Skip to main content

Google pretties up its search and web services in preparation for Google+ Project

google-new-design-june-2011
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google is getting ready for the big dance. Earlier today, the search giant publicly unveiled Google +, it’s own take on the social network. A direct competitor to Facebook, the new project is expansive and involves the cooperation of dozens of different Google products. To make room for the new social experience, the company is cleaning house and redecorating its services. Many users may have already begun to notice changes, like a black bar on top of the Google search page.

Detailing some of the changes in a blog post, Google says it is attempting to create a more seamless, connected experience throughout its many pages and products. The key words it is using to explain this new design philosophy are “focus, elasticity, and effortlessness.”

  • Focus: Google’s pages will get small and large tweaks to bring forward the things that matter most when you need them.
  • Elasticity: Web pages and apps across a myriad of devices are being designed (and retrofitted) to provide a more seamless and consistent experience.
  • Effortlessness: Everything needs to be focused around simplicity for the user (you).

While we’d argue that Effortlessness and Focus are actually a bit redundant as Google explains them, we’re excited to see Google putting any emphasis on design. We expect that many of Google’s new Web services will look more like the recently launched Android Market webstore and Google Music. We also expect those blue links in search results to lose their underline soon. Gmail, Maps, and almost all sections will get some kind of makeover.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
LinkedIn adding word games so you can procrastinate at work
A LinkedIn mobile app store page displayed on a mobile device.

LinkedIn may exist to help professionals look for new job opportunities and network with others in the same field, but it could soon become the place for a bit of downtime, too.

Why? Because it's planning to introduce games to its platform.

Read more
Do iPhone 14 cases fit the iPhone 15? Sort of, but not quite
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro showing the screens.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro (left) and iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series have identical display sizes, but there are slight variations in their total dimensions due to design changes. This has led to a common question of whether the cases designed for iPhone 14 would fit the iPhone 15 models. While the answer probably won't surprise you, it will likely disappoint you.

Read more
Nothing can stop the Oura Ring
A person holding the Oura Ring 3rd generation Horizon and Heritage model.

Oura Ring Heritage (left) and Oura Ring Horizon Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If there is one product category that's experiencing a big boon right now, it’s the smart ring. The first smart ring to hit the market and really take off was the Oura Ring. The current Oura Ring Gen 3 has been available since late 2021, and it's quickly become the default smart ring of choice.

Read more