In an intriguing parallel, both Apple and Google have set their sights on 2025 for a significant redesign of their operating systems. Google’s Material 3 Expressive has garnered positive feedback, particularly for its implementation across various devices, including phones, tablets, and watches. This redesign aims to create a more unified and cohesive interface across Android versions, yet the updates to Google’s first-party applications appear to be more of an incremental evolution rather than a groundbreaking transformation.
Material 3 Expressive, while rooted in its predecessor from 2021, seems to present itself as a slight enhancement—perhaps more aptly described as Material 3.5. The “Expressive” aspect, which is intended to breathe new life into the user experience, feels somewhat subdued in the initial wave of updates to Google apps.
Contradictions in Design
There are elements of the redesign that are commendable, yet they come with notable caveats. For instance, the revamped search app bar has transitioned to a taller design, moving the hamburger button and profile avatar outside of the pill-shaped container. This shift modernizes the look, particularly in Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail. However, the previous design offered a more consistent and universal component across applications.
Applications like Contacts, which have adopted M3E, cannot utilize the new search app bar due to their differing functionalities, leading to inconsistencies in user experience. While it is understood that not all Google apps need to mirror each other, a greater degree of uniformity around the avatar switcher or search functionality would enhance usability.
Another design choice that raises eyebrows is the transition from a tall bottom navigation bar back to a shorter one. This change does not seem to yield any substantial benefits in terms of content space, particularly in applications like Google TV, where the Library tab fails to capitalize on the reclaimed area.
Navigation and Usability Challenges
What was initially anticipated as a floating bottom bar in Google Chat has emerged as a floating toolbar, designed to display frequently used actions relevant to the current page. While this implementation is visually appealing, it raises usability concerns, as the space between the floating element and the system navigation bar does not facilitate better content visibility.
The decision to encapsulate elements within containers has sparked mixed feelings. While containers can enhance the clarity of interactive elements, the overall interface of M3E appears more cluttered compared to its predecessor. This raises questions about whether the apps have become overly containerized, particularly in list-view interfaces.
Buttons have also undergone a transformation, with many becoming significantly larger. While larger touch targets, such as the floating action buttons (FABs) in Google Drive and Docs, are generally well-received, some “extra large” buttons may appear disproportionate within the overall interface.
Animations and User Experience
On a positive note, the new motion-physics system introduces delightful animations that enhance user interactions. Features like the pull-to-refresh in Google Photos and the spring effect in the FAB menu of Google Docs exemplify this new dynamism. However, the overall functionality of Google apps remains largely unchanged, and while the Android 16 experience feels more vibrant, the app redesigns do not seem to achieve the same level of engagement.
“Expressive design makes you feel something. It inspires emotion, communicates function, and helps users achieve their goals.”
Ultimately, the updates to Google apps under Material 3 Expressive feel like a missed opportunity for a more cohesive and engaging user experience. The initial wave of redesigns appears to be straightforward component swaps rather than a comprehensive reimagining of core interfaces, leaving users with a sense of familiarity rather than a transformative experience.
