Google has recently introduced a unified menu redesign across several of its applications, enhancing user experience through improved organization and visual clarity. This update aligns with the principles of Material Design 3, also known as "Material You," emphasizing personalization and accessibility.(Wikipédia)
✨ Overview of the New Menu Design
The updated menu design incorporates icons alongside each menu item and introduces thematic organization through line separators. These changes aim to reduce visual clutter and make navigation more intuitive for users. For instance, in Gmail for Android, the overflow menus now feature icons and are divided into sections, improving readability and ease of use. (9to5Google)
📱 Google Applications Embracing the New Menu
While Google has not officially listed all applications adopting the new menu design, several have been identified through user reports and updates:
Gmail: Enhanced overflow menus with icons and separators.Google Messages: Adoption of a OneUI-inspired design, aligning with Samsung's interface aesthetics.
Google Drive: Streamlined file management menus for better organization.
Google Calendar: Improved event creation and navigation menus.
Google Docs: Refined editing and formatting menus for user convenience.
Google Sheets: Updated menus facilitating easier data manipulation.
Google Slides: Enhanced presentation tools with reorganized menus.
Google Photos: Simplified sharing and editing menus.
Google Maps: Redesigned navigation and settings menus.
Google Keep: Streamlined note-taking and organization menus.
Google Contacts: Improved contact management menus.(9to5Google, Reddit, Canva, Google for Developers, Adobe)
🎨 Design Principles: Material You
The menu redesign is part of Google's broader shift towards Material You, introduced with Android 12. This design language focuses on:(Wikipédia, Google Play)
Personalization: Adapting UI elements to user preferences and system themes.Accessibility: Enhancing readability and navigation for all users.
Consistency: Providing a unified look and feel across all Google applications.
Material You emphasizes dynamic color schemes, responsive layouts, and intuitive interactions, ensuring a cohesive user experience across devices. (Wikipédia)
🖼️ Visual Representation
Note: As this is a text-based medium, please refer to the official Google blogs or application update notes for visual examples of the new menu designs.
🔍 User Feedback and Reception
Initial user responses to the menu redesign have been largely positive, highlighting improved navigation and a more modern aesthetic. However, some users have noted adjustments in muscle memory due to the repositioning of certain menu items. Overall, the changes are seen as a step forward in enhancing user interaction and satisfaction.(Google Play)
📅 Conclusion
Google's unified menu redesign across its suite of applications marks a significant move towards a more personalized and accessible user experience. By embracing the principles of Material You, Google ensures that its applications not only look modern but also function intuitively, catering to the diverse needs of its global user base.(Wikipédia)
For more detailed insights and visual examples, consider watching the following video discussing the latest updates in Google applications:
Google Apps Update Ep. 109: Major Changes to Gemini
Google Apps Update – Episode 109
Watch the latest updates on Google applications and new UI changes including the unified menu system.
