Google Maps changes the colors of its maps, both in the mobile app and in the web version. But judging by the reactions of users on social networks and forums, the new shades are not unanimous…
For many of us, Google Maps has become a faithful companion when traveling, but also in everyday life. Whether it’s to go to an appointment, find a nice little restaurant where you can have lunch or even check the travel time, the Mountain View firm’s mapping service is always there, faithful to the post. Also, theSmall changes often have a big impact on its users. And suffice to say that the latest one is divisive! For some obscure reason, Google began deploying a new color palette on its application a few months ago. The web version has already been transformed while the deployment is gradually taking place on mobile. Still, the new shades are starting to become widespread among the greatest number of people. And the reactions were not long in coming! If some appreciate the changes, others are far from this opinion, criticizing the lack of readability…
Google Maps: a new design that is causing debate
The least we can say is that the colors in the app have become much duller and less saturated. The once white roads have turned gray – with a darker shade for the main roads –, while city blocks were filled with white, with busy areas yellow. The previously rich blue – almost lavender – bodies of water and oceans is significantly paler, while areas green areas such as forests and parks are adorned with a uniform pale green. Finally, when planning routes, the green area for directional instructions is now darker. The result is a bit like what Apple Plans ultimately offers.
Reactions to this colorimetric change are very divided. Some people appreciate the new colors, which they find more pronounced, especially for roads, gray being more readable than white. And many people won’t even notice there is a difference. But for others, on the other hand, it’s simply unbearable, and they make it known loudly on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter)! They criticize Google for an ugly visual that is much more difficult to read. Details are much less readable, and different shades – like greens for forests or yellow/white for urban areas – are more difficult to distinguish from each other. Finally, everything looks much less warm overall. It will undoubtedly take time to adapt. But, luckily for people who don’t like the new look, Google Maps remains relatively the same in dark mode.
We can’t help but wonder: why such a change? Google having not provided an explanation, we can only base ourselves on a recent report published in the Wall Street Journal which indicated that some users were abandoning Google Maps in favor of Apple Maps, attracted by its design and more readable street names. Aware of the problem, the Mountain View firm would have taken inspiration from its rival to retain users… at the risk of displeasing others.