Google has introduced a design update to its Find Hub app—previously known as Find My Device—aligning it with the Material 3 Expressive visual language. This change brings subtle yet intentional refinements aimed at improving usability and creating a more cohesive experience across the Android ecosystem.
Key Design Adjustments
- Slimmer Navigation Bar
The bottom navigation bar has been reduced in height, allowing for greater screen real estate focused on content. - Filled Icons for Active Tabs
Icons now transition from outlines to filled shapes when their corresponding tab is active. This offers clearer visual feedback, supporting quicker recognition and navigation.
These refinements are part of a broader rollout of Expressive design enhancements across Google’s Android apps, aimed at maintaining consistency without disrupting user habits. Research driving Material 3 suggests that even small changes like icon styling can reduce cognitive load and improve interface clarity.
Broader Integration and Implementation Strategy
The Find Hub update mirrors similar design changes observed in other core Google apps such as Contacts and Phone, reinforcing a unified look and feel system-wide. Notably, these updates are being delivered on the server side, enabling Google to push visual tweaks rapidly without requiring users to install full OS upgrades.
Implications for Developers and Users
- For Developers: The adoption of Material 3 Expressive signals a move toward dynamic UI elements—such as pronounced animations, accent colors, and responsive gestures—that may guide future third-party app designs.
- For Users: While the enhancements are subtle, they are grounded in behavioral research and designed to enhance intuitiveness across routine interactions. Some users may find the updates minimal, but the overall intent is to balance familiarity with incremental improvements that enhance coherence and function.
Summary
- What’s Changed: The Find Hub app now features a shorter navigation bar and filled icons for active tabs under the Material 3 Expressive guidelines.
- Why It Matters: These refinements support improved visual clarity, align with Google’s design strategy across apps, and facilitate smoother future rollouts.
- Look Ahead: Expect similar updates continuing across Google’s app portfolio as Android and Wear OS expand support for expressive design elements.