Is the Glass (Morphism) Half Full Again? A Designer’s Take on the Transparent Trend
You know that feeling when you see an old friend resurface on social media and you’re not sure whether to cringe or cheer? That’s how I felt when I started spotting the glass/transparent morphism trend popping back into the design world. Yep—what some of us lovingly (or not-so-lovingly) remember from the Microsoft Vista days is showing its shiny, semi-see-through face again.
And I have to admit…I’m not mad about it.
Before you say, “Oh, you just saw Apple’s new liquid glass aesthetic and got carried away”—I didn’t. I mean, yes, Apple’s going full glassy again, but I’ve been noticing this vibe creeping into more places: recent ads from brands like ActiveCampaign, UI updates, website hero sections—it’s happening, people.
It’s like the trend woke up from a decade-long nap, stretched its blurry edges, and said, “I’m ready for my close-up… again.”
Why Now? Why Glass?
Design trends, like fashion, love to circle back around. Remember how gradients made a surprise comeback recently? For a hot second, everything was ombre, neon, and sunset-hued (and honestly, I was here for it). Some trends come back stronger than ever—hello minimalism—while others… well, they pop in, grab a drink, and quietly exit stage left.
The glass/transparent morphism vibe gives designs a soft, layered, almost dreamy depth. When done well, it can make interfaces feel sleek, futuristic, and clean. When done poorly… let’s just say it can scream 2007 faster than you can say “Clippy.”
How to Use Glass Morphism Without Overdoing It
If you’re curious about dabbling in this trend without making your design look like a relic, here are a few quick tips:
- Keep it Subtle — Use glass effects sparingly as an accent or background layer, not as the star of the show.
- Pair with Minimalism — Transparent layers shine best when they’re balanced with clean typography and simple color schemes.
- Mind the Readability — Make sure your text and interactive elements still stand out—glass effects can blur too much if you’re not careful.
- Stay On-Brand — Don’t force it. If your brand is fun and playful, glass can add polish. If your brand is rugged and industrial—maybe skip this one.
A few brands pulling it off beautifully right now:
Take a peek for inspiration—they’re serving subtle glass vibes without going full Vista.
Will This One Stick Around?
Honestly? I’m curious. I’m cautiously optimistic. It has potential to last longer this time because we now have the technology, fonts, and color palettes to make it feel intentional instead of gimmicky. Plus, in the world of digital design where everything is flat-flat-flat, a little dimension can feel fresh.
That said, I also remember thinking Microsoft Vista looked amazing back in the day. (I can’t believe I just typed that on my MacBook… someone revoke my design card.)
My 2-Pixels on the Trend
Whether you love it, hate it, or don’t even notice it, the glass trend is making its way back into design. But like any trend, it’s best used thoughtfully. Not every project needs to look like it belongs inside an Apple keynote.
Use trends to enhance your message—not overshadow it.
And hey, if you ever need a hand deciding whether your brand should go glassy or stay classic, you know where to find me. (Wink, wink.)
