to download without signing up. I'd suggest advising them of this when sharing the relevant files.

I know this is not the answer you were looking for but I hope your understand and thank you for your feedback.

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maher1982

You can always download files from a shared Dropbox link without making an account. That login/sign-up popup is just there to introduce new users, and even if the ‘Download Only’ option isn’t super obvious at first, you can still get the file without any problem.

jaycub

Thanks @maher1982, but as noted in my issue, yes I understand they can technically get the file, but far too often what is happening is that without explicit instructions on how to do so (the reason I keep the above screenshot on hand), I receive a response that requests an alternate method of file delivery. This is a poor user experience, notably for a paid service. It creates a negative brand experience not just for me, but also for those whom Dropbox is hoping to convert into users. It's an easy solve.

Neal

Hi @jaycub,

Thanks for sharing your feedback.

I appreciate the frustration you go through with the current file sharing process. I can see you weighed in on this idea that was closed as of yesterday.

As a bit of context, I was the one that investigated this idea and if it was feasible or not and spoke with the relevant stakeholders internally.

I know this is not the answer you were looking for but I hope your understand and thank you for your feedback.

jaycub

Thanks @Neal, noted; for every email and text message that I fire off to a client, I will be sure to include a screenshot and detailed work-around instructions so my clients are able to have a frustration-free experience while skirting the dark UX patterns on your site. This is fantastic progress and not convoluted or counterproductive in the least. I wish the best of luck to the Dropbox team in garnering enough new users through these efforts to meet your quarterly growth quotas. THIS is how you build a killer product. Maybe you could sell some ads on the preview page as well. Toodles