Further to their ongoing re-design process across all their services, Google has today started rolling out a new design for their Google Bar, which has now been redesigned to enable you to quickly and easily navigate between Google’s services.
Now, rather than having a black bar across the top of your screen when you are logged in to your Google account, you will soon be welcomed with a new drop-down Google menu nested under the Google logo. This new design aims to streamline the user experience, making it more intuitive and visually appealing. See it in action after the jump.
Key Features of the New Google Bar
Google explains:
“Above each of Google’s products, the gray bar has three main regions. On the left, the Google logo contains a drop-down menu with links to Google services that displays when you hover over or click on it. The central area contains a search box for the Google service you are currently using. The right side features a share box and notifications to participate on Google+ from any Google page.”
This new design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality. The drop-down menu under the Google logo provides quick access to various Google services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and more. This means you no longer need to navigate back to the homepage to switch between services, saving you valuable time.
The central search box is another significant improvement. It allows you to search within the specific Google service you are currently using, making it easier to find what you need without having to leave the page. For example, if you are in Google Drive, the search box will help you find documents, spreadsheets, and other files stored in your Drive.
On the right side, the share box and notifications are designed to keep you connected with your Google+ network. Although Google+ has since been discontinued, this feature was initially intended to make social sharing and notifications more accessible, ensuring you stay updated with your network’s activities.
Impact on User Experience
The redesign of the Google Bar is part of Google’s broader strategy to create a more unified and seamless user experience across all its services. By integrating these features into a single, cohesive bar, Google aims to reduce the cognitive load on users, making it easier to navigate and use multiple services simultaneously.
For instance, professionals who rely on Google’s suite of tools for their daily tasks will find this redesign particularly beneficial. The ability to quickly switch between Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive without multiple clicks can significantly enhance productivity. Similarly, students using Google Classroom and Google Docs will appreciate the streamlined navigation, allowing them to focus more on their studies rather than figuring out how to switch between services.
Moreover, the new design is expected to be more responsive and adaptive to different screen sizes, ensuring a consistent experience whether you are using a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This is crucial in today’s multi-device world, where users expect seamless transitions between their devices.
For more information on the new Google Bar redesign, jump over to Google’s Help Center article.
Source: Google
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