TLDR DESIGN 2024-10-23

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SPOTIFY NOW LETS YOU CREATE CUSTOM COVER ART FOR YOUR PLAYLISTS

Spotify is launching a feature that lets users design and customize playlist covers directly in the app. Users can start with a blank canvas or upload a photo, then modify it with text, colors, effects, gradients, and stickers. Each playlist can have one custom cover - the previous one is replaced unless saved separately. This feature enhances Spotify's personalization options, making it more competitive with Apple Music and YouTube Music.

CANVA HAS A SHINY NEW TEXT-TO-IMAGE GENERATOR

Canva has added new AI features, including enhanced text and video effects and a more robust text-to-image tool called “Dream Lab” based on the Phoenix model from its Leonardo.ai acquisition. The platform also improved its “Magic” AI tools for better text generation, AI-powered whiteboard summaries, and upgraded video editing with automatic captions and new effects.

KEVIN BACON, KATE MCKINNON, AND OTHER CREATIVES WARN OF ‘UNJUST' AI THREAT

Thousands of creatives, including celebrities like Kevin Bacon and Kate McKinnon, have signed a statement warning against the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials to train AI models, which could harm creators' livelihoods. Led by Fairly Trained, the movement criticizes AI companies for spending money on data and compute while expecting free access to creative works.

NOTE TO NEW DESIGN MANAGERS

Transitioning to design management requires mastering time management, decision-making, communication, and team leadership. Prioritize tasks, reject unnecessary meetings, and maintain clear, concise communication, preferably in writing. In-person discussions with stakeholders ensure better alignment.

A PERSONAL STORY ON DESIGNERS VS DECIDERS

Scott Berkun, who joined Microsoft in 1994 as a usability researcher for Internet Explorer 1.0, shares his experience at the company, highlighting the disconnect between design expectations and reality. Decisions at Microsoft are often made by leads and executives, not just designers. In this post, Berkun emphasizes the importance of influence in making good design decisions and offers insights from 30 years of experience to help designers reframe their frustrations.

IPHONE ROADMAP IS ‘MOST AMBITIOUS IN THE PRODUCT'S HISTORY,' PER JOHN TERNUS

Apple's hardware chief John Ternus called the upcoming iPhone models the "most ambitious" in the product's history in an internal memo. The iPhone 17 Air, expected next year, may feature a major redesign, while a foldable iPhone is planned for release in 2026 or beyond.

MOTIONITY

Create animated videos for free with Motionity, an open-source motion graphics editor with keyframing, masking, filters, text animations, and more.

REVIEW YOUR AD CREATIVES WITH AI

Get instant AI-powered ad feedback to improve your ad creatives and achieve peak campaign performance.

THE BEST FREE BOOKS FOR DESIGNERS

This free ebook collection covers icon design, design systems, prototyping, collaboration, and more.

THE ART OF DASHBOARD UI DESIGN: EMPOWERING ORGANISATIONS WITH ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS

Dashboards are powerful tools for visualizing complex data and transforming it into actionable insights. Effective dashboards require careful design tailored to user roles and needs. They use appropriate visualizations, prioritize clarity, and are refined through user feedback while ensuring data accuracy and ethical presentation to maintain trust.

HOW ALPHABET SHAPES BRANDS WITH TRUST, COLLABORATION, AND A 'SAUL BASS ETHOS'

Alphabet, a Manchester-based branding agency founded in 2016, follows an ideas-driven approach inspired by Saul Bass' ethos of "design is thinking made visual." The agency's culture emphasizes trust, open communication, and adaptability. It works across diverse industries while advising new creative agencies to prioritize minimal expenses, building a client base, and delivering quality work.

BRINGING BRANDS TO LIFE: HOW MOTION DESIGN TELLS A STORY

Studio Aya, founded by Ryūtarō Mihara in 2010, uses motion design to craft engaging brand experiences. Inspired by childhood curiosity, its unique approach blends creativity with technical expertise, capturing brand essence through movement. Its recent rebranding emphasizes energy and dynamism, underscoring its dedication to storytelling beyond static logos.

DEMYSTIFYING "CRAFT"

“Craft” in design is the careful attention to detail that creates intuitive, seamless products through collaboration and a balance of aesthetics and functionality.

SOME ADOBE MAX ATTENDEES ARE GETTING TIRED OF THE RELENTLESS FOCUS ON AI

Adobe Max 2024 focused heavily on generative AI, particularly Firefly, leaving some designers disappointed by the lack of creative inspiration.

INTERACTIVE POST ON OKLCH COLOR SPACE

The OKlch color space improves digital color representation by accounting for human perception of lightness, chroma, and hue.