Google experiments with new search interface

Posted on 26 Nov 2009 at 17:48

Google is experimenting with a new sidebar in its search results that highlights the various search filters you can perform on a query.

The sidebar includes links for image, news and shopping filters, as well as lesser-known alternatives such as forums, books and blogs. Other options, such as suggested alternative searches, time filters and Google's search tools, are listed underneath the new filters.

It's typical of Google to roll out a new feature to a select few cutting edge users to see how they react, but in this case the experiment is quite daring, as the new sidebar adds icons for each type of search filter, going against Google's normal less-is-more philosophy.

As Google expands into new search areas, however, its search results have become messier as it tries to suggest alternative search filters. By making the filters more visible, it can return only those results that match the selected filter.

As usual, someone has managed to find a way to access the new features, so we tried it out. There's a bit of duplication, as you can still see the text links across the top of the page that lead to a selection of search filters. Whether these will survive or not in the final version will depend on user feedback. We're happy with simple text menus, but we can see why Google is trying to make its features more visible to less technically-inclined users, most of whom still think Google is a browser, not a web site.

Author: Barry de la Rosa

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