Linear recently redesigned its mobile app to better serve a broader user base, particularly executives and managers who need an overview of team activities. The original app focused on individual contributors, which limited its effectiveness for more complex organizations. The team recognized the need for customizable navigation and found inspiration in Apple's announcement of Liquid Glass at WWDC. However, they opted to create their own version, allowing for greater flexibility in design and functionality. The decision to build a custom design system involved significant technical challenges but provided the team control over the navigation experience. They drew comparisons to Apple’s historical design languages, Aqua and ProKit, noting that while Liquid Glass is visually appealing, it prioritizes consumer-friendly aesthetics over the clarity needed for professional tools. Linear’s approach combines the best aspects of Liquid Glass with the discipline of ProKit, focusing on user interaction and sustained productivity. To achieve this, Linear developed a new SwiftUI view modifier that creates a glass-like effect through Gaussian blur, gradients, and real-time lighting changes. They also customized the tab bar, allowing it to adapt to various navigation patterns and expand beyond the typical five-item limit. Attention to detail included tactile feedback, variable blur effects in scroll views, and accessibility features that mirror Apple’s system, ensuring the interface remains readable in different settings. This foundational redesign prepares Linear for future growth and customization as its user base evolves.