Google ^[1] is famous for experimenting with their home page design. The most recent update is the “fade-in” effect just rolled out by Google.

Visitors to Google home page would now only see the Google logo and the search box. Links to all the other Google services such as Gmail, Images, Settings e.t.c. would only appear when the user moves his mouse. This is being called the “Fade-in” effect. Google claims this will help people concentrate on their search efforts and only make visible the other components if the user needs them.

The goal here, like Google says, is to let the home page be used more efficiently. Do you think this strategy would help users or create more confusion?