The Daily Index — Friday, January 17, 2025

NEWS & TRENDS

TLDR Design

HERE'S THE NINTENDO SWITCH 2

Nintendo has unveiled the first details of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set for release this year. The console resembles the original Switch but is larger. It features black Joy-Con controllers with colored accents that attach magnetically. The new Switch has a new USB-C port and an improved kickstand. Backward compatibility with most Switch games has been confirmed.

theverge.com · 3 min

TLDR Design

THE NOKIA DESIGN ARCHIVE GOES LIVE – RELIVE THE EARLY YEARS OF MOBILE MULTIMEDIA

Aalto University's Nokia Design Archive is now open. Featuring 700 curated entries and 20,000 items showcasing Nokia's design history, the archive, led by Professor Anna Valtonen, explores the evolution of mobile phones from basic devices to innovative concepts like the Nokia N95. Visitors can browse sketches, models, and concept displays.

wallpaper.com · 2 min

TLDR Design

THIS PORSCHE X HONOR SMARTPHONE COLLAB VALIDATES AN UNEXPECTED TECH TREND

The Porsche X Honor Magic 7 RSR smartphone seamlessly combines Porsche's automotive-inspired design with cutting-edge technology. Its distinctive hexagonal camera unit, sharp edges, and high-quality materials reflect Porsche's signature aesthetic. Available in refined colors like Agate Grey and Provence, the device offers a perfect balance of elegance and individuality for an elevated user experience.

creativebloq.com · 2 min

TLDR Design

SCIENCE JUST VALIDATED YOUR FAVORITE FONT PAIRINGS

Researchers from Hanyang University analyzed thousands of font pairings, confirming sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura, and Univers dominate across mediums. The study highlights how font choices vary by use case, with serif fonts appearing in print, ornate fonts in ads, and bold glyphs in branding.

links.tldrnewsletter.com · 2 min

TLDR Design

“DESIGNERS NEED TO PUT INSTINCT OVER DATA”

Designers should prioritize instinct over data, as data can oversimplify complexity while instincts capture emotional nuance. It is important to hone instincts through experience, understand the end user, and create a safe environment to foster bold, inspired work.

designweek.co.uk · 5 min

TLDR Design

RETHINKING THE TERM "PRIMITIVES" IN DESIGN SYSTEMS

The term "primitives" in design systems refers to foundational elements like color, typography, and spacing but may feel vague to non-technical teams. Alternatives like "root" and "foundation" offer clearer, more inclusive language that fosters better collaboration and understanding across design, development, and stakeholder teams.

studiobuizert.com · 3 min

TLDR Design

DRIPPING WITH CHARACTER: 27B CRAFTS A PUNCHY BRAND WORLD FOR POP-UP RESTAURANT KOKORO AMSTERDAM

27b created a unique brand identity for Kokoro, a Japanese pop-up restaurant in Amsterdam, that avoided cultural clichés through hand-drawn typography, textured illustrations, and a reusable pink menu sleeve. The design emphasizes authenticity, innovation, and sustainability, with custom merchandise featuring subtle branding elements.

the-brandidentity.com · 3 min

TLDR Design

CAMPBELL HAY CRAFTS NEW PLACE BRAND FOR ISLINGTON SQUARE

Campbell Hay developed a dynamic new identity for Islington Square, transforming it into a vibrant London retail destination focused on experience and discovery. The brand features bold graphics, animated 3D arches, and an inviting verbal identity to showcase its lively atmosphere.

creativeboom.com · 3 min

TLDR Design

WHAT TRUMP'S ELECTION TELLS US ABOUT THE USER EXPERIENCE OF GOVERNMENT

Public trust in government is low; many feel it fails to meet their needs. To rebuild trust, we need more user-friendly, adaptable systems like success planning, guaranteed income, and the abundance movement, focusing on personalized, responsive services that effectively deliver results rather than rigid, outdated bureaucratic processes.

time.com · 6 min

TLDR Design

AUTOMATED ACCESSIBILITY TESTING AT SLACK

Slack has implemented automated accessibility tests with Axe and Playwright, ensuring comprehensive checks throughout development, supplemented by manual and user-focused evaluations.

slack.engineering · 14 min

TLDR Design

ICONIC GUITARS OF FAMOUS GUITARISTS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS

Anthony Giaccone's debut art series showcases hand-drawn illustrations of iconic guitars, blending his marketing career and passion for art.

designyoutrust.com · 1 min

TLDR Design

ENOUGH DISRUPTION: BUILD BETTER PRODUCTS

The tech industry is obsessed with disruption over quality, which results in buggy and confusing user experiences.

links.tldrnewsletter.com · 5 min