Google subtly roll out some elegant refinements
Over the last week we’ve been watching the Google search results page subtly evolve into something quite elegant. They have managed to retain their essential google-ness (rich blue text links, plenty of whitespace) but have introduced some new styling to page elements that make the whole google experience feel more aesthetically considered.
The different Google services are now presented in a black bar across the top of the screen; previously these were blue link text on white. Underneath these, the Google branding and search box are now in a lightly tinted strip instead of floating on white. Finally, the search refinement options on the left are now grey text on white, with brick-red headings. All in all, the page feels more structured, and more pleasant to look at (and use).
So, hats off to the Google design team who have quietly made some great visual improvements to the search.