This week, a big update to Google Maps hit the shelves. The new design showcases lots of improvements to the user experience — so we asked Fluxible alumni Patrick Hofmann for his thoughts. Patrick spoke at Fluxible last year on Optimizing Graphic Usability.

Patrick is a User Experience Designer on Google's Geo-UX team, which includes Maps, Mapmaker, Earth, Places for Business, and Maps for Business teams, among others. His personal involvement in the Maps redesign was relatively small, beginning in its early stages over three years ago. He since moved to lead the design of Google Maps Coordinate and Google Places for Business.

Having said that, here's his perspective on a project well done by his talented colleagues:

From its inception to its release, the objective never wavered: how to create an experience where the map is truly the interface, where every click seamlessly harnesses your intent, where every map is intelligently personalized to be about you. It's been an inspiring and breathtaking evolution from the original Google Maps of 2005 (yes, 2005!). And it's going to get even better.

Check out this video review of the new Google Maps by the Wall Street Journal.