Google is testing a Google Maps design that eliminates full-screen info sheets, shows more of the map, and improves in-app navigation.
I’m a longtime Google Maps user, even I have trouble navigating the app sometimes. It’s not about Google’s massive redesign from last year that angered most people. I’m fine with the new colors and wouldn’t switch back to the previous palette. This actually proves that we can easily adapt to app user interfaces, and we do it quickly even if the changes seem scary.
What I don’t like is how I constantly have to pull up and down to open menus and glance at information while I’m navigating. I do that all the time while walking or using public transit, and it’s even worse while driving. I sometimes get lost in the menus and forget what I was looking for.
That’s even more annoying if you’re dealing with a brand new city that you have to navigate to get to a specific destination quickly. I don’t even want to think how difficult it must be to navigate Google Maps if you’re a less tech-savvy user.
A few months ago, Google gave us a brief look at what the new Google Maps UI could be.
