I think that a constant pressure to optimize this specific aspect (layout) has caused this. However, optimization is not innovation. What are novel ways that s

I think that a constant pressure to optimize this specific aspect (layout) has caused this. However, optimization is not innovation. What are novel ways that search results can be presented to (and consumed by) the user? Where is search going in the future? I am a bit surprised to not see them on top of this game, but at the same time it would be a ripe chance for someone else to give it a spin (assuming that they have a sizable number of users to begin with).