Do you like Google's new look?

Do you like the new design of Google results pages? It looks modern, but I dislike having left column. It distracts my attention...

What do you think?

For me its alright, I didn’t use some tools which are now in the left column. It reminds me to use them.

NO!

No. The old design was better and simpler to use.

i like the old look and feel, it was faster to get listings from local places

but every thing has to move on so it is ok for whats it is.

yes, the older one was faster. apart from the looks & speed, i got the feeling the search algorithm changed too ( not in a better way though )

A spring metamorphosis — Google’s new look

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/spring-metamorphosis-googles-new-look.html

Overall it’s ok but I’m a bit worried about big corporations taking over their search results especially in products. The new results show ’brands’, images, news, products from G directory, etc.

If your small site was ranking for that product keyword before... now there’s no chance because the big companies have automatically taken over the top rankings due to the new change.

Overall I think it’s bad for small business. For me the internet is about international results showing the best of the world. Google is making it more local and geared towards big companies.

Wish I could just use the old international search results without personalisation, geo, or any of the new features.

I don’t mind the new look, but I’m not really a fan of the left bar either.

What are the Left and Right Columns in a Web Page
The Left Column

The left column is the primary area of navigation for your web site.

The left-hand column of the web page design is one of the most common areas that users expect to find key navigation. If your primary objective is to sell product, then this is where a user expects to find the links to your products. A search component will often be located in the left-hand column to assist with navigation.


The Right Column

The right column of the web page design contains a list of highlights and ‘utility components’.

Highlights are brief shortcuts to aspects of your web site, or your business, that you would like to emphasise. Examples of highlights include:

Testimonials
Awards
Case studies
Guarantees
Returns policy
Partners or affiliates
Associated brands.

Utility components are components that enhance the user’s web site experience. Examples of utility components that you might use in the right-hand column are:

Summary Shopping Cart
Account Login (for account or VIP customers).