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LinkedIn is testing a new design. Only a select number of users will see it, however. New features include:

-  A global navigation bar at the top of the page that provides convenient access to all LinkedIn services.

- Simplified local navigation within each of the LinkedIn areas (Profile, Contacts, Groups, etc.).

- More room available for page content. Less scrolling.

- A cleaner, less-cluttered look.

Here is what it looks like:

"We began the redesign effort several months ago by analyzing how people use LinkedIn," says LinkedIn's Kevin Bury. "We looked at what features people use the most and pored over several years of data from usability research on the site. Armed with this information we began doing design explorations of how to better organize LinkedIn features, and make them more convenient to find and use."

"We factored into this effort additional features we knew were coming," he adds. "We narrowed down the designs to a few candidates we felt were strong contenders. We then prototyped these designs and had users perform tasks with the prototypes in the usability lab. We went through numerous iterations until we arrived at a design we felt worked the best.  One of the key features of the new design is that it allows much more space for page content – information about you and your professional network."

LinkedIn says it will be paying attention to user feedback, and there is no word on whether or not changes will be permanent. That's what testing is for though. The company also makes no mention of whether or not a greater number of users will be able to see the new design, and if so, when that would be.

Are you seeing the new design? If so, what do you think? Share your thoughts here.

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