Paul Buchheit

Interesting. Hated it when I first saw it, however, I'm now using it. YMMV. - Daniel Shaw

I see their point, that's why I'm using a different theme than the default. - Aram Zucker-Scharff

classic is much better, the new theme gave me a headache just looking at it. - brianp

I'm not resistent to change. But i prefer classic, too. Using "rocks" now though. Wondering why gmail isn't offering my wife themes in the settings on her account (!? - Alex von Halem via twhirl

I feel this article isn't worth the bytes stored on the disk. To complain about usability based on a contrast calculator and without a formal usability study is mere conjecture rather than science. I find the new default theme helps me focus on the important elements easier, personally. If I didn't, I'd change the theme. - Thomas Stromberg

I suspect if they had left users at the "Classic" theme, many would have remained unaware that themes exist. - Ruchira S. Datta

by changing it and observing reaction from users, one might learn quite a lot ;) at the expense of walk-away :) - silpol

@thomas... well, it's still in 'beta.' .LOLz - .LAG

Admittedly, the decreased contrast is only on *read* messages, unread messages are in bold black. Perhaps similar to how Friendfeed decreases the contrast of comments in comparison to FF messages. Still, unread messages often need quick scanning too. But having the new Gmail active since some minutes, I have to say I don't understand what the blue border is supposed to be for -- it almost screams at you but I'm not sure yet what it's trying to tell me! Does anyone know? - Philipp Lenssen

I agree with Ruchira - the main purpose is to constantly remind the user to engage with this new feature. As for the usability aspects considered in the post - I'd say it's very personal. I'm loving the ninja theme 'cause it does make work fun. And I'm definitely looking forward to customizable themes, i'm almost sure they will be in labs within weeks... - Kirill Bolgarov

My assumption is that they did this to force people to notice the themes, and make a change if they don't like it. Otherwise, it's really poor design. - Chris Stevenson