Breaking Down the Hints and Suggestions
Material 3 Expressive is the latest evolution of Google’s Material Design language that has been spotted in the Android 16 Beta 3 release. While it may not be a drastically different design language, it has the potential to make a significant impact on the Android user experience.
- The new design language is expected to be showcased at Google I/O 2025, where it will be used to demonstrate how UX designers can use emotional design patterns to boost engagement, usability, and desire for their products.
- The changes are not yet clear, but the Android 16 Beta 3 release hints at a redesigned Settings app, improved readability, clear indicators of switch settings, a shift away from muted color palettes, and customizable app icon shapes.
Improved Readability
The redesigned Settings app in Android 16 Beta 3 features clearly separated boxes for sub-menu items, arrows to indicate sub-menus, checkmarks to show when a toggle is on, smaller font sizes for headings, and better use of white space. These changes make it easier to quickly find the setting or information you need.
| Features | Explain |
| Clearly separated boxes for sub-menu items | Makes it easier to quickly find the setting or information you need. |
| Arrows to indicate sub-menus | Helps users understand the hierarchy of the menu. |
| Checkmarks to show when a toggle is on | Clearly indicates when a setting is enabled or not. |
| Smaller font sizes for headings | Improves readability and reduces visual clutter. |
| Better use of white space | Creates a clean and organized design. |
Clear Indicators of Switch Settings
The changes to switch settings in the redesigned Settings app make it easier to tell whether a switch is toggled on or not. Icons and checkmarks are used to provide visual cues, making it easier for users to understand the status of the setting.
“We’re not certain whether this will be part of Material 3 Expressive or an update just for the Settings app. However, the changes to sub-menus indicate a clear shift in design language, suggesting that we could see this change across multiple apps.”
A Shift Away from Muted Color Palettes
The Android 16 Beta 3 release features a dynamic battery icon that changes color based on its status. This is a significant departure from the muted color palettes used in Material You, which can make important information blend into the background.
- White indicates sufficient battery, but the phone isn’t charging.
- Green indicates the phone is charging.
- Red indicates the phone is low on battery.
Fresh Approach to Themed Icons
Themed icons in Material You are flat and boring, making it hard to identify apps from the same brand. Google’s white, blue, red, green, and yellow theme makes its apps instantly recognizable, but they blur together into a multicolored mess when grouped.
- Material You’s themed icons make apps look like a “multicolored mess.”
- Google should give users greater control over how they theme their icons, allowing them to create a coherent look without turning their home screens into monochromatic soup.
Customizable App Icon Shapes
The Android 16 Beta 3 release features alternative app icon shapes, but only with a limited selection. This is a step in the right direction, but it could be more.
- Allowing greater choice over app icons and more freedom for app placement on home screens would let users truly express themselves.
The Future of Android Design
The future of Android design is uncertain, but it’s clear that Google is working towards creating a more expressive and engaging user experience. With Material 3 Expressive, Google aims to make UX designers more aware of how to use emotional design patterns to boost engagement, usability, and desire for their products.
