Former Google Maps designer Elizabeth Laraki recently criticized the latest color changes and proposed improvements to simplify the app. She believes the new colors make Maps look “colder, less accurate, and less human,” and suggested Google remove unnecessary elements cluttering the interface.
Laraki, who last worked on Google Maps 15 years ago, is currently a design leader at Facebook, Google, and YouTube. She finds the latest color palette “more computer generated” and points out that there are 11 different elements obscuring the map.
She feels there’s an information overload on Google Maps and suggests removing some of these elements. Her proposed new look for Google Maps removes everything from the map except the search box and bottom bar. She suggests moving My Location and map layers to the bottom bar and having Explore overlays open as cards. The additional space in the bottom bar could be used for Saved or a More option.
The poll at the end of the article asks readers if they agree with Laraki’s proposed improvements and if they feel Google Maps is too cluttered and could be simplified. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts in the comments section.
