Google's lead designer for search, Jon Wiley, explained in an interesting presentation at the UX Week 2011 that the unified interface is the biggest redesign in Google's history. It's interesting to know that the interface has nothing to do with Google+, but it was associated with Google+ because it was the first Google product that used it.
Larry Page decided that Google needs a more beautiful UI on the same day when he became Google's CEO (April 4). Google Creative Labs, who came up with Google's Super Bowl ad and many of the Chrome ads, designed the new interface and Google's designers were really surprised that they're finally allowed to create something bold. Jon Wiley quotes a tweet from a Google user who noticed the new design and concluded that Google must have hired some designers.
While Larry Page was really pleased with the result, many Google employees hated the redesign at first (especially Gmail's new interface), but they started to like it after a few days. It's a pretty big change for Google and it's really surprising to see that it was Larry Page's idea.
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I submit that this is a "restyling" rather than a "redesign"; the fundamental structure of the UI hasn't changed noticeably.
ReplyDeleteThis Elastic concept is amazing. Loved the GMail demo!
ReplyDeleteI amazed, to be honest. Can't wait to see all the changes!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like they're considering replacing the black bar with the notification, display picture and some sort of menu. The black bar is kind of inconsistant but it is useful. It all looks beautiful, especially compared to hotmail and bing with no elasticity at all.
ReplyDeleteWhy Google worker use Mac? :-)
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any news on google reader? ...
ReplyDeleteThis is an example of "career feature". Like wave or google+. "Less information on screen" is never a result of engineer's work. But PMs love that!
ReplyDeleteThey need to bring back the search icons on the left hand side of the results page.
ReplyDeletei noticed google service login screens have also undergone a overhaul.
ReplyDeleteChange is constant. Its always welcome for new interface.
ReplyDeleteChange is constant. Its always welcome for new interface.
ReplyDeleteDiscussions on small changes is not worthwhile. Come up with some innovative ideas as Facebook has implemented in the recent times.
ReplyDeletewhat do you mean that it is larry page idea? if i not mistaken Larry is one of the great inventor such as Steve jobs.. sure it is his idea..
ReplyDelete@ Henry at least they are some changes rather than a static one... maybe Google need some time before a major redesign... its all take time... Google plus is one of it.. can't wait to see the future of t :-)
ReplyDeleteWell, this unification has created a Google Reader that uses nearly 25% of its content area for navigation now.
ReplyDeleteYes, the google reader design is horrible / unusable. I really did give it a chance, but my eyes are starting to hurt just trying to read it. And don't even get me started on how you are supposed to tell which articles are read / unread (i.e. black -vs- almost black).
ReplyDeleteIt really stinks. Really, across the board.
ReplyDeleteWill be looking into userscripts to revert to the old look at the client end.
its awesome and no words
ReplyDelete