Google's New Design

smitty777 writes "You may have already noticed some of the changes in Google as part of their multi-month design slam. These design changes include information architecture focus, seamless device integration, and simplifying a number of elements. According to the official Google blog, the changes over the next few months will affect Google Search, Maps and Gmail. The black navigation bar in place right now is also part of the Google +Project."

jumpy scrolling

[magarity]

I cut way back on Google usage a few months ago when they took over the arrow keys' normal smooth window scrolling and made it jump from one search result to another. That just makes it hard to read and track which entry is next when it jumps like that.

Google maps / mouse scroll wheel annoyance

[CmdrPorno]

Dear Google, please stop using the scroll wheel to zoom in/out in Google Maps. It drives me nuts every time I use it. Better yet, give us an option to use the wheel to pan (which would be the logical mapping of that function) instead of zoom.

Re:Being Slashdot this will mean...

[SniperJoe]

I quit using their sites altogether as well, for exactly the same reasons as you did. I was merely trying to comment on the fact that I think you captured a bit of both sides of the issue here. On one hand, developers are trying to force change in the name of "process improvement." On the other hand, people want things to stay the same, even if it leaves them behind. In many cases, people are taken aback when they are TOLD that the new product is better when that improvement isn't quite apparent. As a developer, you have to weigh the value of improvement with the disruption that you are causing.

In Gawker's case, they majorly screwed the pooch. They massively broke their site while adopting the condescending "we know better than you, so deal with it" tone of voice, which caused many of their previously loyal readers to leave. You at least realize the fact that users are afraid of change and that some (including myself) are very resistant to that change. That puts you WAY ahead of the curve compared to the Gawker team.

Re:How about Google Classic

[shimage]

The main google page isn't the problem. It's still very simple. It's after I get the results that's a pain. l have to deal with crap like their interface stealing my arrow key inputs. And then if I want to edit my search terms (instead of starting a new search), I have to deal with instant search constantly pulling up nonsense and slowing things down every time I make a type (and then again when I fix the typo). I'm a bit slow (ie, stupid), so my brain can't handle looking at the results as I'm typing (I can't even type without making typos, after all), so it really serves no purpose to me. I know I can turn all this crap off, but those settings aren't tied to my Google account, so I need to set them every time I start up my browser (I like to clear the cookies on exit). I used to like google's search and layout, but now I'm wondering if there's something that doesn't suck as much.

Re:BIG MISTAKE

[demonbug]

There was always a menu at the top. Now it's a different color, and has a new item. Not a big deal.

Google.com used to look nice and clean and sleek, now they've continued their uglifying+overcomplicating streak by making the top of the page a different color for no apparent reason (except to draw attention away from what I actually go to the site for, the search box). Another example of the need Google seems to have to be seen to be doing something regardless of whether it is actually an improvement.