TLDR DesignMarch 28, 2025

TLDR DESIGN 2025-03-28

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01NEWS & TRENDS

STUDIO GHIBLI MEMES SHOW OPENAI'S NEW IMAGE GENERATOR IS OUT OF CONTROL

AI is under fire again, this time for turning memes and historic moments into Studio Ghibli-style art, despite Ghibli legend Hayao Miyazaki's well-known dislike for AI-generated images. The trend has taken off on social media, with people using OpenAI's latest tool to give everything from personal photos to political events a whimsical, animated twist. While some AI tools limit style mimicry, OpenAI appears to replicate the iconic Ghibli look convincingly without restriction.

creativebloq.com2 min read

THE LUMON TERMINAL PRO COMPUTER POPS UP ON APPLE'S WEBSITE

Apple has added the fictional Lumon Terminal Pro computer from its hit show Severance to its retail website, but it's not for sale. The listing serves as a clever promotion for Apple TV+, which is bundled as a free three-month trial with Mac purchases, tying into Apple's broader push into services. Apple has launched several Severance-themed promotions, including a behind-the-scenes short film, free content, and more.

techcrunch.com1 min read

LEAKED IOS 19 SCREENSHOT REVEALS POTENTIAL INTERFACE

A leaked screenshot suggests Apple's iOS 19 Messages app redesign, which features rounded, glass-like UI elements, isn't drastically different. YouTuber Jon Prosser shared the image. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman warns that leaks like these may not reflect the final version. More details are expected at Apple's WWDC event on June 9.

mashable.com2 min read

02OPINIONS & TUTORIALS

THERE'S A SMALL PROBLEM WITH CHANGING APP ICONS FROM SQUIRCLES TO CIRCLES IN IOS 19

iOS 19 may replace squircles with circular app icons, potentially making square graphics less space-efficient and harder to recognize. While developers can adapt, the change raises usability concerns and invites discussion.

9to5mac.com2 min read

THE DEATH OF DRIBBBLE: WHY DESIGNERS ABANDONED THEIR FAVORITE PLATFORM

Dribbble, once a thriving design community, has faded due to business decisions that prioritize profit over creativity. New policies restricted designer exposure, and monetization efforts alienated users. Some argue that the design industry has changed, now favoring systematization over experimentation. Alternatives like Contra are emerging, but whether design culture can reclaim its past vibrancy remains uncertain.

uxplaybook.org7 min read

WHY JAMES VICTORE WANTS DESIGNERS TO BE MORE WEIRD

James Victore's Hey Weirdo! explores the power of embracing weirdness, tracing its roots and offering exercises to help individuals reconnect with their unique creativity. He shows how reclaiming one's weirdness can lead to greater authenticity, innovation, and a stronger sense of humanity—especially in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

designweek.co.uk9 min read

03LAUNCHES & TOOLS

FREE AI PHOTO UPSCALER

Upscale your photos up to 8x directly in your web browser—no software download required.

topazlabs.comTool

FASTER, SMARTER DIAGRAMMING

Easily create a variety of complex diagrams and charts in the format that best matches your needs.

mermaidchart.comTool

04MISCELLANEOUS

AI'S BIGGEST FLAW? THE BLINKING CURSOR PROBLEM

AI interfaces suffer from the "blinking cursor problem," where users face a blank text box with little guidance. Improving discoverability through examples, affordances, and intuitive design could boost AI adoption and usability.

blog.scottlogic.com7 min read

FONT SPECTRUM IS MAKING FUTURISTIC TYPEFACES THAT SHIFT TO MAKE NEW FORMS

Font Spectrum, an Amsterdam-based type foundry by Daniël Maarleveld and Edgar Walthert, creates futuristic, animated variable fonts. Their designs, like Purple Haze and Electric Blue, blend readability with decorative extremes, pushing the limits of OpenType variations.

itsnicethat.com1 min read

WE EXPLORE THE COMING ROBOT REALM – DESIGN REVOLUTION OR DYSTOPIAN NIGHTMARE?

The rise of humanoid robots is accelerating, with China leading the charge. Once dominated by Japan's Asimo, robotics is now seeing AI-driven motion and balance advancements. Boston Dynamics set a dystopian tone, while China's rapid technological expansion fuels innovation. As robots integrate into industries, ethical concerns and societal shifts loom large.

wallpaper.com10 min read