Glimmer is Google's design system specifically created for transparent displays on AI glasses with displays. It represents a fundamental rethinking of interface design principles for extended reality (XR) experiences, focusing on how digital content integrates seamlessly with the real world. The system addresses the unique challenges of designing interfaces that appear on lens-based displays rather than traditional screens.

Key features include a complete redefinition of color physics where black appears transparent and surfaces use dark containers for legibility. The system includes optimized typography using Google Sans Flex with increased letter spacing and optical sizing for better readability. Glimmer features a new depth system that casts dark, rich shadows to convey hierarchy and space, along with carefully calibrated motion transitions that respect human attention spans. The design language prioritizes glanceability and includes components specifically adapted for transparent displays.

The system works by projecting interfaces to a perceived depth of about one meter away (arm's length), requiring users to consciously shift their focus from the real world to the digital content. This approach embraces the physics of additive displays that can only add light, not create opaque black. The design team collaborated with vision scientists to establish minimum readable text sizes measured in visual angle degrees rather than pixels.

Benefits include creating interfaces that harmonize with the real world rather than competing with it, ensuring legibility across diverse lighting conditions, and providing responsive feedback while maintaining ambient presence. The system enables developers to build applications that appear when needed and disappear when not, creating truly ambient computing experiences.

Glimmer targets Android developers and designers working on extended reality applications for AI glasses. It includes Jetpack Compose Glimmer for Android XR development and a Figma design kit for prototyping. The system integrates with Android's existing development ecosystem while providing specialized components for transparent display technology.