Google Is Testing A New Image Search Interface That Looks Like Pinterest

Google might soon make image search look more similar to the user interface on Pinterest. The company is testing a new look for image search on desktop that aligns photos vertically instead of horizontally.

The images also come with accompanying text on the bottom of each photo and a badge describing if that image is a product, video, or something else.

This Could Be The New Look Of Google Image Search

Clicking on images also brings up an entirely different look. There's more dynamic information about what's in the photo, for starters. If it's, say, a product, and the seller has used Google Shopping to upload results, then Google will include details such as availability, price, a quick link to order it, plus a section directly below for related images.

Google confirms that it's indeed performing the test, but didn't explain more than that, as TechCrunch reports.

This is, however, not the first time Google has experimented with a Pinterest-like user interface: last year, the company added the dynamic information feature to its mobile app. Much earlier, it also updated the Android search app with machine learning so it's able to identify the items in pictures and makes suggestions based on what it's seeing. All these appear to have been implemented in the desktop version.

Why Is Google Doing This?

Google's visual upgrade to Search is in line with its continued effort to streamline and enhance the overall search experience, be it on mobile or desktop. Google is also making a smart move by taking advantage of machine learning to drive up user engagement, leading more people to easily purchase what they find. Despite the similarities with Pinterest, Google doesn't seem to be going after the startup; instead, it's taking on more challenging opponents.

Perhaps by linking image search with inventory and purchasing, it wants to represent Search as an avenue where people can buy products directly instead of going to online merchants such as Amazon or eBay. If that's truly the goal, then it's pretty straightforward, if not a little ambitious. The only problem, of course, is the inevitable fact that some users won't like the visual change. That's already happening, actually. Just check out some of the reactions on Twitter: