Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google AI Overviews Link Citation Paperclip Icon Color Change
Google AI Overviews use a visual cue where link citation paperclip icons appear blue before being clicked, indicating unread sources. Once clicked, the icons turn gray to signify the sources have been read. This subtle UI change helps users track which overview paragraphs they have already viewed. The feature was highlighted and demonstrated by Radu Oncescu on social media.
Optimixed’s Overview: Enhancing User Experience with Google AI Overviews’ Citation Icon Color Shift
Understanding the Visual Indicator in Google AI Overviews
Google has introduced a subtle yet effective user interface update within its AI Overviews results. This update involves the color of the citation paperclip icons that accompany source links in overview paragraphs.
Key Features of the Color Change Behavior
- Blue Paperclip Icons: Indicate sources linked to unread paragraphs, prompting users to explore new information.
- Gray Paperclip Icons: Appear once the user clicks and views the linked content, signaling that the source has been read.
Benefits for Users
- Improved Navigation: Users can easily distinguish between new and already viewed sources.
- Enhanced Engagement: The color change encourages exploration of fresh content while minimizing repetition.
- Visual Tracking: This simple UI tweak helps users keep track of their research progress within AI-generated summaries.
This feature was publicly noted and demonstrated by Radu Oncescu, who shared a video showing the color change in action. Such incremental improvements reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to refine AI-powered search experiences for better clarity and usability.
