Google will announce a new version of the Android Design Language at the upcoming Google I/O Developer Conference, according to an event schedule posted to its website and a coincidence Google Blog post. The I/O session title suggests a significant change in the store of Android's design system. This evolves from “Material 3” to “Material Design 3 Expression.” The leaked blog post shows that Google's updated design focuses on creating an interface that “connects with people on an emotional level.”
Such design system updates affect how app developers are built for the platform and customize their user experience, and the overall feel of what it's like to use Android devices.
Little is known yet about how Material 3 Expressive will be implemented, but the blog post provided some high-level details as the new system is characterized by creating a “bold use of shapes and colors – a fun user experience.”
First introduced in 2014, Material Design is Google's open source design system that details how to create user interfaces for Android applications, including areas such as visual, motion, and interaction design. The next biggest update on the system was revealed in May 2021 as “Material You” (also known as Material 3), providing an adaptive interface that allows users to personalize the Android interface in a new way. For example, if you update your Android wallpaper, the entire Android experience will be updated to match the color scheme.
Material 3 Expressiveness allows for the language material to be repetitive, rather than a major overhaul.
Image credit: Google (via 9to5 Google)
The leaked blog post focused more on the research and reasoning behind the update, noting how people tend to prefer more expressive designs that improve ease of use when studying. This type of design focuses on key elements and important user actions, Google noted, leading to “significant performance improvements.”
Notably, the company says that this type of design also makes using apps easier for older people apps, and leveling out the playing field for users of all ages.
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However, Google pointed out that expressive designs don't necessarily “fit all solutions in one size” and that when customizing app interfaces, various app manufacturers need to respect other established design patterns and standards.
Image credit: Google (via 9to5 Google)
Google's blog post was first discovered by 9to5Google and then saved by Wayback Machine. The company quickly pulled its post down, but an I/O session entitled “Build the next level of UX with Material 3 Expandable” shows Google is poised to unveil the design system that was updated later this month at its developer meetings.
According to the session description, I/O developers learn to use “new emotional design patterns” to increase product engagement, ease of use and desire. The company also plans to share files and alpha code at that time, allowing developers to start trying out changes before publishing.