The Google Meet Material 3 Update, adopting the principles of Material 3, introduces a more refined, modern, and user-friendly interface. The new platform is bringing on board a new, refined interface. This instantly demands attention, with one element in particular making its presence known: ludicrously capacious buttons.
This update is not merely cosmetic; rather, it is an indication that Google wants to remain dedicated to usability. Even when that means using a radical design despite more subtle designs.
The Evolved History of Material Design
Material Design by Google has always aimed to harmonize the user experience across its products. Material 1 introduced the concept of digital paper and ink, emphasizing consistent visual cues and motion. This vision evolved in Material 2 (2018), which brought more flexibility, rounded edges, and bold colors.
It has a concept of dynamic color, where interfaces are able to change according to user preferences and wallpaper. More to the point of Google Meet, Material 3 takes into consideration the idea of an “Expressive” design.
This Expressive philosophy is represented in the ludicrously capacious buttons found in Google Meet. They should be distinctive, very touchable, and able to capture the attention of the user on important actions.
Why So Ludicrously Capacious Buttons?
First-time users can find the size of the primary action buttons, especially the mic, camera, and end call, very attractive:
Improved Discoverability: The world we live in is growing in its digital clutter. The larger buttons can be easier to find. This is especially useful in extreme meetings where a user may want to mute his/her mic.
Enhanced Accessibility: Finger touch targets that are bigger increase accessibility to those with vision. Other attempts to make Google products more welcoming also fall in line with this research process.
Minimized Cognitive Load: When important things to do are obvious and shown instantaneously, one does not spend time looking for where the controls are. However, concentrates instead on the discussion. It has the potential to make the meeting process easier and less stressful.
Expressive and Playful Aesthetic: The Material 3 Playful aesthetic is expanded by the larger buttons than would be necessary in a pure utility case. They bring a bit of character and bravery.
Other components of the content
Dynamic Color Integration: Getting ready for background color changes to be a little different. This may go coherent with the theme of your smart device.
Improved Typography: The new fonts being introduced by Google will probably be more salient. So it will be easier to read and generate cleaner characters.
Fluid Animations: Material 3 focuses more on the natural and responsive animations. An instant switch of screens, a pleasant feel of pressing buttons, and visual signs to lead users should be anticipated.
Rearranged Layouts: The entire pattern of the meeting interface will presumably be rearranged in order to handle the space and information structure pertaining to these new, enlarged interaction units.
New Iconography: We can update the Iconography to match a more daring and fun style of Material 3.
Possible Objections and Prospects of the Future
Of course, such a drastic change of design does not come without criticism. Some users consider the big buttons too overwhelming, especially on the smaller screens.
The play-expressive style is, according to other people, not very professional for business. Some even consider the redesign a waste, and they favor the more simplistic version of old times.
Nevertheless, Google must have made such decisions by conducting studies and having a wider picture of better usability.
Conclusion
The newly revamped Material 3 Expressive in Google Meet sends the message through ludicrously capacious buttons.
Google is seeking to enhance efficiency in the communication process by paying attention to usability and discoverability.
This change may disappoint those who preferred the old, simple design. However, this is an example of the bigger design plans Google has.
