The former Google Map designer points out all the bugs in it today

Google recently updated Maps with new colors and the changes did not go down well with users. Elizabeth Laraque, a former Google Maps designer, also expressed her opposition to the new color palette for Google Maps, but that’s not all. She points out several other things that she feels are wrong with maps at the moment.

“Last week, the team changed the visual design of the map dramatically. I don’t like it. It feels colder, less accurate, and less human. But more importantly, they missed a key opportunity to simplify and expand.” On X (formerly Twitter).

The last time I worked on the older version of Google Maps was 15 years ago. According to her current work profile, she has led design teams and shaped several core products at Facebook, Google, and YouTube.

Not only does Laraque see the new colors in Google Maps as “cooler” and “more computer generated,” but she also feels that Google should have “cleaned up the material covering the map.”

“Currently, there are 11 different elements that are obscured by (the maps) – the search box, eight discs overlaid in four rows, a peek card for the latest in the area, and the bottom navigation bar.”

Laraki feels that there is information overload on Google Maps and that it could be very helpful if Google removed some of these elements or hidden them elsewhere in the app.

“A map should be sacred real estate. Only things that are very useful to a lot of people should be obscured,” she said. You can take a look at the current state of Google Maps and its proposed new look in the images above.

Laraki’s modified version of Google Maps keeps the search box and bottom bar and removes everything else from the map.

“The search and directions box is a top priority and should remain prominent. My location and map layers (satellite, traffic, etc.) can move to the bottom bar. Explore overlays (restaurants, gas, etc.) can be in the bottom bar,” she suggests. in Explore and are opened as cards. The extra space in the bottom bar can be used for saving, as a More option, or can be removed entirely.

Do you agree with the improvements Laraki proposes for Google Maps? Do you also feel that it is too crowded and could be greatly simplified? Take our poll above and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.