Google Search Update Adds Padding

Google yesterday made a minor update to their search engine. Among modified Search Engine Ranking Positions (SERPs), and a smaller Google logo, the change also added a new feature: padded results.

Padding, or adding a small space from the left-side of the screen, is not something new to search engines. Ask.com is considered widely to be one of the first to engage in it, and Windows Live Search Bing also followed suit.

Making subtle changes can improve the quality of a web site, but it also can disorient readers. With Google typically considered the most popular web site on the internet, millions of people have already seen the change. How many actually pause, or are disoriented by the change, remains to be seen.

What’s your take on padding? Like it? Hate it? Sound off in the comments.