Yahoo is running limited testing of a new search results page format with a blue search bar above the sponsored and organic Yahoo results.
Both Karl Ribas and Jim Boykin captured images of the new Yahoo Search format in action, and both screenshots prove that Yahoo is mixing up the options and user experience within the Yahoo ‘Blue Bar’.
The first example shows vertical search options such as Images or Shopping posted as linked text over the left hand search box.
A second example is a bit different, with the text pointing to Yahoo offerings such as Mail or MyYahoo. In this example, the user was not logged into their Yahoo account. Search options are then available via a dropdown menu which is merged with the search button.
In both examples, Options are given in a drop down menu housed on the right side of the Blue Bar.
Yes, the new design is sleek and a nice change for Yahoo, as the Blue Bar takes some of the search dependency from the browser enhancement toolbar market, and places options within the browser window.
Ideally, more vertical search or Yahoo Shortcuts functionality would be available in the Blue Bar, freeing up more critical space in the results section for sponsored search via Yahoo Search Marketing.
