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October 30, 2009

Google Pushes Fading Home Page Test To More, Adds Instructions

Earlier this month, Google began testing a simplistic fading in home page. Some loved it, but mostly, I have seen complaints about it. It seems like Google has pushed this test home page to many more people. I have seen a spike in posts about this in the Google Web Search Help discussion area, plus a new thread at WebmasterWorld.

The new push seemed to have one minor, but significant change to the fade home page test. As the SEW blog reports, Google added instructions, informing users to "Press enter to search." Here is a screen capture:

Google Home Page "Press Enter"

Now, if you need instructions on how to use a simplistic design, does that mean the simplicity is simply not there?

Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld and dozens of threads at Google Web Search Help.



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posted rustybrick in Google Search Engine at October 30, 2009 9:01 AM Comments (4)

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Comments

Sometimes less is too little

Was the person who came up with this idea fired?

 

Posted by Martin Maybruck at October 30, 2009 09:28

Who in there right mind would do this to the home page. They should be fired ! you have left millions without a clue ............ I'll use yahoo if thats what it takes....

 

Posted by withers at November 12, 2009 11:35

But pressing 'enter' to enter data is such a basic skill. Its like learning to put a full stop after a sentence.

 

Posted by chunks at November 16, 2009 01:53

Could this be more about getting rid of I'm Feeling Lucky? By dismantling that shortcut, Google forces searchers to be exposed to AdWords impressions. I'm Feeling Lucky was costing Google, in the sense of opportunity cost.

In place of I'm Feeling Lucky, Google instructs people on how to use a search tool they already know how to use.

Your thoughts?

 

Posted by Grant Wiggins at November 16, 2009 12:59

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