Last week, Google inadvertently unveiled its much-anticipated Android design refresh, now officially known as Material 3 Expressive. This new interface is set to debut with the Android operating system and will gradually extend across the entire Google app ecosystem, infusing a vibrant energy into applications such as Gmail and Google Photos.
Material 3 Expressive builds upon the foundation laid by the Material You system introduced four years ago, yet it takes a bolder approach to design. Users can expect to encounter “springy” animations, a palette of brighter colors, and innovative shapes that enhance the overall aesthetic.
The development of Material 3 Expressive was informed by extensive user research, involving over 18,000 participants. Google sought to understand how individuals interact with their devices, leading to design themes that facilitate quicker and more intuitive interactions. Notably, this research indicates that users can locate important buttons up to four times faster compared to older Material You interfaces.
What you can expect from Material 3 Expressive
Future iterations of Android will be rich with animations, with Google placing a strong emphasis on the playful, springy nature of the new design. The aim is to create a more natural and enjoyable user experience, with UI elements that are closely linked to dynamic haptics. In addition to animations, a significant update to the color scheme is on the horizon. While it does not completely overhaul Material You, the theming engine will introduce bolder colors to enhance the visual distinction between UI elements, making them more prominent throughout the interface.
Typography is also receiving a thoughtful update, with increased contrast between headers and body text across Google’s applications. This change is intended to aid users in quickly digesting information. Furthermore, buttons will come in a broader array of shapes, and text labels will feature varying weights to improve readability. The design of status bar icons will also evolve, ensuring they are more legible and user-friendly.
