Google is preparing to unveil Material 3 Expressive at the upcoming Google I/O event later this month. However, it seems the company may have prematurely revealed some details about it. A blog post outlining the new design initiative was published but quickly removed, leading to speculation about its contents.

Hints of Material 3 Expressive have been circulating for some time, suggesting significant visual changes on the Android platform. Google describes this redesign as a “bold new direction for design,” claiming it is the most extensively researched update to their design system to date. The goal is to move away from the ‘clean’ and ‘boring’ aesthetics of the past, aiming instead for interfaces that resonate emotionally with users.

The design team at Google started questioning the similarities and monotony among apps back in 2022. They pondered whether there was an opportunity to enhance emotional engagement. After three years of rigorous research and design iterations, they believe they have found the next evolution of Material Design.

Though the Material 3 Expressive guidelines will not be accessible until after the official announcement, the principles are rooted in various design elements such as color, shape, size, motion, and containment. These components are crucial for enhancing usability and creating a more engaging user experience. To inform this expressive design approach, Google employed multiple research methods, including eye tracking, surveys, focus groups, and usability studies.

The results showed a strong preference for expressive design among users of all ages, especially younger individuals aged 18-24, where preference reached 87%. Furthermore, expressive designs were found to be more intuitive and easier to use, with strategic elements drawing attention to important features and actions. More insights about Material 3 Expressive will likely be unveiled during Google I/O.