TLDR DesignJanuary 23, 2025

TLDR DESIGN 2025-01-23

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01NEWS & TRENDS

BALENCIAGA'S UGLY GAME CONSOLE LOOKS LIKE A CHEAP CYBERTRUCK-INSPIRED GAME BOY

Balenciaga's retro gaming console, designed as a Lunar New Year gift for Chinese VIPs, resembles a cheap blend of a Game Boy and Cybertruck and only plays the classic Snake. Critics say that it highlights the clash between hype fashion and gaming and departs from Cristóbal Balenciaga's craftsmanship. Its minimalist design and limited functionality fail to impress compared to established gaming consoles.

creativebloq.com1 min read

SAMSUNG UNPACKED: GOOGLE MAKES CIRCLE TO SEARCH MORE HELPFUL

At Samsung Unpacked 2025, Google announced updates to its Circle to Search feature, which enables users to find information more easily using gestures like circling or tapping. The update also expands AI Overviews to provide instant insights on places, objects, and images without needing extra text. Users can now interact directly with numbers, emails, and URLs on their screens through action chips. The feature is rolling out to all Android devices.

techcrunch.com1 min read

PLEX STARTS TESTING ITS BIG REDESIGN ON APPLE TV

Plex has begun testing its redesigned app experience on Apple TV. The update focuses on live TV and on-demand rentals, allowing users to customize their navigation. It introduces a social element inspired by platforms like Letterboxd, enabling public user reviews and comments. Plex Plus customers have gained access to HEVC hardware encoding with full HDR metadata support for improved video quality and efficient bandwidth use.

theverge.com1 min read

02OPINIONS & TUTORIALS

TOOLS AS WAYS OF BEING

There's an interesting opportunity for hybrid tools that enhance user creativity, collaboration, and empathy. Such tools improve outcomes and foster understanding of others' disciplines, shaping shared ways of being. Communities around tools reflect their impact, highlighting the need for thoughtful, diverse tool design.

blog.jim-nielsen.com1 min read

SHAPING MINDS: HOW FIRST IMPRESSIONS DRIVE AI ADOPTION

Technology Acceptance Theory explains how perceived usefulness, ease of use, and social factors impact user adoption. AI tools like Khanmigo show how empathetic, intuitive designs foster trust. Understanding user psychology and creating positive first interactions are key to bridging the gap between skepticism and acceptance.

uxdesign.cc11 min read

THE ICONIC VISUAL DESIGN OF SQUID GAME: LESSONS FOR WEB DESIGNERS

"Squid Game" demonstrates the power of purposeful design through bold colors, minimalism, and geometry to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling. Web designers can draw inspiration from its strategic use of contrast, visual tension, and mystery to create impactful, memorable user experiences. Embracing these lessons requires courage and a focus on intentional design choices.

webdesignerdepot.com4 min read

03LAUNCHES & TOOLS

QUICKFILL - DESIGN FASTER WITH READY CONTENT (FIGMA PLUGIN)

This plugin helps UI/UX designers quickly fill designs with curated, updated content, saving time and ensuring quality.

links.tldrnewsletter.com

UNLIMITED FREE AI IMAGE GENERATOR

Create stunning images with Raphael, the world's first completely free and unlimited AI Image Generator powered by FLUX.1-Dev model.

links.tldrnewsletter.comTool

TYPOGRAPHY VARIABLES STARTER KIT (FIGMA FILE)

Speed up your design system with a typography variables setup that includes font family, size, line height, and weight.

links.tldrnewsletter.com

04MISCELLANEOUS

SIMPLY BRINGS DANISH DESIGN TO THE ASIAN MILK POWDER MARKET

Danish agency Simply designed Them 1888's Grow Up milk powder with soft, retro-inspired packaging to stand out in the Asian market. The brand aims to appear premium, authentic, and trustworthy by avoiding the typical clinical look.

creativeboom.com5 min read

WITH NOSTALGIC AND PERSONAL ROOTS, LIFT TYPE'S MELUN IS A LOVE LETTER TO THE TYPEFACES OF THE PAST

The Melun typeface, designed by Romain Oudin of Lift Type, is a geometric sans-serif inspired by Futura and Avant Garde Gothic. Available in Display, Normal, and High variants, it suits diverse design needs, from editorial projects to branding.

the-brandidentity.com3 min read

MAJOR CHARITIES CREATING BOLD NEW BRANDS AS DONOR NUMBERS FALL

Leading UK charities like Parkinson's UK, Scope, and the Trussell Trust are rebranding to modernize, boost engagement, and stay competitive. Their new identities aim to reflect evolving missions, resonate with audiences, and strengthen their impact amid shifting donor attitudes.

designweek.co.uk5 min read