It’s safe to say that Google has been on a bit of a redesign binge over the past few months, updating a number of icons including, Gmail, Maps, Drive, Meet and Calendar (to mixed reviews). It seems that the streak is spilling over into 2021, this time with the mobile browser experience.
In a recent blog, Google shared mockups of the new design, and from what we can tell, it’s not a significant design change. It seems that the upgrade is focused on user experience and refining the relevance of search results. That said, larger bolder test and bigger surface area of results on screen will make information easier to scan.
The new design also illustrates a more minimalist approach and intentional use of colour to highlight relevant information rather than for pure aesthetics. The reduction of clutter will also make search results easier to sort through.
There was also a noticeable step taken to align the design with Google’s new look, featuring reduced shadows and favouring roundness over hard lines.
Designer Aileen Cheng, who spearheaded the project, says,” “We wanted to take a step back to simplify a bit so people could find what they’re looking for faster and more easily.”
Cheng concludes by staying that she very much wanted to still keep in touch with Google’s iconic primary colour palette, identifying the playfulness of the palette as what sets the brand apart from other tech giants.
