Former Google Maps Designer Criticizes App’s New Design
A former Google Maps designer has criticized the latest color changes implemented in the app, calling it “colder, less accurate, and less human.” Elizabeth Laraki, who last worked on Google Maps 15 years ago, has also proposed several improvements to simplify the app’s interface.
Laraki feels that Google can remove many unnecessary elements cluttering the app’s interface. She believes that the map’s visual design has missed an opportunity to simplify and scale, and has voiced her dissent about the new Google Maps color palette.
Currently, there are 11 different elements obscuring the map, including a search box, eight pills overlayed in four rows, a peeking card for the latest in the area, and a bottom nav bar. Laraki suggests that only things that are highly useful to many people should obscure the map, and that the map should be considered sacred real estate.
Laraki has proposed a modified version of Google Maps that keeps the search box and bottom bar and removes everything else from the map. She also suggests relocating certain features to the bottom bar and simplifying the Explore overlays.
Poll: Do You Agree with Laraki’s Proposed Improvements?
85 votes
- Yes, it could do with less elements – 71%
- No, it’s fine the way it is – 13%
- I just want the old colors back – 16%
Do you agree with Laraki’s proposed improvements for Google Maps? Do you also feel it’s too cluttered and could be dramatically simplified? Take our poll and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.