While Google Maps has just gotten its dose of Material You, it’s already time for a minor refresh. Beyond colors, the design changes coming to Google Maps (which we announced in February) will go even further and They should make the Maps app easier to use and incidentally free up the appearance of the map a bit.

Google Maps is one of the best mapping apps, although there is always room for improvement. Before going any further, interface accumulates too many buttons Sometimes it can be difficult to lose track of where we are or just see the map behind us. The new design will try to solve both problems.

There are panels everywhere but different

Right now, Google Maps abuses subpanels in some way, visible for almost everything, and it’s not always clear that you can swipe up to maximize them. It’s also not clear if they can scroll down (or tap the arrow) to return to the map once it’s zoomed in. Additionally, the interface often covers a large portion of the map.

At least while we search for a route, this last problem will soon have a solution, because The interface will change quite radically. The main change is that the title is no longer fixed and becomes a simple, variable summary of the origin and destination. All additional options go to the bottom panel.

Current design (left) and new design (right). Capture from 9to5Google

This bottom panel is already visible in the current interface, so what changes is to include tabs with different types of routes (by car, public transport, walking, taxi, motorcycle or bike). In a way, it makes sense because you choose the type of transportation and see the details right below. In contrast, these details look a bit compressed as standard. The biggest difference is that The upper part of the map is quite open.

Another change will come regarding the subpanels that have been enlarged to show us the information of a site. These panels have always been at the top of the map, although this is not entirely clear. With new design, They will continue to show that the map is left behind and with an X button to close.

Current design (left) and new one (right). Screenshots from 9to5Google

This design according to 9to5Google some users are already activatedEven though it seems like the exception rather than the rule. With Google I/O just around the corner, Google is likely to take advantage of the event to announce the change.

Cover image | Created with artificial intelligence

via | 9to5Google

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