Google is actively experimenting with a new user interface design for its AI Overviews and AI Mode, aimed at streamlining how users interact with source citations. The search giant is currently testing a ‘sticky’ sliding carousel at the bottom of the mobile search results screen, designed to replace the existing vertical list format for citation links.
A New Way to Explore Sources
Traditionally, when a user clicks on an in-line citation bubble within an AI-generated response, Google presents a vertical list of links directing the user to the publisher’s website. The new test, which was first brought to light by search enthusiast Gagan Ghotra, shifts this experience toward a more tactile, swipe-based interface.
In this new implementation, clicking a citation triggers a persistent, horizontal carousel at the bottom of the mobile viewport. Users can easily swipe left or right to browse through the various publisher links associated with the AI’s response. This change suggests that Google is prioritizing a cleaner, more mobile-friendly navigation experience that keeps the user engaged with the AI-generated content while providing quick access to original sources.
Enhancing Mobile UX
As Google continues to integrate AI more deeply into the search experience, the challenge of maintaining traffic to publishers remains a critical focal point. This sliding carousel approach could potentially increase click-through rates by making it easier for users to preview and select citations without needing to close or scroll past the main AI summary. By keeping the interface ‘sticky’ at the bottom of the screen, Google ensures that the path to external information is always within the user’s thumb reach.
Industry Response
Search community observers have noted that this design iteration is part of a broader, ongoing effort by Google to refine the AI Overviews interface. Whether this specific feature will move beyond the experimental phase remains to be seen, but it highlights Google’s commitment to balancing machine-generated answers with clear, accessible citations for content creators and publishers.
As of now, the feature is in limited testing, and Google has not provided an official timeline for a wider rollout.