Expanding on the "cards" that debuted in Google Now, Material Design uses more grid-based layouts, responsive animations and transitions, padding, and depth effects such as lighting and shadows.

[6][7][8] In 2018, Google detailed a revamp of the language, with a focus on providing more flexibility for designers to create custom "themes" with varying geometry, colors, and typography.

[9] Material Design was to be gradually extended throughout Google's array of web and mobile products, providing a consistent experience across all platforms and applications.

[13] After the 2018 revamp, Google began redesigning most of their apps based on an updated set of principles and guidelines dubbed "Material Design 2", which appeared on Android Pie.

[15] The updated guidelines further heavily emphasizes white space, rounded corners, colorful icons, and bottom navigation bars.