The Daily Index — Thursday, January 9, 2025

NEWS & TRENDS

TLDR Design

NEXT YEAR'S MACBOOK PRO COULD BE APPLE'S BIGGEST MAC UPGRADE EVER

The MacBook Pro is expected to undergo a major redesign in 2026, becoming thinner and lighter while retaining the power of Apple Silicon. Users hope Apple will avoid past mistakes by maintaining the restored ports and prioritizing functionality. Another key aspect of the MacBook Pro redesign is its display, which is expected to ditch the notch as part of a switch to OLED.

9to5mac.com · 4 min

TLDR Design

THREADS PROTOTYPES CUSTOM DISPLAY NAMES AND COVER IMAGES FOR PROFILES

Instagram Threads is testing features to align more with X and Bluesky, including setting display names and adding cover images. Spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, these features are currently unavailable to the public. Users will be able to independently modify their Threads display names if implemented, enhancing their platform identity.

techcrunch.com · 2 min

TLDR Design

MICROSOFT'S OUTRAGEOUS GOOGLE WEBSITE IMITATION BRANDED A 'NEW LOW'

Microsoft redesigned its Bing search results page to closely mimic Google's web design, sparking accusations of deceptive tactics. The page features a Google-like doodle, a similar text layout to Google's search page, and automatic scrolling that hides Bing's branding, leading to user confusion. Designers have pointed out that this blatant imitation highlights the importance of originality in web design and reinforces the need for distinct, user-friendly interfaces.

creativebloq.com · 1 min

TLDR Design

WHAT'S THE OBJECT OF INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE?

Unlike other design disciplines, information architecture (IA) struggles with mainstream recognition due to its abstract nature and lack of a tangible central object. This abstraction makes it hard for people to grasp IA's value. IA may need to target niche audiences who can appreciate its unique role in organizing information.

jarango.com · 2 min

TLDR Design

THE RISE AND FALL OF NEUMORPHISM

Neumorphism, a design trend that blends realism and minimalism, emerged around 2019-2020 and gained popularity in design communities. It aimed to create visually distinct UIs but faced challenges such as low contrast, usability issues, and limited practicality. Offering new aesthetic approaches, trends like Glassmorphism and Skeuomorphism 2.0 gained traction after its decline.

links.tldrnewsletter.com · 4 min

TLDR Design

A DESIGNER'S GUIDE TO THE NEW EPR PACKAGING LAWS

The UK's new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law shifts packaging disposal costs from taxpayers to producers, encouraging sustainable packaging. This change significantly impacts design, demanding sustainable practices from the start. Designers like Sophie Thomas see it as a chance for innovation, pushing for responsible packaging and long-term product durability.

designweek.co.uk · 6 min

TLDR Design

AI AND COGNITIVE OFFLOADING: SHARING THE THINKING PROCESS WITH MACHINES

Humans naturally offload mental tasks onto tools, technologies, and others to reduce cognitive effort and enhance thinking. Designing AI systems that facilitate cognitive offloading and collaboration can empower users to solve problems more effectively and extend their capabilities.

links.tldrnewsletter.com · 13 min

TLDR Design

ED HELMS' SNAFU PODCAST EMBRACES 'CONTROLLED MESSINESS' IN NEW IDENTITY

Ed Helms' SNAFU podcast has a new brand identity inspired by Cold War propaganda, spy posters, and vintage book covers, that blends irreverence with professionalism. Bold visuals, quirky typography, and redacted-document cover art create a distinctive design that evokes history and storytelling.

creativeboom.com · 5 min

TLDR Design

MY CREATIVE STACK FOR 2025

Patrick Morgan shares his evolving creative stack for 2025, balancing experimentation with practical tool adoption. His essential tools include Obsidian for writing, Figma for design, and ChatGPT for brainstorming. He emphasizes regular evaluation, adopting tools that enhance productivity while retiring those that don't, ensuring his workflow remains efficient and adaptable.

unknownarts.co · 6 min

TLDR Design

10 BRANDS THAT REALLY NEED TO REBRAND IN 2025

Brands like X, Dollar Tree, and MTV need significant rebrands in 2025 to stay relevant and competitive.

creativebloq.com · 12 min

TLDR Design

WEB DESIGNER SALARIES AROUND THE WORLD: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Web designer salaries may vary widely depending on the country, experience, and local costs.

webdesignerdepot.com · 4 min

TLDR Design

“FEEL EMPOWERED FOR YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION, GO ARMED WITH STATS”

Schedule a meeting to discuss salary, using industry data to support your case, and be prepared to walk away if necessary.

itsnicethat.com · 1 min