Recently, Google Search moved the search options from left-side to top-side:
I have to say that I don't feel it for web search results. It doesn't seem to add any useful space at all from what I see since the width of result seems to be same, ~500 pixels.
Even with the Knowledge Graph, still looks same to me:
In fact, little more awkward white space on wide screen, which should be everyone's screen type nowadays. If you maximize the window, it always has a lot of white space on search results, that probably will never be resolved. It's fine actually, not really a big issue.
To make this point for clear, please search for "apple tart" in Recipe search. The tick boxes for ingredients were used to be easy to click on, now you have click more times. It's so inconvenient.
Although I do find search query will promote certain search type, e.g. searching for viral video promoting Video type or "notes app" promoting Application type.
More thumbnails in one page, it's good, right?
If I have to give this design a score, I would say 2 out of 5 with this comment: not an improvement.
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| Left: old design, options at left-hand side. Right: new design: options at top below input box |
More space for result?
With the new design, theres a bit more breathing room, ...
I have to say that I don't feel it for web search results. It doesn't seem to add any useful space at all from what I see since the width of result seems to be same, ~500 pixels.
Even with the Knowledge Graph, still looks same to me:
In fact, little more awkward white space on wide screen, which should be everyone's screen type nowadays. If you maximize the window, it always has a lot of white space on search results, that probably will never be resolved. It's fine actually, not really a big issue.
Click harder!
It's bit of strange when using the "Search tools," such as time range. In the old design, you click and options drop down, then you move your mouse cursor directly downward. But with this new design, you have to go left and little bit down. Since the options now is actually drop-down menu style, it requires two-clicks if you want to change from "Past hour" to "Past 24 hours." Less efficient than the old design.To make this point for clear, please search for "apple tart" in Recipe search. The tick boxes for ingredients were used to be easy to click on, now you have click more times. It's so inconvenient.
Fewer search types shown initially
Another issue with this new design is Video search isn't shown initially, you have to click on "More" to access it. Frankly, I use video search quite often, especially when a song is bugging me. Beside Video search, News search isn't shown, either. I also use News search whenever I hear something, just not as frequent. I think Google tries to maintain the same width as the result area width for the default search type. So, they demote Video and News.Although I do find search query will promote certain search type, e.g. searching for viral video promoting Video type or "notes app" promoting Application type.
Something is good?
One thing is good from the new design is the image search:More thumbnails in one page, it's good, right?
Verdict
I can understand why Google want to make it better for tablet and mobile users, but rolled this design to desktop users, I don't feel it's right design.If I have to give this design a score, I would say 2 out of 5 with this comment: not an improvement.