Skip to main content

Google tests simpler search results pages

Some Google users have noticed changes to the design of the company’s search result pages. CNET reports that a few different search result designs have begun filtering around the net. They appear to share a cleaner overall look, with more white space between results, no underlining on links (a long overdue upgrade), the lighter blue font Google has been favoring, and the removal of links like “Similar” and “Cached.” At least one version has a dashed line between entries as well.

We’ve included a comparison between the old and new design below.

google-search-result-redesign-may-2011
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As is typical with any design change, many users have rebelled, calling the new look “ugly” and wanting the comfortable old design back. However, the only thing we’ve really noticed is that Google search results are beginning to look more like Bing. However, one could argue that Bing looks too much like Google already.

bing-search-results-page
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re intrigued about the similarities and differences between Google and Bing, check out our Google Vs Bing experiment from February. We compared the search results of both engines (with colorful pictures) and found that more than half of front page results appear to be the same. In any case, it seems that link underlines are really going out of style. Do you miss big underlined links or does a simple color change work well enough?

Editors' Recommendations

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…
A massive Google Search bug is affecting major publishers
A laptop rests on a bench outside with google search open on-screen.

Google has reported an issue with its search engine that is currently affecting publishers.

Recent articles and content from several sources appear to have a number of challenges, including newly published articles not showing up in Google search at all, as has been noted by CNET.

Read more
How to remove personal info from Google search
Google Pixel XL

Recently, Google revealed it is expanding the sphere of personal information that can be removed from search results. As part of this change, users will be able to remove sensitive personal such as contact details and login credentials. Previously, this was limited to just bank details. The updated policy enables users to have more control over their data that can be accessed by a basic Google search.

Read more
You can now augment Google Lens photo searches with text
Google Lens brings visual searches to the phone.

Google is looking to improve its search results by leveraging both the power of photos, along with additional text for context. The new experience is called multisearch, which will be available on phones and tablets as part of Google Lens inside the Google app.

Google says the feature combines visual and word searches together to deliver the best results possible, even when you can't describe exactly what it is that you're trying to search for.

Read more