A couple weeks ago, we pointed to a video from Google that leaked, showing off a new Gmail redesign. This came out around the same time that the Google Reader redesign was announced.
Well, now that Google Reader design is here (for better or for worse), and it looks like that Gmail redesign isn’t too far behind. It hasn’t rolled out completely yet, but it’s been officially announced on the Google Blog.
Here’s that video, to refresh your memory:
“Conversation view has been completely redesigned to help you read through your email threads,” says user experience designer Jason Cornwell. “You’ll now see profiles pictures for your contacts, so it’s easier to keep track of who said what. We also stripped out as much as possible so you can focus on communicating with your friends and colleagues.”
“We know that you use Gmail from a variety of screen sizes and devices, so now the spacing between elements on the screen will automatically change based on the kind of display you’re using,” he says. “If you prefer a denser view all the time, you can change your density manually in the Settings menu.”
The left panel keeps labels and chat contacts in veiw all the time, and has more customziation features. There are also some new search features:
Finally, there are new HD themes.
The new Gmail will be implemented for everyone soon, but Google is rolling out a “switch to the new look link” in the bottom-right corner over the next few days.
Now, it will be interesting to see if this redesign attracts the same kind of backlash the Google Reader design is. I am a little surprised there aren’t more Google+-related features included in this refresh.