Google has given an insight into the design philosophy behind its newly refreshed emoji set, which moves towards a more three-dimensional, illustrative style. A designer working on the project used the kangaroo emoji as an example, explaining that illustration allows the team to convey a character's "true, playful vibe" rather than relying on a flatter, more literal depiction.

The redesign reflects a broader shift in how Google approaches its emoji library, prioritising personality and expressiveness over strict realism. Beyond the kangaroo example, the piece explores how this illustrative approach is intended to make emojis feel warmer and more characterful across Google's platforms, though specific technical or rollout details were not available in the retrieved article text.