Google has announced that its Workspace apps, including Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, are about to receive a fresh new look. The update is set to be released in the coming weeks, with the redesign aligning closely with Google’s Material Design 3 system. The company’s goal with this redesign is to create a more modern and intuitive user experience.
If you’ve recently used Gmail, you’ll be familiar with the refreshed look that Google is implementing in its Workspace apps. The design takes many cues from Gmail’s interface, including the addition of darker hues to the toolbar and comments section to make them stand out from the white page of a document. The “Share” button is also getting a makeover, with a more rounded shape replacing the current rounded-corner rectangle.
The changes will be evident in every Workspace app, as Google seeks to create a cohesive look across the suite. For example, Google Docs will have a new interface with subtle changes such as increased whitespace and a more prominent toolbar.
In addition to the visual changes, Google is also introducing support for third-party smart chips. This feature, which the company announced in October 2022, enables users to integrate third-party apps directly into their documents. This is similar to Notion and Coda, which offer similar functionality. The third-party apps that Google is integrating with its Workspace suite include Atlassian, Asana, Figma, Miro, Tableau, and ZenDesk. The smart chip feature will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
Google is also introducing its own smart chips, which include a stopwatch, emoji voting, and calendar invite chips for Docs, as well as a handy date shortcut chip in Sheets. These chips will enable users to access commonly-used tools and features more quickly and easily, saving them time and streamlining their workflows.
The updated Workspace suite promises to be a welcome improvement for users who rely on these apps for their daily work. With a more modern design and new functionality, Google is taking steps to ensure that its Workspace suite remains relevant and useful in an ever-changing digital landscape.
