‘With the power of illustration, we can capture the true, playful vibe of a kangaroo’: Google explains the thinking behind its new 3D emojis
Google has released the Noto 3D collection of emojis and published an in-depth blog post explaining the design philosophy behind these new 3D models. The company is positioning 3D rendering as the next evolution in digital communication, moving beyond traditional 2D emoji representations.
According to Google, the shift to 3D allows designers to capture more authentic and expressive characteristics of emoji subjects. A representative quoted in the article stated: “With the power of illustration, we can capture the true, playful vibe of a kangaroo,” highlighting how dimensional rendering enables better conveyance of personality and emotion compared to flat designs.
The announcement coincided with World Emoji Day and reflects on how emojis have become central to digital communication since their emergence in the late 2000s. Rather than simply laughing or expressing emotions through text, modern users now rely on emoji imagery to communicate nuance and tone. Google’s initiative underscores how major technology companies continue to invest in refining the visual language that shapes online interaction, suggesting that 3D emoji adoption may represent a significant shift in how billions of people express themselves digitally.