Google gets cuter everyday — redesign 2010

Posted on January 29, 2010 by Kris Nelson

I viewed some screenshots of the big Google user experience redesign back last November, but I wasn’t sure if it was kosher to post about it then, and I was just a little skeptical. Well, maybe not skeptical, but surprised.

Google (and Google fans) have always been keen on simplicity, speed, and speed. Would they really add icons to their crisp SRP (Search Results Page)? Yes, and they are doing it Yahoo! style (we used image sprites — Chris informed me those were originally used for videogames), to decrease load time. They’ve also added a left navigation column, following Yahoo!’s cues.

Also surprising is the lack of ads. And I mean totally devoid of ads on the entire page. And Google loves ads. Perhaps this is just a running test, perhaps it evens out the proposal for an increase of ads on their acquired property youTube and on their phones.

Google also went the “friendly modern” route with big, bold action buttons (they’re testing blue and grey versions) and a revamped logo (betcha didn’t even notice) that boasts a shallow bevel, softer (almost non-existent) drop shadow, and cheerier colors. The new logo has already popped up in a bevy of their properties and on their phones, but now it will finally pop on their frontpage.

I guess it’s not that surprising that Google is finally launching major interface mods, what with the Google Wave preview and the gmail and Google News redesigns on the horizon. (Just feel the love for rounded corners). What is surprising to me is the amount of google fans who think the current gmail interface is perfect. Don’t fear change guys… be brave.

The “new Google” is currently in live testing, so you may see it in a browser near you… or check out the screenshots below:

SRP Redesign

Logo — Waay Before

Logo — Before

After