Parse notes
Snap is reportedly set to unveil a new generation of augmented reality Spectacles featuring improved technology like a wider field of view and better battery life. These glasses remain developer-focused with limited production, reflecting Snap's continued interest in hardware despite previous setbacks.
Google Maps has introduced a bottom bar redesign on iOS, reducing the number of tabs from five to three to create a cleaner interface. The "Go" tab has been removed - its functionalities are now accessible through the "You" tab, which features a new "Saved trips" list. The middle tab, once named "Saved," now includes top tabs for "Notifications" and "Messages," integrating items from the now-removed "Updates" tab. The "Contribute" tab remains unchanged.
Apple will unveil the iPhone 16 lineup on September 9 at the Steve Jobs Theater. Notable design updates include larger screens on Pro models, a new dedicated button for photography, and the broader inclusion of the Action Button. Other devices rumored to be unveiled at the event include the Apple Watch Series 10 and possibly two versions of new AirPods, alongside new AI features dubbed Apple Intelligence. iOS 18 and other operating system updates are expected to go live following the event.
Material Design has evolved from minimalism to prioritizing emotion and personalization, with Material Design 3 emphasizing flexibility through Dynamic Color. Design principles should be regularly updated to accommodate AI, emotional resonance, collaboration, and evolving interfaces.
A design system may not be necessary for some companies. Focus on solving key issues like visual consistency or communication gaps before implementing one. Start with design freedom and introduce structure gradually, using tools like Storybook for documentation in larger companies.
There are various design system governance models, each with pros and cons. Top-down models offer control but risk alienating feature teams, while bottom-up models can lead to bloated systems. Federated and hybrid models balance control and collaboration. The distributed model promotes flexibility and innovation by dividing responsibilities across teams.
PhotoGradient allows you to create stunning gradients from selected colors or photos.
Pointillism transforms images into vector points, allowing customizable dot sizes and frequencies. It supports Parallax, Shape move, and Physics animations and exports as SVG or PNG.
WasItAI lets users check if images are AI-generated by simply uploading them. The tool supports images up to 8MB and offers API integration options.
Webflow rebranded its iconography to enhance readability and visual consistency, prioritizing pixel perfection and clarity even in small sizes. The design process focused on achieving consistency through common patterns and visual weight, with technical considerations for efficient code exports.
The University of the Arts London (UAL) 2024 graduation ceremony will feature a "growth and transition" theme, represented by abstract floral designs created by Kind Studio. In collaboration with 3D artist Stee Shaw, these designs are showcased across various platforms, offering an immersive experience at the Royal Festival Hall.
Midjourney has launched a new web app for image creation that replaces Discord. Key features include intuitive prompt creation, easy access to history, image organization with smart folders, hybrid prompting, explicit iteration tools, and chat rooms. The web app also ensures you always use the latest model, simplifying the creative process.
Technology's impact on design is inevitable, as seen in the decline of traditional studios in the 1990s and the rise of AI in design tools today.
Staying creative with a design system involves understanding its mechanics — function, visual presentation, expression, and order — and seeing it as a collaborative tool, not just a set of rules.
The lawsuit against Stability AI and Midjourney, led by visual artists, has advanced to the discovery stage, potentially setting a precedent for copyright infringement in AI model training.