Google Maps web app gets Material Design-inspired makeover
Google Maps is the latest to get its turn, with several tweaks that replicate mobile layout and feature set on the desktop.
First, the search bar has shrunk a bit and now and has a prominent three horizontal line menu for access to the sidebar options. They’re pretty similar in design and layout as what you see in Google Maps on Android and iOS.
Also, searching for a place will now bring up a large image of that venue, with bigger buttons for finding places nearby, saving it, or sending the location to a mobile device.
If you click on the thumbnail, it will take you right to that location in Street View. If there’s no Street View available, you’ll get a close-up of one of the user-submitted photos.
Usually when there’s a redesign like this other features get moved around or enhanced, so spend some time poking around to see what else is new and exciting.
Why this matters: Google’s Material Design is the company’s effort to unify all of its products under a common design language. The first target was Androd, which saw the new design with the rollout of Android Lollipop. But the new aesthetic is creeping its way across Google products, so get used to seeing it no matter where you use Google services.