News: Emoji Proposals and Unicode Working Group Updates to Watch

Unicode working groups meet frequently to evaluate proposals for new characters, emoji sequences, and changes to the standard. This report summarizes active areas of discussion and proposals that are currently attracting attention among implementers, designers, and accessibility advocates. The goal is not to forecast approvals but to inform stakeholders about themes and considerations in ongoing deliberations.

Trends shaping proposals

Several themes recur across recent proposals and working group discussions:

• Inclusivity and representation: Proposals often aim to increase representation for professions, family structures, and culturally specific symbols.
• Sequence-based emoji: More uses of zero-width joiner sequences to create complex pictographs such as multi-person activities or profession combinations.
• Accessibility-conscious design: Evaluations increasingly consider how emoji sequences interact with screen readers and assistive technologies.

Notable proposal categories

While specific candidate emoji change each cycle, the following categories are consistently active:

• People and relationships: Expanded family and partnership representations to reflect diverse household structures.
• Tools and professions: New profession representations that are inclusive of nonbinary gender variants and joint activities.
• Objects and activities: Symbols for modern technology, hobbies, and sustainable living practices.

Technical evaluation criteria

When the Unicode Emoji Subcommittee evaluates proposals, they apply rigorous criteria:

• Compatibility and evidence: Demonstrable usage in communication or a clear demand from communities.
• Distinctiveness: The proposed glyph should be visually distinct in typical displays across platforms.
• Frequency of use: Proposals backed by data show that adoption is likely.
• Rendering concerns: Complex ZWJ sequences must be manageable for fonts and rendering engines.

Implementation challenges for platform vendors

Platforms must balance adding new emoji with the cost of designing glyphs and integrating them into keyboards and picker UIs. Additional concerns include:

• Keyboard layout changes and discoverability for users.
• Font updates and backward compatibility for older devices.
• Localization and cross-cultural interpretation.

What to watch

For product teams, designers, and developers, keep an eye on:

• Draft candidate lists released by the Unicode Emoji Subcommittee during their review cycles.
• Guidelines from platform vendors about when and how they will adopt new emoji.
• Accessibility statements detailing how new emoji sequences will be narrated by screen readers.

How to participate

Individuals and organizations can contribute to the process. Submissions to add new emoji require a proposal with evidence and rationale. There are also public comment periods and mailing lists where stakeholders can review drafts and provide feedback. Community-driven advocacy that demonstrates real-world usage increases the likelihood of approval.

Conclusion

The emoji landscape evolves through a mix of cultural demand, technical feasibility, and careful standardization. New emoji proposals reflect changing social norms and user needs, but their adoption is a collaborative process involving designers, engineers, and standard bodies. Stay informed about candidate lists and accessibility considerations to integrate new emoji responsibly into products.

Quick tip: If your organization is considering proposing an emoji, gather usage data, design concepts, and community endorsements before submitting to the Unicode process.