Glassmorphism

After neomorphism unexpectedly surprised UI designers again last year, 2021 brought us a new, very similar UI trend: glass morphism. But what is it? Is the trend even that new? And most importantly: should I use it – and if so, how?

What is glassmorphism?

Glassmorphism is characterized by the use of semi-transparent surfaces that blur the elements behind them. The impression of frosted glass is best created when several layers lie on top of each other. The use of vibrant colors also enhances the effect. However, glassmorphism is not actually all that new. The pioneer was Microsoft, which gave the window edges and status bars of the Windows Vista operating system a similar glass look in 2007. To reinforce this impression, light reflections were also incorporated here. The blur effect only really took off six years later.

Display of mobile screens that appear transparent and pick up the color scheme of the background.

Why is this trend so exciting for us?

To speak of a completely new trend is not entirely correct. Nonetheless, the blurred layers, paired with soft color gradients, but sometimes also with rich colors and a multidimensionality, are something new in the UI in combination. Glassmorphism seems to be another attempt to bring more materiality back into graphical user interfaces. This can be seen not only in the UI area. Illustrations, which have become increasingly abstract and reduced in recent years, are also becoming more detailed and, above all, more three-dimensional again.

Curious? Read more now.

Here you can download the complete UXMA Trend Report 2021 free of charge and benefit from other exciting articles! Please note that the UXMA Trend Report 2021 is exclusively available in German.

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