T he Google Zeitgiest: 2001 vs. 2013
Since 2001, Google has released an annual year in review (dubbed the Google Zeitgeist), with an astonishing amount of data collected over the course of the year. With the turn of the year here at last, and Google’s year in review released, we thought it would be fun to compare 2013’s Google Zeitgeist with the year it was launched.
The Google Zeitgeist site design in 2001:
The Google Zeitgeist site design in 2013:
It’s no surprise that the 2001 Zeitgeist design isn’t particularly fancy – in fact, Google stuck with essentially the same design until it started playing around with some new ideas like a tabbed navigation for the site in 2005. This year’s Google Zeitgeist, however, is a site to behold, and a testament to how far both web coding and Google itself has come. From the rousing Year in Review video (a tradition which began in 2010), to the integration of Google+ photos in a stunning full-screen mosaic navigation, and the three-dimensional globe showing top regional searches, it’s hard to imagine how Google will top its Zeitgeist site next year – but be sure they will.
Top 10 trending searches in 2001:
- Nostradamus
- CNN
- World Trade Center
- Harry Potter
- Anthrax
- Windows XP
- Osama bin Laden
- Audiogalaxy
- Taliban
- Loft Story
Top 10 trending searches in 2013:
- Nelson Mandela
- Paul Walker
- iPhone 5s
- Cory Monteith
- Harlem Shake
- Boston Marathon
- Royal Baby
- Samsung Galaxy s4
- PlayStation 4
- North Korea
It’s fascinating to see how the top trending searches each year speak to the major events of the year. Of course, that’s only a tiny fraction of the data collected. To see any of Google’s Zeitgeists more in depth, go here. Also, be sure to check out this year’s Google Zeitgeist – it’s not to be missed.
Gary works from his apartment in Portland as Zbra Studios’ Senior SEO Strategist (mostly in pajamas, with a cat or two nibbling at his leg). Those in web3 may known him as weary (or vvveary, give or take a “v”), where he works in the moonlight hours on the core team of the MetaArchitects HUB.
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