Google rolled out a major redesign for its Google+ social network this morning, aiming for a cleaner look overall.

New features include a left-hand navigation bar — a “dynamic ribbon,” as Google exec Vic Gundotra calls it — that’s feels a little like a vertical, social version of the Windows 7 taskbar.

The icons represent different features and apps inside Google+. Hovering over them brings up a list of commands, and the icons can be reordered depending on the user’s preference.

In his post, Gundotra explains that there’s another reason for creating the new navigation bar, hinting plans for future features.

“Taken together, these powers make it easier to access your favorites, and to adjust your preferences over time. We’ve also built the ribbon with the future in mind, giving us an obvious (and clutter-free) space for The Next Big Feature, and The Feature After That. So stay tuned.”

Other parts of the revamp include larger photos, conversation “cards” for tracking discussions, a dedicated page for Google+ Hangouts, and overhauled profile pages.

Are you using Google+? What do you think of the changes?