Google’s search improvements need improving

May 5th, 2010

Today, Google announced they are rolling out an improved search results page.

However, they seem to have battered it with an ugly stick and made the page very ‘heavy’ (click for larger version):

Screenshot from Google of their improved search results page

So again, a few hours’ work, and I’ve created an improved version. Most of my time was spent:

  • Removing unnecessary details, such as grey dividing lines and search times (does anyone care any more what fraction of a second a search takes?)
  • Improving the spacing between search results
  • Improving the design of the left search choices

Here it is (click for larger version):

Improved search results page, with better visual spacing between results, a cleaner left column with titles to divide search options, and fewer unnecessary details such as search time.

Feedback welcome, as always.

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One response

  1. Tess says:
    May 14, 2010 at 2:24 am

    I love the way you got rid of the bit where it tells the user how long the search took. This may be just Google showing off about how quick they are, but frankly I don’t give a hoot whether it’s 0.2 seconds or 0.6. I’ll only care if the search takes significantly *longer*, in which case (a) I’ll have noticed anyway, and (b) they won’t want to boast about it any more. It’s a waste of valuable Googlespace.

    I just (re)discovered your website while “working” – I do love a good slice of procrastination for breakfast.

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