Mobile Web Application Critique

Critique of Google. com

 Link:      Google https://www.google.com

Links to an external     Google website and app are one of the best tools that millions of people around the world use to get where they are going on the internet, a tool that acts as a doorway to Googles wide variety of other services too. It is available on both web and mobile app. This app has a user-friendly interface that has an integrated search functionality, personalized news feeds, and access to Google Assistant. This review evaluates the usability, functionality, and design of the Google app, and highlights its core features, and suggests areas of improvement.

 

Google Search Bar with results                

                                                                               

Usability

This app was designed with usability in mind; it is easy to navigate its features. When you open the app, the user is met with a search bar at the top, it really stands out. It’s like it says “Go ahead, type something to search!”, which allows you to immediately type in queries in the search bar. The app integrates voice search and scanning capabilities, enhancing user accessibility. Then you have your “personalized” Discover element, which has personalized articles based on individual user interests and search history. (IDF, 2016)

The Google app contributes to its usability with its intuitive design. It has Key features like Google Lens, which allows you to search images, and Google Assistant, which offers voice-guided assistance. I love to say” Hey Google” and my phone responds with its listening microphone/speaker. Features like these, especially voice-guided features are usually harder for older people, or less how do you say it “tech-savvy” people may not navigate all these features with ease like most others do.

Design

The Aesthetics of Google are modern yet sleek and stylish and has Googles branding in every area. It is the majority/predominantly white with touches of color in the headlines and icons, which shows off Google’s branding, the design shows an uncluttered, neat and clean experience. Google’s layout works great for both  the website and mobile app.

Despite its inviting design, there are areas that could benefit from an upgrade. Examples of changes is the home screen could offer more customization abilities, and let users rearrange widgets, and let the user select which news categories we want to display. This would satisfy personal preferences, making the app feel more personal and tailored to the individual users.

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Functionality

Another change I would make is in the functionality, sometimes I have delays when loading personalized articles, which disrupts user experience. Also fake news articles still get through, more than they should. Google is proficient at filtering out inappropriate content and fake news, but misleading articles still appear in news feeds.

Google excels in functionality, by combining a multitude of services into to one smooth-running platform. Users can perform standard or advanced searches, check the weather, and access personalized recommendations – all with a few clicks in one smooth app/website. Google Assistant lets users manage tasks and control smart home devices, showing off the app’s versatility. We believe user engagement will improve as experiences on the web get better—and that by incorporating these new signals into Search, we'll help make the web better for everyone.

                                                             

Recommendations

Allow users to customize their home feed by letting me choose my own news categories.

Improve the time it takes for articles to load, no one likes to wait, we expect more speed with the new advances in technology.

Get better algorithms or hire more people to watch for this junk that makes its way daily into my user feed, and to keep all the fake and AI made articles and videos out of our user feeds.

 

Conclusion

Google app is an amazing tool that comes in handy, I love to use it daily. It is a vital tool for users seeking easy access to searches, news, and personalized content. It has a user-friendly interface, modern design, and comprehensive functionality letting this app stand at the top of productivity tools.

 

 

References

Google Search Central (2024) Evaluating page experience for a better web | Evaluating page experience for a better web  |  Google Search Central Blog  |  Google for DevelopersLinks to an external site.

Interaction Design Foundation - IxDF. (2016, June 6). What is Usability Evaluation?. Interaction Design Foundation - IxDF.  https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/usability-evaluation