New integrated view for Gmail features

[gresham]

This is a worrisome posting on the Blog today. I'm hoping there is a way to not use the new view (ever). I've been test driving it for months, and it's (at best) awkward and annoying. From what I can tell, this is targeted to users with single small screens, which is not most people these days. I prefer separate windows for my applications. Please confirm that this new shinny view will not be the only way.

By the end of Q2 2022: 

• This will become the standard experience for Gmail, with no option to revert back.

https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2022/01/new-integrated-view-for-gmail.html

[icrew]

Hi @gresham :

As I understand it, the pages for the individual services (chat.google.com, meet.google.com, etc.) are not going away, they're just making a change in terms of how those services are also integrated into the Gmail UI.

For those of us with large screens, the standalone Google Chat (https://support.google.com/chat/answer/9455386?hl=en) and Google Meet (https://support.google.com/meet/answer/10708569?hl=en) Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) might be a very good option to keep things in separate windows. Or you could just have different browser windows/tabs open to the various tools--for example, I keep Calendar and Chat as 2 pinned tabs in my browser. 

Hope that helps, at least a little,

Ian

[bill_pier3]

While I might agree with you, the contracted integration is that which is consistently asked for from business customers.  That said, there's also ample evidence of better productivity when users don't have to jump around between windows and tabs for related tasks and services. 

I'm not saying that I like all of the various integration solutions, but there is a purpose in it. Further, it makes training easier; even though new users (and even experienced users), can be overwhelmed by all of the integrated features and services, it's more effective for them to "grok" the big picture of communication tools as compared to various tools/services on separate tabs!  I have found that having things integrated makes it more likely that my users will at least try to use these features, as opposed to other tabs for services which they will never open, (e.g. email often becomes the only tool in their tool-belt).

[ruslanfg]

Hi @gresham, how I can test drive it early? Is there any program to join to be able to access it now? I have Gmail extension I need to test it will work with new UI

[bill_pier3]

Early testing has passed. It's supposed to become available for opt-in today.

[gumpi]

still not possible to change to the integrated gmail design. what do i wrong? 

[StephenHind]

@gumpi nothing: it's still rolling out (only started on 11 Feb) and will take 15 days to roll out to all rapid release domains. If you're on scheduled release the roll out doesn't start until 28 Feb.

[dnuzum_plg]

I agree - It would be great for users to have a Legacy option and/or Admins to have more control over the UI presented to end-users. While we appreciate and will be encouraging users to use the new UI, I also understand it will be a bit of a jarring change for many of our FTEs. Some may prefer the single-use pages/UI experiences to focus on each platform as they choose. As we all know, Chat and Meet can be distracting when you're trying to focus on email. Additionally, combining all services could result in distracted behaviors like non-attentiveness in a group call or accidentally pasting something from email/chat into the wrong area.

I welcome the new UI with open arms(!), but it may not be for everyone. Pushing all users to the new collaboratively-focused UI is definitely a better path for Workspace, but it is not an inclusive design. Some users that may be prone to distractions are definitely going to feel overwhelmed. Users with assisted technology interfaces are also likely to need revisions or assistance to adapt. With the incredibly quick (less than 1Q) turnaround, this does not appear to be well thought through for large organizations.

[bjp384-gadm]

Anyone know if "Turn off Chat" and "Hide Meet" would still be an option in Gmail settings should users decide not to use the integrated features?