How to fix Gmail’s cluttered design with a simple Chrome extension

If you’re annoyed by Gmail’s cluttered design, you’re not alone. Its lead designer from 2008 to 2012, Michael Leggett, recently spoke to Fast Company about how much it bugs him — and how he built a Chrome extension to fix the problem.

Leggett created Simplify Gmail, a free Chrome extension that removes all icons from the left and right sides of the home screen. Every chat, folder, starred email, and add-on is gone. The Gmail logo at the top of the screen is also removed. In the end, you’re left with a nice, clear view of your primary inbox — and not much else.

It’s a utilitarian approach to email that definitely isn’t suitable for everyone, but those who obsess over a clean workspace will love it. I’d easily recommend this extension to anyone who needs to get through a huge stack of emails.

Leggett has long specialized in helping people sort through emails. He told Fast Company that Google’s insistence on adding other services to Gmail eventually led to the creation of Inbox, another famous project he led at Google. 

Google killed Inbox earlier this year, to the dismay of many dedicated users. Leggett decided soon after to release his extension to the public. So let this be a reminder that if you, like the lead designer of Gmail, are getting tired Gmail’s new features — you can always try fixing it with a Chrome extension.