shelbeely Google Material Design
Overview
Material Design is Google's open-source design system that bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds. Introduced in 2014 and evolved through Material Design 2 (2018) and Material Design 3 (2021), it provides a comprehensive framework for building beautiful, functional, and accessible interfaces across all platforms.
References
- Guidelines: https://m3.material.io/
- Foundations: https://m3.material.io/foundations
- Components: https://m3.material.io/components
- Theming: https://m3.material.io/styles
- GitHub: https://github.com/material-components
Core Philosophy
"Material is the metaphor."
"Bold, graphic, intentional."
"Motion provides meaning."
"Adaptive design, delightful experiences."
Material Design creates a visual language that synthesizes classic principles of good design with the innovation and possibility of technology and science.
The Material Metaphor
Physical World Inspiration
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MATERIAL = DIGITAL PAPER + INK + PHYSICAL PROPERTIES │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────┐ Light │
│ │ Surface │ ◄── casts shadows │
│ │ (z=2) │ based on elevation │
│ └─────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ │ Elevation │
│ ▼ │
│ ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ │
│ ║ Ground Plane (z=0) ║ │
│ ╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ │
│ │
│ • Surfaces exist in 3D space with depth │
│ • Material has physical properties and affordances │
│ • Shadows communicate spatial relationships │
│ • Content is printed on material, not within it │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Elevation System
Elevation (dp) Component Examples Shadow Intensity
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
0dp Background, disabled None
1dp Card (resting), Search bar Subtle
2dp Card (raised), Button Light
3dp Refresh indicator Light-Medium
4dp App Bar Medium
6dp FAB (resting), Snackbar Medium
8dp Bottom sheet, Menu Pronounced
12dp FAB (pressed), Dialog Strong
16dp Nav drawer Strong
24dp Modal bottom sheet Maximum
Design Principles
1. Material is the Metaphor
/* Material surfaces have consistent properties */
.surface {
/* Surfaces are opaque and cast shadows */
background: var(--md-sys-color-surface);
/* Elevation creates depth */
box-shadow: var(--md-sys-elevation-level2);
/* Corners define character */
border-radius: var(--md-sys-shape-corner-medium);
}
/* Content rests ON material, not inside it */
.content-on-surface {
/* Ink metaphor - content is printed on surface */
color: var(--md-sys-color-on-surface);
}
2. Bold, Graphic, Intentional
Typography Hierarchy (Material 3)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Display Large 57sp Headlines for hero moments
Display Medium 45sp Large display text
Display Small 36sp Smaller display text
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Headline Large 32sp High-emphasis text
Headline Medium 28sp Medium emphasis headers
Headline Small 24sp Smaller headlines
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Title Large 22sp Prominent titles
Title Medium 16sp Medium titles
Title Small 14sp Smaller titles, tabs
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Label Large 14sp Buttons, prominent labels
Label Medium 12sp Navigation labels
Label Small 11sp Timestamps, hints
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Body Large 16sp Primary body text
Body Medium 14sp Secondary body text
Body Small 12sp Captions, annotations
3. Motion Provides Meaning
// motion_principles.js
// Motion in Material Design is choreographed and meaningful
const MaterialMotion = {
// Duration tokens (Material 3)
duration: {
short1: 50, // Micro-interactions
short2: 100, // Simple selections
short3: 150, // Checkbox, switch
short4: 200, // Small expand/collapse
medium1: 250, // Standard enter/exit
medium2: 300, // Card expand
medium3: 350, // Complex animations
medium4: 400, // Page transitions
long1: 450, // Large area transitions
long2: 500, // Complex choreography
long3: 550, // Elaborate animations
long4: 600, // Maximum duration
},
// Easing curves
easing: {
// Emphasized - for prominent elements
emphasized: 'cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.0, 0, 1.0)',
emphasizedDecelerate: 'cubic-bezier(0.05, 0.7, 0.1, 1.0)',
emphasizedAccelerate: 'cubic-bezier(0.3, 0.0, 0.8, 0.15)',
// Standard - for most transitions
standard: 'cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.0, 0, 1.0)',
standardDecelerate: 'cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0, 1)',
standardAccelerate: 'cubic-bezier(0.3, 0, 1, 1)',
},
// Transition patterns
patterns: {
// Container transform - element becomes new screen
containerTransform: {
use: 'Element expands into a new screen',
duration: 'medium2',
easing: 'emphasized',
},
// Shared axis - elements share spatial relationship
