This new stage in interface design breaks with the sober minimalism of previous generations to give way to a more playful, dynamic and accessible aesthetic .
More than just a facelift, Material 3 Expressive redefines the feel and experience of Android. Let's look at why this change is significant and what opportunities (and challenges) it opens up for designers and developers.
What is Material 3 Expressive?
Material 3 Expressive is the next generation of Google's design language, taking the personalization pioneered by Material You even further. While color harmony and user adaptability were previously prioritized, now emotions, movement, and visual freedom are added.
Google based this evolution on 46 global studies with more than 18,000 participants. The conclusions are clear: a more expressive interface improves usability, accessibility, and emotional connection with users, especially among younger and older generations.
Main new features of Material 3
Bright and bold colors
Material 3 Expressive breaks with chromatic neutrality. Intense c level contact list palettes of violets, pinks, and blues are introduced, creating contrast without losing accessibility. The intention is to generate visual energy and highlight interactive elements more clearly.
Rich animations and haptics
The new animation system, called Motion Physics, uses physical principles like spring-based animation to make gestures feel natural. It's also synchronized with subtle haptic feedback to enrich the tactile experience.
For example:
When you dismiss a notification, you feel a small pop .
When adjusting the volume, the animation “bounces” slightly.
Customizable quick settings
You can now resize and rearrange Quick Settings tiles based on your habits. Do you always turn on Night Mode when you go to sleep? Do you frequently switch Wi-Fi networks? Android learns and adapts these shortcuts to your needs.