The Return of Glass Morphism Design in UX & UI

Since the launch of Apple’s latest operating system — visionOS, a design trend that has made a significant comeback in recent times is Glass Morphism. This design approach not only brings a refreshing aesthetic but also bridges the gap between the digital and physical realms.

Glass Morphism draws inspiration from the physical world, particularly glass surfaces. The design style is characterized by a combination of minimalistic elements, subtle shadows, and a frosted glass-like effect, creating an interface that appears to be both transparent and tangible. This design style seeks to bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms, providing users with a more immersive and engaging experience. And this is why it’s perfect for user interfaces of mixed reality experiences which Apple Vision Pro offers.

Key Elements of Glass Morphism:

1. Soft Shadows: The use of soft, subtle shadows is a hallmark of Glass Morphism. These shadows contribute to the illusion of elements floating above the background, mimicking the way light interacts with glass surfaces.
2. Frosted Surfaces: Transparency plays a major role in Glass Morphism. Elements often feature a translucent quality, allowing users to catch glimpses of what lies beneath. This adds depth to the design and creates a sense of hierarchy.
3. Minimalistic Design: Glass Morphism embraces a clean and minimalistic design approach. Extra details are stripped away, leaving behind a sleek and modern aesthetic that focuses on the essentials.

Examples of Glass Morphism in Action:

Apple macOS & Apple visionOS: The introduction of glassmorphic elements in the macOS Big Sur update solidified the presence of this design trend in contemporary digital interfaces. And now in 2024, with the launch of Apple Vision Pro, we go a step further into utilising this design style in a whole new dimension in the visionOS — which will surely influence design for years to come.

Apple visionOS is designed to offer user experience in an infinite spatial canvas.

Microsoft Fluent 2 Design System: Microsoft’s Fluent 2 Design System also incorporates Glass Morphism across various applications, including Windows 11. The Start Menu and taskbar showcase a seamless blend of transparency and subtle shadows, offering users a visually pleasing and functional experience.

The Future of Glass Morphism:

As the digital landscape continues to evolve in the realm of mixed reality as well as spatial computing , Glass Morphism is likely to remain a prominent design trend. Its ability to blend aesthetics with functionality, providing a visually pleasing and user-friendly experience, makes it the ideal choice for regular web-based user experiences too. As we move forward, I expect to see more applications and platforms adopting this style.