sharedAxis: {
use: 'Navigation between related destinations',
duration: 'medium1',
easing: 'emphasized',
},
// Fade through - unrelated content transition
fadeThrough: {
use: 'Switching between unrelated content',
duration: 'medium1',
easing: 'emphasized',
},
// Fade - simple appearance/disappearance
fade: {
use: 'UI elements appearing or disappearing',
duration: 'short4',
easing: 'standard',
},
},
};
// Example: Container transform animation
function containerTransform(element, options) {
const { duration, easing } = MaterialMotion.patterns.containerTransform;
return element.animate([
{ transform: 'scale(0.85)', opacity: 0 },
{ transform: 'scale(1)', opacity: 1 },
], {
duration: MaterialMotion.duration[duration],
easing: MaterialMotion.easing[easing],
fill: 'forwards',
});
}
Color System (Material 3 Dynamic Color)
Tonal Palettes
Source Color → Tonal Palette → Color Scheme
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Primary Source (#6750A4)
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Tonal Palette: Primary │
│ ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── │
│ 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95 100│
│ ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓ ▓▓▓▓ ████ ████ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ ░░░░ │
│ Darkest ◄─────────────────────────────────► Lightest │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
▼
Light Scheme: Dark Scheme:
primary: tone40 primary: tone80
onPrimary: tone100 onPrimary: tone20
primaryContainer: tone90 primaryContainer: tone30
onPrimaryContainer: tone10 onPrimaryContainer: tone90
Color Roles
/* Material 3 Color Tokens */
:root {
/* Primary - Key color, brand identity */
--md-sys-color-primary: #6750A4;
--md-sys-color-on-primary: #FFFFFF;
--md-sys-color-primary-container: #EADDFF;
--md-sys-color-on-primary-container: #21005D;
/* Secondary - Supporting color */
--md-sys-color-secondary: #625B71;
--md-sys-color-on-secondary: #FFFFFF;
--md-sys-color-secondary-container: #E8DEF8;
--md-sys-color-on-secondary-container: #1D192B;
/* Tertiary - Accent, contrast */
--md-sys-color-tertiary: #7D5260;
--md-sys-color-on-tertiary: #FFFFFF;
--md-sys-color-tertiary-container: #FFD8E4;
--md-sys-color-on-tertiary-container: #31111D;
/* Error - Alerts and errors */
--md-sys-color-error: #B3261E;
--md-sys-color-on-error: #FFFFFF;
--md-sys-color-error-container: #F9DEDC;
--md-sys-color-on-error-container: #410E0B;
/* Surface - Backgrounds */
--md-sys-color-surface: #FFFBFE;
--md-sys-color-on-surface: #1C1B1F;
--md-sys-color-surface-variant: #E7E0EC;
--md-sys-color-on-surface-variant: #49454F;
/* Outline - Borders, dividers */
--md-sys-color-outline: #79747E;
--md-sys-color-outline-variant: #CAC4D0;
}
Dynamic Color from Content
// dynamic_color.js
// Extract color scheme from images or user preference
class MaterialColorScheme {
constructor(sourceColor) {
this.source = sourceColor;
this.palette = this.generateTonalPalette(sourceColor);
}
generateTonalPalette(color) {
// HCT (Hue, Chroma, Tone) color space for perceptual uniformity
const hct = rgbToHct(color);
return {
0: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 0 }),
10: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 10 }),
20: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 20 }),
30: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 30 }),
40: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 40 }),
50: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 50 }),
60: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 60 }),
70: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 70 }),
80: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 80 }),
90: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 90 }),
95: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 95 }),
99: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 99 }),
100: hctToRgb({ ...hct, tone: 100 }),
};
}
getLightScheme() {
return {
primary: this.palette[40],
onPrimary: this.palette[100],
primaryContainer: this.palette[90],
onPrimaryContainer: this.palette[10],
// ... remaining roles
};
}
getDarkScheme() {
return {
primary: this.palette[80],
onPrimary: this.palette[20],
primaryContainer: this.palette[30],
onPrimaryContainer: this.palette[90],
// ... remaining roles
};
}
}
Component Architecture
Anatomy of a Material Component
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ BUTTON ANATOMY │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ [Icon] Label Text │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ Leading Icon (optional) │ │
│ │ │ │
│ │ Label text (required) Container │
│ │ (required) │
│ │ │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
│ States: Enabled, Disabled, Hovered, │
│ Focused, Pressed │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Button Variants
// MaterialButton.tsx
// Material 3 button implementations
interface ButtonProps {
