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The Glassmorphism UI Design Trend For 2023
Understanding the Origins, Use Cases, and Creators Behind This Modern Design Phenomenon

Introduction
Glassmorphism is a UI design trend that emerged in 2020, captivating designers and users alike with its frosted glass-like appearance, semi-transparent elements, and vibrant colors.
This modern design phenomenon has been embraced by some of the biggest names in tech, including Microsoft and Apple, and has found its way into various digital platforms.
Key Characteristics:
- Frosted glass-like appearance — UI elements resemble semi-transparent or translucent glass surfaces.
- Semi-transparent elements — Interface components have varying levels of transparency, creating a layered effect.
- Background blurring — Blurred backgrounds add depth and enhance the visual hierarchy of the interface.
- Vibrant colors — Glassmorphism often incorporates bright, vivid colors that contrast with the semi-transparent elements.
- Light and shadows — The use of subtle light and shadows enhances the three-dimensional appearance and creates a sense of depth.
- Border highlighting — UI elements may feature border highlights or accents, which help to define their edges and shape.
The Origins of Glassmorphism
Glassmorphism’s origins can be traced back to Microsoft’s Fluent Design System, introduced in 2017, which featured Acrylic Material — a semi-transparent, blurred background effect. Apple soon followed suit with its macOS Big Sur update in 2020, incorporating similar visual elements. The design trend gained widespread popularity as designers started adopting and expanding upon these principles, eventually coining the term “glassmorphism” to describe the distinct glass-like appearance of UI elements.
Use Cases for Glassmorphism
- Web and App Design: Glassmorphism adds a touch of modernity and depth to web and app interfaces, making them visually engaging and appealing to users.
- Dashboard Interfaces: The semi-transparent elements in glassmorphism can be used to create…