Google’s New Material Design “Expressive” Has Me Excited! (& Worried)
Table of Contents
- Typography: Google's new Material Design "Expressive" focuses on bold and large titles to enhance visual hierarchy.
- Email Sections: Material cards are used and the action menu is shifted above the keyboard for quick actions.
- Animations & Interactions: Google's "Motion Physics System" makes micro-interactions and transitions smoother.
- Shapes & Morphing: Morphing shapes are used to show changes in design elements.
- Over-playification: Designers need to be cautious not to overuse playful elements that may hinder user experience.
1. Typography
Google's new Material Design "Expressive" emphasizes bold and large titles for visual hierarchy. Careful consideration is needed to avoid disastrous use of oversized elements.
2. Email Sections
Material cards are now used for email sections, and the action menu has been relocated above the keyboard for quicker access to actions. The bold send button and expanded menu aid users in attaching elements to emails efficiently.
3. Animations & Interactions
Google's new animation system, the "Motion Physics System," focuses on smoother and more expressive micro-interactions and transitions. It includes a spring-based animation for a natural bounce effect.
4. Shapes & Morphing
Morphing shapes play a significant role in Google's design elements, especially in showing changes of state. From expanding cards to moving timers, morphing shapes are prevalent. The use of pills with increased border radius helps elements stand out, and SVG shapes morph to indicate increase or decrease.
5. Over-playification
Google's focus on playful and bright elements may lead some designers to overindulge, potentially compromising UX principles and hindering user experience. Designers should be mindful of maintaining a balance between playfulness and usability.