Elements do not just pile up; they flow over one another, filling the bottom corners of your browser window like a digital liquid.
This article explores the full story behind Google Gravity, the creative genius behind it (Mr. Doob), the variations fans have dubbed "slime" and "lava" editions, and why this experiment continues to be considered one of the best examples of creative coding on the internet.
: Elements float on water and can be manipulated while fish swim around the interface.
: When Google discontinued the Web Search API in 2014, the live search feature on the original Google Gravity stopped working. The mirror site elgooG stepped in to restore and enhance the experience. This version restores the search functionality (so your search terms crash into the pile of elements at the bottom), works smoothly on mobile devices and touchscreens, and even supports a dark theme. For the most seamless experience, elgooG’s version is widely considered the best.
So, the next time you have five minutes of free time in a browser, don’t just search for news. Type those magic words, click "I’m Feeling Lucky," and watch the internet fall apart. It’s a beautiful mess—and that is exactly the point. google gravity slime mr doob best
Google Gravity was created in by digital artist Ricardo Cabello , better known as Mr.doob . It wasn't an official Google product but a Chrome Experiment that showcased what modern browsers could do with physics-based JavaScript.
Click and drag any piece (the logo, search bar, buttons) and "throw" them around the browser window Search Interaction:
These projects blur the line between toy and art, democratizing interactive media and inspiring both hobbyists and professionals. They showcase how lightweight web technologies can create moments of delight, foster learning, and push the boundaries of what a browser can do.
While Google has updated its homepage architecture over the years, archivers and tech enthusiasts maintain Mr. Doob’s original project code so modern users can still experience the joy of breaking the internet's cleanest interface. Elements do not just pile up; they flow
You can grab the Google logo or search bar with your mouse cursor and fling it across the screen.
Remarkably, the search bar still works. If you manage to type a query into the upside-down or sideways text box and hit enter, new search results fall from the top of the screen like heavy bricks, adding to the pile of digital debris. Who is Mr. Doob?
The pieces collide, bounce, and roll over one another with realistic weight and momentum.
The interface mimics the classic, clean Google aesthetic of the late 2000s. For many, this is the "peak" Google look—before Material Design, predictive search bars, and AI integration. It is a time capsule of a simpler internet. : Elements float on water and can be
This article dives deep into the magic behind these creations, exploring why they became internet classics, how they work behind the scenes, and where to experience the best of them today. Who is Mr.doob?
The experiment takes a functional Google search page and subjects every element—the logo, search bar, and buttons—to a 2D physics engine.
He is the creator of , the world’s most popular open-source JavaScript library for rendering 3D graphics in a browser. Three.js is used by countless artists and developers to create stunning, immersive web experiences. Mr. Doob’s work extends far beyond this library. His portfolio is a testament to his creativity, ranging from simple interactive toys like "Ball Pool" to full-scale, commissioned experiences for major artists, such as the interactive music video for Arcade Fire's The Wilderness Downtown and Three Dreams of Black for the band ROME.
The brilliance of Google Gravity is that it is not just a static animation. It is a fully interactive simulation. You can click and drag any fallen element and throw it back up into the air. These objects will bounce off one another and settle back at the bottom. The experience is both chaotic and strangely satisfying, turning a routine search page into a physics-based playground.