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Monday, March 27

Google's New Search Page Layout

Changes are in the wings for Google's search interface. After trawling through the forums recently, I stumbled upon a conversation outlining the new interface that Google seems to be trialing secretly. Whilst the new layout doesn't seem to be ground breaking, it does provide scope for some significant changes and opportunities.

The most obvious change is the new graphical advanced search options on the left hand side. Where Google's main page was comprised of essentially 2 columns, with organic listings making up the core column, and sponsored listings (pay-per-click advertising) on the right hand side, the new layout allows Google to provide navigation to other search categories in the newly created left hand frame.

Why you ask?

Why has Google taken their trusty and reliable format and chosen to change it now? It all comes down to best use of web real estate. By moving their additional search categories from the top of the page (traditionally below the search box), to the new left hand column, it allows their actual search results to feature higher on the page. This means that more content will fit within the standard window.

It also means more exposure for Google's other search categories. As you all know, the eye tracks left to right, so anyone who uses Google instinctively looks at the left hand column expecting organic search results. They will now be drawn to the alternative search category navigation, with graphical representation of content available. I guesstimate this is aimed at helping / encouraging users to explore the other search categories available.

The new left frame also gives Google more scope for expanding its additional search categories. Where its current layout displays the alternative search categories across the top of the page which has limited space, the new left hand navigation, provides the scope for Google to extensively increase its search options, or even use the space for other means. This is a prudent strategic layout move for the search giant as other search categories are being trialed such as the new Google Finance search and resources page (available from http://finance.google.com).

So you want to trial the interface? Here's how!
It's a 4 step process:

Open a new window with Google.com
Then copy and paste the following code into the search box: (1 continuous string)

javascript:alert(document.cookie="PREF=ID=fb7740f107311e46:TM=1142683332:
LM=1142683332:S=fNSw6ljXTzvL3dWu;path=/;domain=.google.com")
Click enter
Start searching

Voila - now you can see and explore the changes for yourself.

While there is no clear indication of when this new layout or any other interface changes are going to be implemented, a search page makeover is probably overdue for Google. What does have me bemused is why Google hasn't explored the functionality of Web 2.0 in the new interface. Whilst Web 2.0 is not essential for a search results page, it does provide users more control and customization over their search journey, a fact that Windows Live Search and even Ask.com have been quick to explore.

Hmmm, I wonder if Google is keeping some of its changes under wraps.

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10 Comments

At 10:31 AM, Dave Faulkner said...: Hmm - didn't work when I tried it. Just threw up the usual page when Google says it can't find your search term - 'Did you mean ... ?' etc.
At 11:36 AM, Anonymous said...: I tried the link you gave to the new Google interface but it didn't seem to work.

It sounds a good idea to have the additional search options in the left hand column. I hope this includes some, esp. blog search, that you currently have to click More to see.
At 5:28 PM, Anonymous said...: Your search string does not work.
At 5:30 PM, Mary said...: Your search string does not work.
At 10:14 PM, Anonymous said...: When copy and pasting the code string into google to view the new changes, it returned a " NO MATCH ".

Why is this so?
Any explaination?

Contact Andrew: rockwizard@pozonline.com.au
At 10:16 PM, Anonymous said...: woops: email was wrong.... it should read...

Contact Andrew at: rockwizard@ozonline.com.au
At 7:10 AM, Cyril said...: This doesn't seem to work at all.
At 3:21 PM, sherylk said...: I tried the whole string and got nothing. Did the search, came up with no matches???
www.sherylsenhancementboutique.com
At 1:08 AM, Anonymous said...: Of course it's not going to work - it uses session cookie values which are unique to a particular user's machine. In this case probably the author of the article. Copying and pasting cookie strings between machines is not likely to work ever, as that would be a severe breach of security (i.e. it's impersonation) which browser vendors would not support (we hope.)
At 7:45 PM, Eddie said...: no, you goobers... Its not a session cookie and its not a search string. Go to google.com then in your Location Bar (Address Bar in IE) and enter it. It should be one large line. Copy and paste the lines into notepad, shut wordwrap off (Format->WordWrap) and delete the carriage returns. Paste the SINGLE LINE code into the location bar and hit enter. You should get a message box. Click OK and search away.

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