Google has been trying out a lot of changes in its search engine because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up keeping it ahead of its rivals and competitors. In spite of the fact that this is the case, most of the experiments that Google conducts don’t manage to last long before they get removed, so it seems that Google is testing out a variety of options before deciding on any single one.
One of the more recent tests that Google has conducted on its flagship search engine product involved mixing vertical navigation with various search refinement options and suggestions. According to various screenshots posted on Twitter by beta testers, it appears that Google’s latest tests involve trying to incorporate search suggestions and refinements within a new vertical navigation setup.
With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that this new UI will include navigation options and menu links within the same bar. Some are praising this as an improvement over the previous user interface, while others are suggesting that it might be a little too confusing for the average user with all things having been considered and taken into account.
This is still only a test, and it seems unlikely that Google will be giving it a wider rollout anytime soon. Something that seems more probable is that Google is just testing this to see how searchers will react to it. Some searchers will certainly find value in vertical navigation, but they might not prefer seeing refinement suggestions in the same bar. Others would appreciate the refinements but they may not find the new vertical navigation to be up their alley.
Google has to play a delicate balancing act to cater to all of its users, and updates like this can be useful to that end. We will have to wait and see if any of these features end up seeing the light of day, although they may just be added to the already long list of failed experiments by Google.
Read next: Google Makes Huge Changes In Its Play Store Policies To Try And Combat Growing Concerns In The App Landscape
One of the more recent tests that Google has conducted on its flagship search engine product involved mixing vertical navigation with various search refinement options and suggestions. According to various screenshots posted on Twitter by beta testers, it appears that Google’s latest tests involve trying to incorporate search suggestions and refinements within a new vertical navigation setup.
With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that this new UI will include navigation options and menu links within the same bar. Some are praising this as an improvement over the previous user interface, while others are suggesting that it might be a little too confusing for the average user with all things having been considered and taken into account.
Example 3:
— Saad AK (@SaadAlikhan1994) July 24, 2022
Sending to: @rustybrick SIR. pic.twitter.com/23qdHXJer9
This is still only a test, and it seems unlikely that Google will be giving it a wider rollout anytime soon. Something that seems more probable is that Google is just testing this to see how searchers will react to it. Some searchers will certainly find value in vertical navigation, but they might not prefer seeing refinement suggestions in the same bar. Others would appreciate the refinements but they may not find the new vertical navigation to be up their alley.
Google has to play a delicate balancing act to cater to all of its users, and updates like this can be useful to that end. We will have to wait and see if any of these features end up seeing the light of day, although they may just be added to the already long list of failed experiments by Google.
Read next: Google Makes Huge Changes In Its Play Store Policies To Try And Combat Growing Concerns In The App Landscape
