Google is prepping a refreshed user interface for Gmail. The effort is part of Google's long-term strategy to unify the look and feel of all its online services so customers encounter the same user experience wherever they are in Google's online universe.
One design goal is to bring to the foreground the features that matter most to users by reducing clutter. Even better, the design refresh will eventually give users the ability to seamlessly transition from one device to another while retaining a consistent visual experience, Google Creative Director Chris Wiggins wrote in a blog.
"Our design philosophy is to combine power with simplicity -- we want to keep our look simple and clean," Wiggins explained. "But behind the seemingly simple design, we use new technologies like HTML5, WebGL and the latest, fastest browsers to make sure you have all the power of the web behind you."
Smoothing Rough Edges
Some new Gmail features are available now for users to try. For example, click on the new themes tab in Gmail to select the "preview" or "preview (dense)" themes. The available options will eventually expand dynamically to accommodate different screen sizes and user preferences.
"Over the years, adding countless features to Gmail have made it an increasingly powerful communication hub, but along the way the interface has also become more cluttered and complex," Google User Experience Designer Jason Cornwell wrote in a blog. "That's one of the reasons we're embarking on a series of interface updates."
Google is encouraging Gmail users to poke around and try some of the new features being introduced over time to give Gmail a cleaner, modern look. Initially, however, users should expect to encounter some "rough edges" along the way in how some features appear in the new themes rolled out this week.
"We plan to fix these issues as we roll out changes in the coming months," Cornwall advised. "We'll be working on these upgrades gradually over the next few months to allow plenty of time to understand and incorporate your feedback into the evolving design."
Calendar Changes
Eventually users will benefit from the changes to Gmail once all the wrinkles are ironed out. For example, some of the new themes slated for later introduction will make it easier for users working in a dark environment. Also planned is a wider selection of themes incorporating a wide range of color palettes and popular illustrations.
Cosmetic changes to Google Calendar are now available for users to check out that likewise are intended to make the user experience more consistent and intuitive while reducing screen clutter. For example, the "My calendars" and "Other calendars" lists on the left are now collapsed by default and may be expanded using the small gray arrow.
Likewise, the mini-month view under the calendar Create button is now collapsible. Users who prefer the old-style Google Calendar can click the gear icon and select the classic look.
Google hopes users will respond with feedback to help Gmail's designers achieve their goals. "Try out the new themes as a preview of the future of Gmail and let us know what you think," Cornwall requested.
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