Google parent Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is testing out a new design layout for search results on its flagship search engine. The firm is currently trying out a new Material Design for desktop searches.

The search results appearance that is currently being tested shows user searches that appear as boxes that look like a grid which is completely different from the regular text-only appearance. The new tests do not seem to have any changes to the fonts or colors. The previous tests that the firm undertook involved changing the color on search results. The new trial only features the search results in white boxes for every search result.

The boxes appear in a card-like manner, and extra information cards appear on the side to display information about artists or events. The test is limited, but Google might decide to set it as default depending on the type of response from users. The previous temporary changes in the fonts and colors were met with some rebellion, and the firm did not adopt the changes. There are a few other minor changes with the new test such as the removal of the settings cog in favor of three dots aligned vertically. The search box magnifying glass also received a new iconography.

The new search engine appearance test run seems to have been launched recently and has gained little traction on social media platforms. It captured the attention of editors over the past week however. This time responses on social media are more positive. This increases the chances of the new changes being rolled out on a permanent basis to everyone. The changes align with the Material Design visual templates that the firm has been applying across its product line. The style was introduced in 2014.

Google has been considering new changes on its search engine appearance with more focus this year as even minor changes can lead to increased revenue opportunities. The firm has not released any statements concerning its plans for the new design.