Google Maps designer says the app's new update made it 'less accurate, less human'

Recently, Google Maps rolled out a new update that included a different colour scheme, and one of its designers is not impressed with the changes. Elizabeth Laraki, who said she helped build Google Maps 15 years ago, said the new colour scheme made the app look "colder, less accurate and less human."

Taking to X, designer Laraki wrote, "Fifteen years ago, I helped design Google Maps. I still use it every day. Last week, the team dramatically changed the map's visual design. I don't love it. It feels colder, less accurate, and less human. But more importantly, they missed a key opportunity to simplify and scale."

She highlighted how Google Maps now shows all roads in grey, water bodies in teal, and parks and open spaces in mint green, making the colours appear to blend together.

"It seems the goal was to improve usability and make the maps more readable. Admittedly, I do think major roads, traffic, and trails stand out more now. But the colors of water and parks/open spaces blend together. And to me, the palette feels colder and more computer-generated," Laraki added.

She also had a few suggestions on how Google Maps could be made to look less cluttered.