Google Photos Introduces Story-Inspired ‘Shortcuts’ Redesign for Enhanced Navigation
Google Photos is currently testing a significant redesign of the Shortcuts feature within the Collections tab on Android devices. This update aims to enhance user navigation by adopting a carousel format reminiscent of story interfaces found in various social media platforms.
Current Layout:
Presently, the Collections tab displays a 2×2 grid at its top. The upper row consistently features pill-shaped buttons for Favorites and Trash. The lower row dynamically showcases commonly accessed albums or folders, adjusting based on user activity.
Proposed Redesign:
The experimental redesign introduces a horizontally scrollable carousel at the top of the Collections tab. Each item in this carousel is presented as a rounded card with a portrait preview image, overlaid with a circular icon and the album or folder name. Notably, the Archive and Trash shortcuts deviate from this format, likely due to their distinct functionalities.
Key Features of the Redesign:
– Dynamic Content: The carousel updates in real-time, rearranging and refreshing items immediately after new images are added to an album. This ensures that users have quick access to their most recent and relevant content.
– Enhanced Touch Targets: The new design offers larger touch areas, improving usability and reducing the likelihood of accidental taps.
– Improved Visual Previews: The portrait previews provide a more informative glimpse into the content of each album or folder, enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of the interface.
Considerations:
While the redesign offers several advantages, some users might find the absence of persistent access to Favorites and Trash shortcuts inconvenient. The dynamic nature of the carousel could disrupt established navigation habits, potentially leading to a learning curve for some individuals.
Availability:
As of now, this redesigned Shortcuts feature is in the testing phase and has been observed on select Google Accounts and devices. There is no official confirmation regarding a broader rollout.
Conclusion:
Google Photos’ exploration of a story-inspired carousel for the Shortcuts section reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing user experience through intuitive design. While the update introduces several user-friendly features, its dynamic nature may require an adjustment period for some users.
