I don’t know if you’ve been to Google’s homepage lately… Okay, let me rephrase that. I don’t know if you have noticed, but Google’s homepage looks a little… umm… bare. You’re probably accustomed to seeing the logo, the search box, the two buttons (“Google Search”, and “I’m Feeling Lucky”), and of course the other options across the top and bottom. Although, and you may have not paid much attention to this, but there is something different when you go there now. The options are missing!!!
It seems like Google has taken a minimalist approach, by getting rid of the distractions, and getting down to what you really came there to do – search! But what about the options? What if I came to search images, or get quick access to my gmail, what do I do now? Well do not fret, all is not lost. With a gentle move of your mouse, the missing options fade in all it’s option glory. It’s a small change, and maybe not a big deal, but it’s one I’m all for.
Google has streamlined your search experience, removing the clutter, and allowing you to focus on searching. Once you hit the site, the cursor is ready, blinking in the search field awaiting your key strokes. If you haven’t seen (or noticed) it already, try it out. It’s a little thing that makes a big difference.
Category design Tags search, usability
Nice article. I hadn’t noticed, now I”m gonna go check it out. You should get an RSS feed so I know when you update!
Good idea… I should get on that… :S
I agree with Yaw, add an RSS feed. Blog looks great, Lenny. Looking forward to more posts.
Hmm…personally, I think this will take some getting used to. Actually, I probably won’t have much use because my Google defaults to Google.ca anyway, complex view. I think if it were more obvious to me that the cursor is ready and waiting, the usefulness would be more obvious too. ‘Cos I need things spelled out. O-B-V-I-O-U-S
But when you explained it, it made sense. S-E-N-S-E
a very subtle change…
but still has effects on channeling a users attention, easing them into the page.. surprising since the google page was by no means visually cluttered to begin with.
it guess this is an example how important being cognitive of- and properly managing user attention is to good UI design.
Great blog Lenny!
I like the new streamlined Google home page… it’s to the point. I also checked it out since I didn’t know about it, and what I noticed is that if I bring my my mouse down onto the page, the other parts of the home page come up. Very clever Google!!
I can’t wait for the next posting…