variant: 'elevated' | 'filled' | 'tonal' | 'outlined' | 'text';
icon?: React.ReactNode;
children: React.ReactNode;
disabled?: boolean;
onClick?: () => void;
}
// Elevated - For secondary actions requiring emphasis
const ElevatedButton = styled.button`
background: var(--md-sys-color-surface-container-low);
color: var(--md-sys-color-primary);
box-shadow: var(--md-sys-elevation-level1);
border: none;
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 10px 24px;
font: var(--md-sys-typescale-label-large);
&:hover {
box-shadow: var(--md-sys-elevation-level2);
background: color-mix(
in srgb,
var(--md-sys-color-primary) 8%,
var(--md-sys-color-surface-container-low)
);
}
&:focus-visible {
outline: none;
box-shadow: var(--md-sys-elevation-level1);
background: color-mix(
in srgb,
var(--md-sys-color-primary) 12%,
var(--md-sys-color-surface-container-low)
);
}
&:active {
box-shadow: var(--md-sys-elevation-level1);
background: color-mix(
in srgb,
var(--md-sys-color-primary) 12%,
var(--md-sys-color-surface-container-low)
);
}
`;
// Filled - For primary actions, high emphasis
const FilledButton = styled.button`
background: var(--md-sys-color-primary);
color: var(--md-sys-color-on-primary);
border: none;
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 10px 24px;
&:hover {
box-shadow: var(--md-sys-elevation-level1);
background: color-mix(
in srgb,
var(--md-sys-color-on-primary) 8%,
var(--md-sys-color-primary)
);
}
`;
// Tonal - For secondary actions, medium emphasis
const TonalButton = styled.button`
background: var(--md-sys-color-secondary-container);
color: var(--md-sys-color-on-secondary-container);
border: none;
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 10px 24px;
`;
// Outlined - For secondary actions, low emphasis
const OutlinedButton = styled.button`
background: transparent;
color: var(--md-sys-color-primary);
border: 1px solid var(--md-sys-color-outline);
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 10px 24px;
`;
// Text - For lowest emphasis actions
const TextButton = styled.button`
background: transparent;
color: var(--md-sys-color-primary);
border: none;
border-radius: 20px;
padding: 10px 12px;
`;
State Layer System
/* Material 3 State Layer Implementation */
.interactive-element {
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}
/* State layer overlay */
.interactive-element::before {
content: '';
position: absolute;
inset: 0;
background: currentColor;
opacity: 0;
transition: opacity 150ms var(--md-sys-motion-easing-standard);
}
/* State layer opacities */
.interactive-element:hover::before {
opacity: 0.08; /* Hover state */
}
.interactive-element:focus-visible::before {
opacity: 0.12; /* Focus state */
}
.interactive-element:active::before {
opacity: 0.12; /* Pressed state */
}
.interactive-element[data-dragged]::before {
opacity: 0.16; /* Dragged state */
}
/* Disabled states - no state layer, reduced opacity */
.interactive-element:disabled {
opacity: 0.38;
pointer-events: none;
}
.interactive-element:disabled::before {
display: none;
}
Shape System
Corner Styles
Shape Scale (Material 3)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
None (0dp) Extra Small (4dp) Small (8dp)
┌──────────┐ ╭──────────╮ ╭──────────╮
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
└──────────┘ ╰──────────╯ ╰──────────╯
Medium (12dp) Large (16dp) Extra Large (28dp)
╭──────────╮ ╭──────────╮ ╭──────────╮
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
╰──────────╯ ╰──────────╯ ╰──────────╯
Full (50%)
╭────╮
│ │
│ │
╰────╯
/* Shape tokens */
:root {
--md-sys-shape-corner-none: 0px;
--md-sys-shape-corner-extra-small: 4px;
--md-sys-shape-corner-small: 8px;
--md-sys-shape-corner-medium: 12px;
--md-sys-shape-corner-large: 16px;
--md-sys-shape-corner-extra-large: 28px;
--md-sys-shape-corner-full: 9999px;
}
/* Shape application by component */
.chip { border-radius: var(--md-sys-shape-corner-small); }
.card { border-radius: var(--md-sys-shape-corner-medium); }
.dialog { border-radius: var(--md-sys-shape-corner-extra-large); }
.fab { border-radius: var(--md-sys-shape-corner-large); }
.button { border-radius: var(--md-sys-shape-corner-full); }
Adaptive Layouts
Responsive Grid System
Window Size Classes
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Compact (< 600dp) Medium (600-839dp) Expanded (840dp+)
┌─────────────┐ ┌────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────┐
│ │ │ │ │ Nav │ │
│ Content │ │ Content │ │ Bar │ Content │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │
├─────────────┤ │ │ │ │ │
│ Nav Bar │ ├────────────────┤ │ │ │
└─────────────┘ │ Nav Bar │ │ │ │
└────────────────┘ └───────────────────┘
4 columns 8 columns (body) 12 columns (body)
16dp margins 24dp margins 24dp margins
8dp gutters 16dp gutters 24dp gutters
Layout Implementation
// AdaptiveLayout.tsx
// Material 3 adaptive scaffold
import { useWindowSize } from './hooks';
