In my (different-looking) Gmail inbox this morning was an adamant message from a friend who adopted Gmail back when you had to have an invitation: “Stupid Gmail! I love Gmail, but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I HATE, HATE, HATE this new look they think they have to foist on us.”
So, in keeping with Google’s model, let’s talk +1. And -1, as the case may be.
Interactivity
Navigation (+1)
The less often-used elements have become subtler or appropriately been obscured by navigation elements. Big ups for finally figuring out what users use–and thus want to access–most. The manic former interface looked like free-for-all UI vomited a broken typewriter onto my screen.
For the most common functions, icons have replaced words. Love it. My affinity for this is partially just learned behavior after years of smartphone use. Nonetheless, I think it works. The icons are standardized: trash can for Delete, circle and arrow for Refresh. The overwhelming majority will get it immediately. For the rest, that’s what hover + tool tips are for.
Dynamic Elements (+1)
This is quite possibly my favorite enhancement. Options to archive, report spam, delete, move, label and the oh-so-descriptive “More” appear only when relevant. (Relevant in this case means there’s something selected that each of those actions could actually affect.) The rest of the time, a little “if / then” logic turns 10 buttons into three, and viola! the header–and the user!–suddenly has room to breathe.
Email detail views (a big fat -1)
Why, oh why is the most recent message in a thread still at the bottom of the screen? This ain’t yo mama’s stationary! We are not actually bound by the chronological constraints of letter writing anymore. This is the typewritten representation of a living, ongoing conversation. I don’t care what I said to initiate the thread, I care about the most recent reply. Aw, Google, you’re killin’ me.
Design
Legibility (0)
It’s a little hard to read sidebar items when you’ve assigned a variegated theme. The inbox itself is slightly translucent, which could also be a problem, but to a lesser extent. Emails themselves are perfectly legible, and I like the updated treatment (matches Google Plus, of which I’m a big fan). So overall, I give it a neutral score.
Ads (-1)
Still fugly and intrusive. Can’t do much about the intrusive part, as it’s the foundation of the business model. But the fugly…
Overall Look and Feel (+1)
Google seems to be going for an airier, more dynamic feel, and overall I think they pull it off. Scrolling is evident without being obvious. Inactive elements (checkboxes before they’re checked, for example) are pleasantly subtle.
Grand Total
So what does that bring us to? Good navigation + Dynamic elements – Email order – Fugly Ads + Improved look-and-feel = Mostly Better.
Overall, good job, Google. Now let’s work on that pesky email order situation…
