Wikipedia, one of the biggest web sites in the world, is getting ready for a new, fresher look and has launched the proposed redesign in beta. As expected from one of the most recognizable sites online, the changes aren't groundbreaking but they do make for a cleaner and more modern look. The new design is available for any registered user and can be turned on by clicking on the “Try Beta” link in the upper side of the page.

The release is part of a broader effort by Wikipedia Usability Initiative, which aims to improve the site's functionality and user-friendliness with a new design but also with changes to the underlying software. “The first usability release, Acai, is now released to all Wikipedia and Wikimedia's sister projects. You can enable the new skin called Vector and the enhanced toolbar from your preferences. Let us know what you think,” reads the project's wiki page.

The main focus of the initiative, and the new design's as well, is usability, with the aesthetics coming in second place. That being said, the new theme called "Vector" does look a lot better than the aging, current design, which hasn't been exactly praised for its looks in the first place. The most notable changes come to the navigational tabs on top, which are now bigger and more distinguishable, while also sporting a nice bluish gradient.

The sidebar is better separated from the main content while also looking less cluttered, having gotten rid of most of the borders that framed the different sections. The biggest change in terms of usability though is the new placement of the search bar, which is now positioned in the much more natural right hand upper corner, similar to where it would be in most browsers, moving it from the less conspicuous previous location inside the sidebar.

The editing section has also seen some improvements, with better icons for the buttons, while also allowing them to be grouped into expandable sections and offering users the possibility to remove the less used buttons. The modifications are available to all Wikipedia registered users and can be activated from any page using the new link.