Google’s design tells a story

Here is a typical error message that I get on the CCI system we use at The News-Sentinel:

Dba2.exe has generated errors and will be closed by Windows. You will need to restart the program. An error log is being created.

And then you have only one option: Click the OK button. Thanks, CCI.

But Google is different. The folks at Google know people will ask for things that will make no sense in the real world. But instead of creating cryptic and useless error messages, Google creates solutions.

You’re likely familiar with the search engine’s spell check. Do a search for “pancke” and Google gives you the results, but also helpfully responds, “Did you mean: pancake.” That’s great design, and it keeps me going back to Google for searching.

But even better is the Google sense of humor. Its April Fool’s Day jokes are legendary, but Google builds a light-hearted approach in other areas.

1. Go to maps.google.com.
2. Click Get Directions.
3. Type Chicago in the first blank, and London in the second one.

Now, scroll down to number 19, or maybe 20. Those Google guys really know how to be silly. And that makes working with Google more fun.

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