Android Lollipop introduced Material Design 1.0 in November 2014 — Google's first unified visual language built on the metaphor of layered paper sheets casting real shadows. Every surface has a z-elevation measured in density-independent pixels, every interaction triggers an expanding ink ripple, and saturated 500-series primaries pop against pure white cards.

The system is defined by its physicality: components behave like cut paper with mass and momentum, shadows are mathematically precise (not decorative), and Android Green #3DDC84 anchors the brand across a palette of bold, unapologetic color.