Ricardo Cabello, better known as Mr.doob, is a self-taught computer graphics programmer. He is widely recognized for creating three.js, a popular JavaScript library used to create 3D animations in web browsers. In March 2009, he released Google Gravity as part of the original Chrome Experiments, a showcase for the then-emerging capabilities of HTML5 and JavaScript. How Google Gravity Works
When you visit the Google Gravity experiment, the page initially looks like a standard Google homepage. However, as soon as you move your mouse or interact with the screen, the following happens:
Physics Take Over: Every element—the logo, search bar, and buttons—immediately loses its structural integrity and "collapses" to the bottom of the browser window.
Physics Engine: The experience is powered by Box2DJS, a JavaScript port of the Box2D physics engine. This allows the page elements to calculate collisions, friction, and momentum realistically.
Interactivity: You can click and drag any of the collapsed pieces to toss them around the screen, watch them bounce, or pile them up.
Functional Search: Remarkably, the search bar still works mid-chaos. If you perform a search, the results also tumble down from the top of the screen and join the pile of rubble at the bottom. Variants and Related Experiments
Following the success of the original gravity trick, several other variations were developed by Mr.doob and other platforms like elgooG:
Google Gravity is a classic browser-based physics experiment created by Ricardo Cabello, better known as Mr.doob. It reimagines the standard Google homepage as a pile of interactive objects subject to simulated gravity. What is Google Gravity?
Interactive Sandbox: The search bar, buttons, and logo all "collapse" to the bottom of the screen upon loading.
Physics Engine: Uses a 2D physics engine that allows users to pick up, throw, and bounce various elements around the browser window.
Functional Search: Despite the chaos, the search bar still works; results will drop into the pile from the top of the screen. Key Information
Developer: Mr.doob (Ricardo Cabello), a pioneer in web-based graphics and the creator of the popular three.js library.
Technology: Built using HTML5, JavaScript, and early browser physics frameworks to showcase what modern (at the time) browsers could do.
History: Originally released around 2009 as a Chrome Experiment and later popularized as an "I'm Feeling Lucky" easter egg. Related Projects
Mr.doob has created several other "Google" physics demos that manipulate the UI in different ways:
Google Space: Simulates zero-gravity where elements float freely.
Google Sphere: Elements orbit a central point like a 3D cloud.
Google Underwater: Elements float in a simulated ocean with interactive waves.
🔥 Pro Tip: To see it in action, you can visit the official Mr.doob project page or search "Google Gravity" on Google and click I'm Feeling Lucky. Google Gravity - Mr.doob
Sign in. Google Search I'm Feeling Lucky. Advertising Programs Business Solutions Privacy & Terms +Google About Google. Mr.doob - Experiments with Google
Google Gravity is a popular web experiment created by developer Ricardo Cabello , better known as
Originally built in 2009 to showcase the capabilities of JavaScript and HTML5, the "piece" functions as an interactive parody of the Google homepage where every element—the search bar, logo, and buttons—tumbles to the bottom of the screen due to simulated gravity. Key Features of the Piece Interactive Physics
: You can click and drag individual pieces of the interface, "throwing" them around the screen to watch them bounce and collide. Dynamic Results Google Gravity Slime Mr Doob
: If you type a query into the search bar (which still works in some versions), the search results also fall from the top of the screen and pile up at the bottom. : While the original was a Chrome Experiment , you can still find it hosted on Mr.doob's personal site or archived versions like
Mr.doob is also the creator of other similar physics-based "pieces," such as Google Space (where elements float in zero gravity) and Google Sphere by Mr.doob, or are you looking for the source code for this specific gravity effect? Google Gravity - Mr.doob
The Nostalgia of Google Gravity Slime Mr Doob: A Blast from the Past
In the early 2000s, Google was not just a search engine, but a platform for innovation and creativity. One of the most iconic and entertaining examples of this was Google Gravity, a playful experiment created by Google that allowed users to interact with search results in a more...unconventional way. And at the heart of this experiment was a character that would become synonymous with Google's playful side: Mr. Doob, also known as Slime.
What was Google Gravity?
Google Gravity was a Google Easter egg that was activated when users searched for "Google Gravity" on the Google search engine. When the results page loaded, the entire page would suddenly "fall" under the influence of gravity, with search results and other page elements bouncing around like they were stuck to a gravity-defying surface. The effect was achieved using JavaScript and was meant to showcase the capabilities of Google's technology.
The Star of the Show: Mr. Doob (Slime)
However, what made Google Gravity truly memorable was the presence of Mr. Doob, a simple yet endearing character created by Google developer, Nicolas Chevet. Mr. Doob was a green, slimy creature with a goofy face and a knack for getting stuck to everything. He would bounce around the screen, interacting with search results and other elements, much to the delight of users.
