I agree with Joi about the UI research, but I think there's something else going on here. The changes in Google didn't really change the UI for most of the users... but they did change the tone of voice. Just a little. Sort of like if Arnold lost part of his accent or Bob Edwards wasn't on NPR every morning.

I think the unmarketing, non-marketing, whatever you want to call it, of a consistent and almost invisible UI made us like it even more. And so it makes us a little nostalgic when the tabs go away.

I really think you are nitpicking sir. The changes are so very very minute. The restraint they show in holding back *real* marketing powers over K.I.S.S. UI design, is remarkable.

What I find utterly puzzling is that they did this using webdesign techniques of the 1990's. Table layouts! Good lord. Web Standards, people! Sigh.

Very insightful, Joi. I think it begs the question -- are the changes really making the tool better if people don't like it?

Engineers have a funny idea of what is 'better' sometimes. A huge part of using tools is how well people have integrated with the tool.

Well it does feel colder, but essentially I think Joi is right. People don't like change, unless its clearly needed. But if it really is subtly better they will grow to love it.

The only thing I get out of the reaction to Google's minute changes is that people have a huge emotional attachment to the brand. These are minute changes, ones most people won't even notice consciously, big deal...

I really don't think engineers were left to redo the UI here, Trevor.

What we have here is minute and sensible "intuition marker" tweaking. A bit of color here, a change of text size there... move this over here, and that over there... There! Much better.

It's one thing to be simple, it's another to be intuitive.

Whoa. I didn't even notice the changes until now. I wonder how many project managers it took to screw in that light bulb. In any case, I still love Google.

Well actually they change it randomly a couple of time 2 weeks before. I found that they change it between the original and new within a few hours. I don't like the new design though, may be it's going to take time to get used to it.

i hate you all.