Google cleans up interface for multiple devices

Google has given its homepage a cleaner look —relocating links to the top and bottom of the page— to give users a more "seamless" experience regardless of whether they are using computers, smartphones or tablets. In a blog post, Google digital creative director Chris Wiggins said they are working on a new "Google experience" centered on "focus, elasticity, and effortlessness." "The way people use and experience the web is evolving, and our goal is to give you a more seamless and consistent online experience—one that works no matter which Google product you’re using or what device you’re using it on," Wiggins said. He said the Google experience should emphasize focus, whether one is searching, emailing or looking for a map. In pushing focus, he said that Google's job is to provide the tools and features "that will get you there quickly and easily." Wiggins hinted at "simple changes" like using bolder colors for actionable buttons or hiding navigation buttons until they are actually needed. On elasticity, Wiggins said that Google is working on a new design that will allow one to "seamlessly transition from one device to another and have a consistent visual experience," without sacrificing style or usefulness. As for effortlessness, he said Google aims to keep its look simple and clean, but use new technologies like HTML5, WebGL and the latest, fastest browsers. Wiggins also pointed out Google had constantly revised and improved its look and feel. He added they plan to introduce more updates to Google's look and feel in the next few months. "Starting today and over the course of the next few months, look for a series of design improvements across all our products, including Google Search, Google Maps and Gmail," he said. — TJD, GMA News