The Magic of Mr. Doob
So, what made Mr. Doob so special? For one, his design was deceptively simple, yet instantly recognizable. His slimy texture and bouncy movements brought a sense of playfulness to the Google Gravity experience. Moreover, Mr. Doob's ability to interact with search results and other page elements added a layer of whimsy to the entire experience. Users could watch in amazement as Mr. Doob stuck to search results, menus, and even the Google logo.
The Legacy of Google Gravity and Mr. Doob
Although Google Gravity is no longer active, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who experienced it. Mr. Doob, in particular, has become an iconic symbol of Google's creative and playful side. The character has inspired countless fan art, cosplay, and even merchandise.
Why Google Gravity Matters
In an era where technology is increasingly complex and sophisticated, Google Gravity reminds us of the importance of playfulness and creativity in tech. By experimenting with new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the web, Google showed that even the most mundane experiences (like searching for information) could be transformed into something magical.
The Return of Mr. Doob?
While Google Gravity is no longer active, there have been rumors of Mr. Doob's return in various forms. In 2019, Google released a new Easter egg that brought back the spirit of Google Gravity, albeit in a more limited form. Additionally, Mr. Doob has made appearances in various Google Doodles and other interactive experiences.
Conclusion
Google Gravity and Mr. Doob represent a bygone era of internet history, one that was marked by a sense of wonder, playfulness, and creativity. As we look back on this iconic experiment, we're reminded of the power of technology to bring joy and whimsy into our lives. Who knows what the future holds for Mr. Doob and Google's creative experiments? One thing's for sure: the legacy of Google Gravity and Mr. Doob will continue to inspire and delight users for years to come.
Update: If you're feeling nostalgic, you can still experience Google Gravity (and Mr. Doob) through various online archives and simulations. Simply search for "Google Gravity" and enjoy the trip down memory lane!
Google Gravity is a popular web experiment created by developer Ricardo Cabello , better known as
. Launched on March 18, 2009, it was originally designed as a "Chrome Experiment" to showcase the potential of browser-based physics and JavaScript. What is it?
When you load the Google Gravity page, the familiar Google interface initially appears normal for a split second before every element—the logo, search bar, and buttons—succumbs to a virtual gravity force and collapses into a pile at the bottom of the screen. Key Features Interactive Physics Ricardo Cabello, better known as Mr
: Every element on the page becomes a physical object. You can use your mouse or finger to grab, drag, and toss pieces of the interface around the screen. Functional Search
: Unlike a static image, the search bar originally worked. When users performed a search, the results would drop from the top of the screen and fall into the pile with the other elements. Physics Engine
: The experiment uses JavaScript and HTML5 to simulate motion, collisions, and weight, making objects bounce realistically against each other and the edges of the browser window. Legacy and Versions The Original : Still hosted on Mr.doob's website
, though the live search functionality broke after Google retired its Web Search API in 2014. Enhanced Version : Sites like
have restored the search functionality using API emulation and added modern features like mobile optimization and dark mode. Google Space
: A "zero-gravity" variation also created by Mr.doob where elements float around aimlessly as if in a vacuum. How to Access It
You can experience it by searching for "Google Gravity" on Google and clicking the "I'm Feeling Lucky"
button. If you see standard search results instead, look for the link hosted by Google Sphere or his work on the graphics library? Google Gravity - Mr.doob
When the Internet Falls Apart: A Guide to Google Gravity & Mr.doob’s Physics Experiments
Have you ever wanted to just… break the internet? Not in the "viral video" way, but in the "watch everything smash into the floor" way. If so, you’ve likely stumbled upon Google Gravity, one of the most famous interactive experiments created by the legendary web developer Mr.doob (Ricardo Cabello). What is Google Gravity?
First introduced in 2009, Google Gravity is a Chrome experiment that turns the most organized website on earth into a heap of digital scrap.
As soon as you move your mouse, the search bar, buttons, and logos succumb to simulated gravity and tumble to the bottom of your screen. According to Sunucun, Mr.doob is renowned for these types of physical simulations that push the boundaries of what browsers can do. How to Play (The "I'm Feeling Lucky" Trick)
You can experience it yourself without even leaving the search engine: Go to the standard Google homepage. Type "Google Gravity" into the search bar.
Instead of hitting "Enter," click the I’m Feeling Lucky button.
Alternatively, you can visit the direct Mr.doob site to see the code in action.
Pro-Tip: Once the pieces fall, you can click and drag individual elements to throw them against the walls of your browser window like digital frisbees. The "Slime" and "Lava" Variations
While "Google Gravity" is the classic, many users search for "Slime" or "Lava" variations. These often refer to other physics experiments found in the Mr.doob portfolio or similar developer playgrounds:
The Physics Effect: Elements don't just fall; they behave like physical objects with weight.
