Based on the event schedule published on Google's website and an inadvertently released blog post by Google, the company is set to unveil a new version of its Android design language at the upcoming Google I/O developer conference. The title of the I/O session hints at a significant shift in the Android design system, evolving from "Material 3" to "Material Design 3 Expressive." The leaked blog post suggests that Google’s updated design will focus on creating interfaces that “connect with people emotionally.”
This update to the design system will influence how app developers build applications for the platform and tailor experiences for users, ultimately impacting the overall feel of using Android devices.
While specific details about how Material 3 Expressive will be implemented remain unclear, the blog post provides some high-level insights, such as the new system being characterized by “bold use of shapes and colors — creating delightful user experiences.”
Material Design, first introduced in 2014, is Google’s open-source design system which outlines how to create user interfaces for Android apps, covering areas like visual, motion, and interaction design. The next major update, announced in May 2021, was named "Material You" (also referred to as Material 3), offering an adaptive interface that allows users to personalize their Android experience in new ways. For instance, if you change your Android wallpaper, the entire Android experience updates to match its color scheme.
Material 3 Expressive may not represent a massive overhaul but rather an iteration of the Material You language.
The leaked blog post focuses more on the research and rationale behind the update, noting that studies show people tend to prefer designs that are both expressive and improve usability. Google pointed out that this design draws attention to key elements and important user actions, resulting in “notable performance improvements.”
Notably, the company stated that this design also makes it easier for older adults to use apps, essentially providing an equitable user experience across all age groups.
However, Google emphasized that expressive design is not necessarily a “one-size-fits-all solution,” and different app developers should still adhere to other established design patterns and standards when customizing app interfaces.
Google's blog post was first discovered by 9to5Google and has since been archived by the Internet Archive. Although the company quickly removed the article, the I/O session titled "Building the Next Generation of User Experiences with Material 3 Expressive" indicates that Google is preparing to reveal the updated design system at the developer conference later this month.
According to the session description, developers attending I/O will learn how to use “new emotional design patterns” to enhance engagement, usability, and appeal in their products. The company also plans to share documentation and alpha code at that time, allowing developers to experiment with these changes before the official release.
