Today's News by Jack Nerad for Driving Today

MapQuest Gets Makeover

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Google Maps has proven to be a formidable competitor for MapQuest.

In fact, it has been so formidable that MapQuest, which claims to be the second-ranked mapping site in the U.S., has unveiled a new brand identity and launched a new consumer experience.

It says it is now putting the journey front and center, taking consumers beyond just maps and directions, into the world of discovery. It aims to educate users about where they are going and provide locally relevant information about the places in between. That relevant information is available not only on computers but also across an expansive and growing roster of mobile devices.

“Under the new leadership at AOL, we have invested in creating a new user experience that helps users discover what is there, nearby and along the way, making it more than how to get from point A to point B,” said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager at MapQuest.

Part of the new experience includes “one-box” search for finding directions, maps and businesses; enhanced “My Maps” with a simplified login process using existing services like AOL, OpenID, Yahoo, Google, Facebook and Twitter; and the ability to easily customize information like trip itineraries and share with friends via social networks. 

Also new are ways to plan and personalize travel with notes, anecdotes, landmarks and shortcuts. One of the keys to the renewed MapQuest is the integration of Patch’s directory information into search results for things like restaurants, stores, government offices, local services, parks and schools. The MapQuest experience will continue to be replicated on mobile devices via the company’s various mobile products.

To call attention to the changes, MapQuest has also revitalized its branding. The goal was to make the new logo simple, clean and modern while retaining a vibrant and fun feel. The new brand is designed to promote a sense of discovery, encouraging users to personalize and share their trips and journeys.

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