YouTube’s New Design Changes: A Comprehensive Look
Towards the end of last year, YouTube made some exciting design changes to enhance the user experience within its app. These updates included a refreshed color palette, a new gradient, and updates to animations. Let’s break down what has changed and what it means for users.
New Color Palette
One of the most noticeable changes is the shift in YouTube’s color scheme. YouTube chose a "softer shade of red" and added a magenta gradient. This choice marks a significant change from the previous bright red that was used since 2017.
Issues with the Old Red
The old red had a few drawbacks:
- It seemed too loud and jarring in crucial moments within the app.
- On some screens, it appeared orange instead of red, which could confuse users.
- It caused burn-in issues on televisions, leading to unwanted residue on screens.
The New Approach
To solve these problems, YouTube adopted a "cooler" shade of red that promotes a more welcoming and engaging atmosphere. The design team aimed for a look that felt:
- Approachable and friendly
- Dynamic and unified
- Less corporate and domineering
The Magenta Gradient
In addition to the new red, YouTube introduced a red-to-magenta gradient, particularly visible in the video progress bar. The design team considered several colors but ultimately decided on magenta.
Significance of Magenta
Interestingly, magenta is not commonly found in nature, representing creativity and growth, two core values of YouTube as a platform. Furthermore, the gradient runs at a 45-degree angle with magenta on the right side, symbolizing forward movement and progress.
Application of Colors
When it comes to how these colors are used, YouTube employs the new red sparingly. It’s reserved for:
- Brand logos and identity markers
- Signature user interface (UI) moments, ensuring these elements stand out.
The gradient appears in various sections, such as:
- Topic icons
- Progress bars
- Like and Subscribe buttons
- Premium badges
- Live rings
Updating Motion Graphics
Another aspect of the redesign involves motion graphics. YouTube’s startup animation now includes the gradient design, which creates a more cohesive brand feel.
Animation Details
The startup animation features:
- An expanding and contracting logo alongside the YouTube progress bar.
- The introduction of the gradient adds a modern touch.
- Improvements to the progress bar, making it quicker and thinner which helps give a more contemporary appearance.
- The duration of the animation has been reduced by 0.2 seconds for a snappier experience.
New Channel Icons
YouTube has also updated its channel icons to better reflect the new design language. These changes aim to maintain consistency within the app while ensuring users can easily recognize their favorite channels.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, YouTube plans to further modernize its app by exploring:
- New imagery
- Diverse iconography
- Updated typography
- Additional color palettes
Conclusion
YouTube’s commitment to evolving its design illustrates its intent to create a more user-friendly platform. By focusing on softened color palettes and dynamic gradients, YouTube not only improves its aesthetic appeal but also enhances the overall user experience. These thoughtful changes reflect a strategic approach to design, prioritizing the needs and preferences of its vast user base. As YouTube continues to innovate, users can look forward to a fresh, modern, and engaging environment for their video consumption.