Google Maps is already due for a little facelift, even though it received its dose of Material You not too long ago. Beyond the colors, the design changes that are coming to Google Maps (and that we announced in February) will go further and They should make it easier to use the maps app and, incidentally, free up the view of the map a little.
Google Maps is one of the best map applications although there is always room for improvement. Without going further, its interface accumulates so many buttons that at times it can be difficult to lose track of where we are or simply see the map behind. The new design will try to address both problems.
Panels everywhere, but different
Currently, Google Maps somewhat abuses the lower panels, which appear for almost anything and it is not always clear that you can swipe up to maximize them. Once they are maximized, it is also not clear that they can slide down (or tap the arrow) to return to the map. In addition, many times the interface covers a large part of the map.
This last problem will have a solution soon, at least when we are looking for a route, because The interface is going to change quite radically. The main change is that the header is no longer fixed and becomes a simple, floating summary of the origin and destination. All additional options go to the bottom panel.
This lower panel already appears in the current interface, so what it changes is to include the tabs with the different types of routes (by car, public transport, walking, taxi, motorcycle or bicycle). In a way it makes sense, because you choose the type of transport and just below you see the details. In return, these details appear a little compressed as standard. The big difference is that the top of the map is quite clear.
Another change will come with respect to the lower panels, those that are maximized to show us the information of a site. These panels have always been on top of the map, even though this was not entirely obvious. With the new design, they will continue to show that the map is behind and with an X button to close it.
According to 9to5Google, this design some users have already been activated, although it seems to be more the exception than the rule. With Google I/O just around the corner, Google is likely to announce the change taking advantage of the event.
Cover image | Generated with AI
Via | 9to5Google