• LiveSide.net, Thursday, May 8, 2008 12:30 PM

This week Microsoft launched a new, streamlined Live Search interface--one that could be described as: "Simple and Powerful. Human. Fast." But it seems that the software giant has forgotten that searchers also need consistency, as Kip Kniskern posts examples of six different Live Search screens and SERPs he saw within the same short time frame on the day of the launch.

Of course, the rollout of a new user interface takes time, but as Kniskern notes--users aren't privy to the planning meetings, they don't get to see the design concept slides, and they have no clue about how and when their Live Search experience will change.

"So when new looks appear and disappear with no warning or explanation, when elements of designs long gone by still linger, and when a different set of 'guiding principles' seems to be in place depending on what Windows Live page we visit, things become less simple, and certainly less powerful," Kniskern says.

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