this big change that no one wants (or almost)

Google Maps is changing the color of its map and it’s clearly not to everyone’s taste. The new world map is far too bleak for many people.

Google Maps has changed colors. And be careful: we are not talking here about the logo or the interactive elements of the interface, but about the map itself. The navigation application has in fact deployed a change which was undoubtedly intended to be subtle and more in tune with the times. Goodbye to the slightly bright colors that stood out well. With the redesign, the various elements on the planisphere are, overall, less contrasting.

At the house of Frandroid, apart from a few exceptions, the majority of us do not appreciate the new design. Personally, I particularly regret that the oceans, seas, lakes and bodies of water are no longer colored with a fairly intense blue. Instead, these areas are indicated by a more dreary, pastel-like color.

The same goes for green spaces which are now duller. Conversely, major traffic routes and certain roads and paths stand out better. We can therefore imagine that Google Maps, as a navigation platform, wanted to highlight the routes on which we travel. However, as a whole, the planisphere seems less pleasant to look at, and that’s a shame.

Google Maps // Source: Frandroid

Google Maps // Source: Frandroid

Google Maps // Source: Frandroid

A “less human” design

However, do not take my opinion or that of my editorial staff at face value. However, several Internet users also expressed their disappointment with this new design. On Reddit in particular, but also on X/Twitterexplain that they do not adhere to this new visual identity.

A former Google Maps contributor, Elizabeth Laraki, even splits of a long message to criticize the choices of the Mountain View firm on one of its most popular applications around the world. In particular, she points out a look “ colder, less precise and less human“. “The colors of the water and the parks and green spaces mix“, we also read.

In testing for a few months

This new design had been in testing since the end of August and, at the time, was spotted by9to5Google. It’s only been a few days since the global deployment took place. If you are also one of the disappointed people, know that the dark mode of Google Maps does not fall into the same faults.

Note, however, that this is not the ideal solution for having great contrasts.