Search and the Art of Celebrity Gossip

Internet search is a huge business and those fighting for the market are giants. Google dominates, with Microsoft, Yahoo and other legacy players fighting for its leftovers. Rather than delve into the business analyst's world to justify Google's share, let's just take a look at their websites from a user interface perspective.

First, there's MSN.com:

I was going to search for something serious, but I think I'll read about that serial shrimp shoplifter instead

Let's see, the eye is first drawn to the main headlines scrolling by. In this screenshot, that's the "Is It Them...Or You? Why you haven't met The One." Then there's "Hot or not? 100 women vote on spring's freshest trends." There's also some giant ads, like that one for Bank of America. And, of course, below that there's MSN autos with a Hyundai ad placed in such a way that it isn't immediately recognizable as an ad. Their "Today's Picks" include news of a "serial shrimp shoplifter." And let's not miss that little gem at the bottom, "Best pet for you by zodiac sign!"

Oh yeah, there's also a search bar up at the top.

On to Yahoo.com:

Yes, I use Google Chrome. It doesn't make me (too) biased.

It's a pretty similar layout. The biggest element on the page is the ETrade ad on the right. It's also animated, which makes it rather obnoxious. The featured headline news starts with the "Most extreme golf hole," and also includes, "Worst dating mistakes that women make." Below that, mixed in with some serious world news is the video titled, "Surgeons save man who accidentally swallowed scissors," which feels just one step up from the myriad YouTube videos of people getting hit in the nuts. To top it all off, look near the bottom right for "Popular Celebrity Photos."

And finally: Google.com:

Surprise! This screenshot is smaller.

Yep, there's the search bar.

Also notice that there are no news, no dating tips and, most stunningly for the leader in web-based advertising, absolutely no ads.

That's is a huge difference from MSN and Yahoo. Google is a serious site meant for serious people. I can pull it up at work twenty times a day - which I do - and I feel like I'm using a professional tool.

MSN and Yahoo, on the other hand, have some serious issues with inane clutter. Not only do all those extra headlines draw focus away from what I really want do, but take a look at the content itself. Celebrity photos? Horoscope-friendly pets? These aren't professional tools, they're supermarket tabloids!