Google Lava: As noted by Primobonacina, variations like "Lava" allow you to interact with a grid surface, adding shapes and squares that react to your mouse clicks in a fluid, molten way. Why Does This Exist?
Beyond being a fun 30-second distraction, these experiments showcase the power of HTML5 and JavaScript. In the early 2000s, this kind of smooth physics simulation would have required heavy plugins like Flash. Today, Mr.doob's work serves as a reminder that the web is a canvas for art and experimentation, not just data.
doob, or perhaps help you write a technical tutorial on how he builds these physics engines?
Google Gravity is a famous interactive experiment created by developer Ricardo Cabello, better known as Mr.doob. Originally launched in March 2009 as part of Chrome Experiments, it reimagines the static Google search page as a dynamic playground governed by 2D physics. Features and Experience Many clones replicate the effect with different physics,
Physics-Driven Chaos: Upon loading the page, all interface elements—including the Google logo, search bar, and buttons—lose their "grip" and crash to the bottom of the screen.
Interactive Play: You can click and drag any element to toss it around. The objects bounce realistically, colliding with each other and the edges of your browser window.
Simulated Search: The original version utilized Google’s Web Search API, allowing you to actually type and search; the search results would then drop into the "pile" at the bottom of the screen.
Technological Foundation: It was built using JavaScript and the Box2D physics engine, demonstrating the ability of modern browsers to handle complex real-time simulations. How to Access It
While it is no longer an active part of the live Google homepage, you can still play with it through these mirrors:
Mr.doob's Projects: The original host site maintained by the creator.
elgooG: An enhanced version that restores the search functionality and adds features like a dark theme and mobile optimization. Notable Variations
Mr.doob and other developers have created several spin-offs based on the same physics concepts: Mr.doob | Three.js Quake
For millennials and Gen Z who grew up in computer labs, "Mr. Doob" is shorthand for the golden age of experimental web. Before app stores, before TikTok, you could type weird phrases into Google and break reality for 10 minutes.
The "slime" experiment, in particular, predated the ASMR slime craze (think: real slime videos on YouTube, slime toys, DIY slime kits) by nearly half a decade. In a way, Mr. Doob predicted our obsession with digital fidget toys.
YouTube compilations titled "GOOGLE GRAVITY SLIME MR DOOB FAILS AND FUNNY MOMENTS" have millions of cumulative views, even though the original experiments don’t have sound or scoring.
If you grew up in the early days of the internet, you probably remember the sheer joy of finding an "Easter egg" hidden in a website. Long before elaborate interactive doodles, there was a simple, magical joy in typing a command and watching a screen change.
One of the most enduring legends of this era is Mr. Doob, the creative mind behind some of the web's most satisfying interactive experiments. While most people know about "Google Gravity" (where the page collapses) or "Google Sphere" (where elements orbit the logo), there is a gooey, squishy corner of the internet that often gets overlooked: Google Gravity Slime.
If you are looking to kill some time or just need a dose of digital nostalgia, here is why you need to check out the Slime experiment.
Google Gravity is a popular browser-based interactive web experiment created by developer Mr Doob (Ricardo Cabello). It simulates the Google search page UI with a physics engine so that all page elements fall and react to gravity and user interaction. It's an example of creative Web technologies and playful UX exploration rather than a production app.
If you’ve ever found yourself bored on a slow workday, desperately typing phrases like "Google Gravity" or "Google Slime" into your search bar, you’ve likely stumbled upon the chaotic, creative world of Mr. Doob. For nearly two decades, one name has dominated the niche intersection of browser-based physics experiments: Mr. Doob. But how do three seemingly unrelated terms—Google Gravity, Slime, and Mr. Doob—fit together?
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the history of the Google Gravity Easter egg, the rise of "slime" simulations, and why the Brazilian developer known as Mr. Doob remains a legend among netizens.
So where does slime come in?
While Google Gravity makes the interface fall apart, Google Slime (sometimes called "Mr. Doob Slime" or "Google Slime Mr Doob") is a separate, equally addictive experiment. In this simulation, the Google homepage is replaced by a viscous, gooey, slime-like substance that reacts to your mouse cursor.
You can drag your mouse through the slime, stretch it, tear it, and watch it ooze back together. The letters of "Google" morph and deform like jelly. It’s not actually a slime toy in the sensory way (no squishing sounds or sparkles), but it captures the physics of a non-Newtonian fluid better than almost any 2D browser toy from its era.
Older Mr. Doob experiments are CPU-dependent. On a modern 4K monitor, the frame rate may drop. Try reducing your browser window size.