In conjunction with the new Google + project, Google announced on their main blog, search blog and maps blog the new look to the top bar and search results and map results pages.
As you know, Google has been testing the black Google bar earlier this week and also last week tested the gray search results. I personally do not mind the black bar, but as a matter of personal taste, I dislike the grayed out search results interface. That being said, if you read the 100 plus comments on the black bar, you will see that most outright hate the change. But like with most Google changes, users hate it and then adopt it after complaining for months.
Google said they made the change for three reasons:
- Focus: Whether you're searching, emailing or looking for a map, the only thing you should be concerned about is getting what you want. Our job is to provide the tools and features that will get you there quickly and easily. With the design changes in the coming weeks and months, we're bringing forward the stuff that matters to you and getting all the other clutter out of your way. Even simple changes, like using bolder colors for actionable buttons or hiding navigation buttons until they're actually needed, can help you better focus on only what you need at the moment.
- Elasticity: In the early days, there was pretty much just one way to use Google: on a desktop computer with an average-sized monitor. Over a decade later, all it takes is a look around one's home or office at the various mobile devices, tablets, high-resolution monitors and TVs to see a plethora of ways to access the web. The new design will soon allow you to seamlessly transition from one device to another and have a consistent visual experience. We aim to bring you this flexibility without sacrificing style or usefulness.
- Effortlessness: Our design philosophy is to combine power with simplicity. We want to keep our look simple and clean, but behind the seemingly simple design, use new technologies like HTML5, WebGL and the latest, fastest browsers to make sure you have all the power of the web behind you.
Here is a larger look at the new search results page.
Here is the new Maps interface:
Don't like it? Google doesn't want you to complain in their forums, although 80% of the threads in the forums are complaints about the design. Instead, submit a complaint via this email form and expect no response.
Forum discussion at Google Web Search Help, WebmasterWorld and Google Maps Help.
