Google’s Upcoming design System: Material 3 Expressive
Google is set to introduce its new design system, “Material 3 Expressive,” at I/O 2025 this month. However, a blog post detailing the system was mistakenly published early and quickly removed. Fortunately, it was archived by the Wayback Machine, and images where saved by tech enthusiasts at 9to5Google.
Research Behind material 3 Expressive
The blog highlighted extensive research that shaped this new design for Android 16. over three years, Google conducted studies with more than 18,000 participants through various methods:
- Eye Tracking: This helped identify where users focus their attention.
- surveys and Focus Groups: These gathered user opinions and impressions.
- Preference Experiments: These aimed to discover what users prefer in design.
- Usability Tests: These assessed how quickly people could learn to navigate the interface.
Aiming for an emotional Connection
As suggested by its name, material 3 Expressive focuses on creating an emotional connection with users. The goal is to make interactions feel meaningful.Google's findings indicate that younger audiences appreciate this approach while older users find it easy to use.
Visual Differences in Design
the images shared in the blog illustrate a clear contrast between expressive designs and traditional ones. One standout example is a mockup of the Gmail app. Many email apps seem outdated; they often lack modern touches that enhance usability on mobile devices.
Key Features of Material 3 Expressive
Material 3 Expressive emphasizes several key elements:
- Large text for better readability
- bigger main buttons for easier navigation
- Floating toolbars for rapid access
- Bold shapes and colors to create visual interest
However, it's important to note that these images are merely concepts at this stage—no final product has been released yet.
Customization by Manufacturers
When companies like Samsung or Nothing produce Android phones, they customize their own user interfaces based on Google's designs. This means that while Material 3 provides a foundation, each manufacturer may present it differently on their devices.
Anticipating Future Developments
With many visuals shared and insights into the research process revealed, we now await details about how and when Material 3 Expressive will be rolled out. The upcoming I/O event should provide clarity on these points as excitement builds around this innovative design approach from google.
