Google in 1998
The “Google in 1998” Easter egg lets users revisit Google’s first design, exactly as it looked when it began at Stanford University.
Introduced in 2013 to mark Google’s 15th anniversary, typing “Google in 1998” in the search box transforms the results page into a retro version of the world’s most used search engine.
Launch and Discovery
The Easter egg appeared in 2013 as a nostalgic feature. By entering “Google in 1998”, users are redirected to a replica of the early website.
The domain was first registered on September 15, 1997, and the design shown is the same one seen during Google’s earliest public days.
Design and Visual Features
The recreated interface mirrors the minimal 1998 layout. It included:
| Element | Description |
| Logo | The classic Google! logo with an exclamation mark |
| Navigation Links | “Stanford Search” and “Linux Search” options |
| Footer | Copyright © 1998 notice |
| Layout | Simple HTML style used in late 1990s web pages |
The interface highlights Google’s early vision of a simple search bar and plain blue links, without today’s advanced visuals.
Reception and Nostalgia
The Google page in 1998 quickly became a fan favorite. Many users appreciated the reminder of how web design and search engines have changed—from static pages to the rich, multimedia results we use now. It stood as a tribute to Google’s evolution from a university project to a major technology leader.
Enhanced Simulations
Some recreations go beyond Google’s 2013 version. They offer a complete 1998 browsing feel inside a simulated Internet Explorer 4.0 window. These experiences bring back:
| Feature | Description |
| Classic Logo | Pixel-style Google! emblem |
| Simple Interface | Basic search box with limited links |
| Browser Look | Simulated vintage browser environment |
This design pays homage to the tools and style of late 1990s web browsing.
Learning Through the 1998 Interface
Google in 1998 reflects how limited web technologies shaped design choices.
| 1998 | Today |
| Text-based results | Images, videos, and instant answers |
| Static layout | Dynamic, user-based customization |
| Basic HTML | Responsive, AI-driven design |
It offers a glimpse into how far search technology and interface design have progressed.
Cultural and Educational Significance
The Google in 1998 Easter egg preserves an important chapter of internet history. It acts as a digital time capsule, showing younger audiences how early search systems looked and functioned. It also supports learning about early web design, user experience, and the growth of online technology.
Conclusion
The Google experience in 1998 captures the simplicity that shaped the company’s foundation. It not only celebrates how far the search engine has come but also allows users to appreciate the early web’s charm—an era when search meant pure text, curiosity, and innovation.