type WindowSizeClass = 'compact' | 'medium' | 'expanded' | 'large' | 'extraLarge';
function getWindowSizeClass(width: number): WindowSizeClass {
if (width < 600) return 'compact';
if (width < 840) return 'medium';
if (width < 1200) return 'expanded';
if (width < 1600) return 'large';
return 'extraLarge';
}
interface AdaptiveLayoutProps {
navigation: React.ReactNode;
content: React.ReactNode;
detail?: React.ReactNode;
}
export function AdaptiveLayout({ navigation, content, detail }: AdaptiveLayoutProps) {
const { width } = useWindowSize();
const sizeClass = getWindowSizeClass(width);
// Compact: Bottom navigation bar
if (sizeClass === 'compact') {
return (
<div className="layout-compact">
<main className="content">{content}</main>
<nav className="navigation-bar">{navigation}</nav>
</div>
);
}
// Medium: Navigation rail
if (sizeClass === 'medium') {
return (
<div className="layout-medium">
<nav className="navigation-rail">{navigation}</nav>
<main className="content">{content}</main>
</div>
);
}
// Expanded+: Navigation drawer with optional detail pane
return (
<div className="layout-expanded">
<nav className="navigation-drawer">{navigation}</nav>
<main className="content">{content}</main>
{detail && sizeClass !== 'expanded' && (
<aside className="detail-pane">{detail}</aside>
)}
</div>
);
}
Navigation Patterns
Navigation Components by Screen Size
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Compact Medium Expanded
─────────────────────────────────────────────
Primary Bottom Bar Rail Drawer
3-5 items 3-7 items Full labels
Secondary Modal Drawer Modal Drawer Persistent Drawer
Tertiary Tabs Tabs Tabs
Bottom Sheet Side Sheet Side Sheet
Accessibility (A11y)
Touch Targets
/* Minimum touch target: 48x48dp */
.touch-target {
min-width: 48px;
min-height: 48px;
/* Visual element can be smaller, but touch area must be 48dp */
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
}
.icon-button {
/* Icon is 24dp, but touch target is 48dp */
width: 48px;
height: 48px;
padding: 12px;
}
.icon-button svg {
width: 24px;
height: 24px;
}
Color Contrast
Contrast Requirements (WCAG 2.1)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Text Size Minimum (AA) Enhanced (AAA)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
Normal text 4.5:1 7:1
Large text 3:1 4.5:1
(18sp+ or 14sp bold)
UI Components 3:1 Not defined
(borders, icons)
Material Design ensures:
• on-primary meets 4.5:1 against primary
• on-surface meets 4.5:1 against surface
• All semantic color pairs are accessible
Focus Indicators
/* Material 3 focus indicators */
.focusable {
outline: none;
position: relative;
}
.focusable:focus-visible {
/* Focus ring using secondary color */
outline: 3px solid var(--md-sys-color-secondary);
outline-offset: 2px;
}
/* Alternative: Focus indicator within element */
.button:focus-visible {
outline: none;
}
.button:focus-visible::after {
content: '';
position: absolute;
inset: -4px;
border: 3px solid var(--md-sys-color-secondary);
border-radius: inherit;
pointer-events: none;
}
When Implementing
Always
- Use the design token system for colors, typography, and shape
- Implement all interactive states (enabled, disabled, hover, focus, pressed)
- Ensure 48dp minimum touch targets
- Provide visible focus indicators
- Use semantic color roles (primary, secondary, error) not raw values
- Apply elevation system for spatial hierarchy
- Include meaningful motion for state changes
Never
- Hard-code color values instead of tokens
- Ignore disabled states
- Create custom colors outside the tonal palette
- Skip focus states for keyboard users
- Use elevation without purpose
- Add motion that doesn't convey meaning
- Violate touch target minimums
Prefer
- Filled buttons for primary actions, text buttons for tertiary
- Tonal palette for consistent, harmonious colors
- Standard easing for most transitions
- Surface color variants over opacity for overlays
- Component library over custom implementations
- Adaptive layouts over fixed breakpoints
Mental Model
Material Design asks:
- Is it material? Does it behave like a physical surface with depth?
- Is it intentional? Does every element serve a clear purpose?
- Is it meaningful? Does motion communicate state and guide attention?
- Is it accessible? Can everyone use it regardless of ability?
- Is it adaptive? Does it work across all screen sizes and devices?
- Is it delightful? Does it create a positive emotional response?
Signature Material Moves
- Dynamic Color: Personalized themes from user content
- Tonal Palettes: Harmonious color derived from single source
- State Layers: Consistent interaction feedback via overlays
- Container Transform: Seamless element-to-screen transitions
- Elevation Hierarchy: Shadows that communicate importance
- Adaptive Scaffolds: Navigation that transforms with screen size
- Typography Scale: 15 styles for clear content hierarchy
- Shape System: Corners that communicate component personality