Google Meet Introduces Material 3 Expressive Design with Enhanced Features

On June 21, 2025, Google announced a significant redesign of its video conferencing platform, Google Meet, incorporating Material 3 Expressive design elements. This update joins other Google services, including Gmail and Messages, in adopting the new interface framework, though its implementation in Google Meet is characterized by a more modest scope.

The redesign features notably enlarged buttons on the pre-call screen, aimed at enhancing usability. According to Abner Li, a technology journalist at 9to5Google, the new buttons for initiating voice and video calls have been described as 'humongous', creating a visual contrast that some users might perceive as excessive or disproportionate compared to other interface elements (Li, 2025). This adjustment is part of a broader trend where Google is emphasizing accessibility in its applications, as highlighted by recent user interface studies from the Nielsen Norman Group, which underline the importance of touch target sizing for user engagement and satisfaction (Nielsen, 2023).

While the homescreen and pre-call screen received the most visible changes, the core functionality of the application remains largely unchanged. The search bar and navigation drawer, for instance, have not been altered. The initial and final call entries now appear in rounded containers, enhancing the visual appeal of the call history layout.

The updated interface also includes a centralized display of the profile image, name, and email address of the participant being called, which simplifies user interactions before a call begins. However, settings and configuration options have not undergone significant changes, indicating a selective approach to the redesign that focuses on user-facing elements rather than backend functionalities (Li, 2025).

The rollout of these changes is gradual, with users currently experiencing them in version 310 of Google Meet for Android. As digital communication has surged in the post-pandemic era, platforms like Google Meet are continuously evolving to meet user needs. According to Dr. Emily Carter, a communication technology expert at Stanford University, the evolution of video conferencing software is critical as remote work continues to be a staple in the modern workplace (Carter, 2023).

In a broader context, the redesign reflects Google's ongoing commitment to improving user experience across its services. With the integration of Material 3 Expressive, the company aims not only to enhance aesthetic appeal but also to facilitate more intuitive interactions for users of all ages and technical abilities. This aligns with findings from a recent report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2023, which emphasizes the importance of user-friendly design in fostering effective communication technologies (WEF, 2023).

As Google Meet continues to develop, it is also expected to fully replace the legacy Google Duo service by September 2025, marking a significant shift in Google's approach to video communication (Li, 2025). This transition could further streamline user experience by consolidating Google's communication tools under a unified platform.

In conclusion, the introduction of Material 3 Expressive in Google Meet is a strategic move to enhance user engagement through improved design and functionality. As the landscape of digital communication evolves, it will be critical for Google to monitor user feedback and adapt its offerings to ensure continued relevance in an increasingly competitive market.