unsystematic

18 Dec 2009

MapQuest vs Google: A comparison

There’s a reason Google is the top search engine of choice. Better yet, there’s a reason Google is the top ____ of choice: it’s because they know how to cater towards the user. I was doing some work for a client who said they specifically wanted to use a MapQuest map for their contact page. Myself, being as stubborn as it is at times, thought, “Psh, yeah right. Why? I recommend Google.” It’s like I go towards Google without even thinking about it at all. Default. Swallowing my pride I went to the MapQuest website to grab a screen of their office location and upon loading the homepage I remembered exactly why I love Google Maps so much. I took screenshots of both so I can illustrate why Google has become the company of choice for most people.

Just to give you a little information on the setup here: These screenshots were taken on a 24″ monitor. I use Firefox with the bookmarks toolbar turned off and only the main navigation bar and my tabs showing. I use the ‘small icon’ settings for the buttons, not the larger, default ones. And as you can see, there are no other toolbars or clutter to deal with.

Both MapQuest and Google Maps have one goal and that is to provide people with maps and driving directions. These are task-oriented applications meaning people come here to perform a very small set of tasks.

The MapQuest homepage has the map shoved down so far that you have to scroll to see it. And by scrolling you can’t see the directions panel up top or the navigation. In MapQuest’s defense it places extreme priority on driving directions/location search, so much so that it takes up almost 100% of the “expensive” screen real estate. And look at all that wasted space to the top right… what’s up with that?

In contrast, Google Maps places the map front-center filling the majority of the screen. The directions panel is there, very unobtrusive and can even be tucked away if desired. It provides the exact same functionality as MapQuest, but does it in a more elegant and appealing approach. Both company’s make it extremely easy to find locations and directions, but overall Google is more effective. Also, please note that with Google Maps the need to scroll is completely eliminated as the map resizes to fit your screen. Everything can be done at the start, no scrolling and no messing around.

(Once again) props to Google for their user-friendly, task-oriented approach to design.