Shoutbox

But say a user begins using Google for the first time after the fade-in effect has been introduced. What are the chances that they will use the service without performing any action that activates the fade-in? I would estimate that it would be a very low percentage. That said, the very high majority of new users would automatically see those links the first time they use the service.

Users that were familiar with the interface before the fade-in effect was introduced would, for the vast majority, be able to continue using the service without any interruptions. A few seconds would be spent marvelling at the new feature, and browsing would continue.