Google’s Material 3 Expressive Update: What’s New and What’s Next for Navigation
In a recent update, Google has released new and updated components for Material 3 Expressive, bringing significant changes to the way we navigate apps. As we dive into the details, it’s clear that this update is all about flexibility, adaptability, and a fresh new look. But what does it mean for developers and users alike? Let’s break it down.
The End of Tall Bottom Bars
Remember the days of tall, pill-shaped bottom bars in Material 3? Those are officially a thing of the past. The Expressive update introduces the “flexible navigation bar,” a shorter and more compact alternative that’s designed to work seamlessly across different window sizes. This change is a welcome one, as it allows for a more streamlined and intuitive navigation experience.
The Rise of the Navigation Rail
But what about the navigation drawer? Well, it’s officially being deprecated in the Material 3 Expressive update. Instead, Google is encouraging developers to use the updated navigation rail, which is available in both collapsed and expanded configurations. The collapsed version is wider than its predecessor, and can easily transform into the expanded version, which shows secondary destinations not visible when collapsed.
The Navigation Rail: A Game-Changer for Large Screens
The navigation rail is designed for medium, expanded, large, or extra-large window sizes, which translates to foldables, tablets, and even larger screens. This means that apps can take advantage of the extra real estate to provide a more comprehensive navigation experience. But what about smaller screens, like phones? Unfortunately, it seems that Google has left out phones, with no navigation drawer replacement in sight.
The Future of Navigation
So, what does this mean for the future of navigation? While these changes are guidelines, it’s likely that apps will continue to use navigation drawers, at least for the time being. However, it’s possible that we’ll see a shift towards redesigned apps that remove navigation drawers altogether. This would be a significant undertaking, but it could also lead to a more streamlined and intuitive navigation experience.
Actionable Insights
As developers and users, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest changes and trends in Material Design. Here are some actionable insights to keep in mind:
- Update your apps to take advantage of the new navigation rail and flexible navigation bar.
- Consider redesigning your app to remove navigation drawers and adopt the navigation rail instead.
- Keep an eye out for future updates and changes to Material Design, as they can have a significant impact on your app’s navigation experience.
Conclusion
The Material 3 Expressive update is all about flexibility and adaptability, and it’s clear that Google is committed to providing a seamless navigation experience across different window sizes. While there are some challenges ahead, particularly for smaller screens, it’s an exciting time for developers and users alike. By staying informed and adapting to these changes, we can create apps that are more intuitive, more user-friendly, and more enjoyable to use.