TLDR DesignMay 8, 2025

TLDR DESIGN 2025-05-08

5 sections15 entrieslinks blockcomplete parse

Parse notes

Subscription/account footer truncated before parsefooter_truncated

01NEWS & TRENDS

CRINGEWORTHY GOOGLE AD MOCKS THE IPHONE 17 DESIGN EVEN BEFORE IT LAUNCHES

Google has released a new ad for its upcoming Pixel 9 Pro that mocks the unannounced iPhone 17 for allegedly copying Pixel's design and features. The ad, styled as a satirical podcast between animated phones, highlights how Apple has historically introduced features like Night Mode, photo clean-up, and widgets years after Google. Critics have called the ad “cringeworthy” and heavy-handed, arguing that its overt jabs lack subtlety and rely on dated competitive tropes.

9to5mac.com2 min read

PINTEREST USERS LEFT CONFUSED BY MASS ACCOUNT SUSPENSIONS

Pinterest is facing backlash after numerous users reported sudden account suspensions and pin removals without clear violations. Posts across social media platforms, including Reddit, describe innocent content being flagged as “adult,” leading to widespread confusion. While Pinterest allows appeals and cites guideline enforcement, it has yet to address growing speculation about faulty AI moderation.

theverge.com2 min read

OMNI REFERENCE

Midjourney's version 7 introduced the Omni Reference feature, allowing users to insert specific people, objects, or creatures from one reference image into AI-generated scenes. Combined with text prompts, style references, and the weight parameter (--ow), typically kept under 400 for optimal results, it offers significantly more creative control. However, the feature does not support inpainting, Fast Mode, zoom, or pan, and requires additional GPU power.

links.tldrnewsletter.com3 min read

02OPINIONS & TUTORIALS

WHAT I LEARNED WORKING AT FIGMA: PRIORITISING CRAFT

Figma built a culture that values craft, blending low ego with high care to foster honest feedback, early cross-functional collaboration, and regular team critique sessions. It prioritizes quality over strict deadlines, often delaying launches to refine details while staying in close touch with users. To build similar environments: open critiques to all roles, hire for humility and teamwork, and challenge timelines if quality falls short.

newsletter.robertbye.com6 min read

SHOW IMPACT AND DON'T BADMOUTH YOUR OLD JOB – ADVICE FROM DESIGN RECRUITERS

Design recruiters say the job market is tough, with high competition and few roles, though it's not due to a lack of talent. To stand out, designers should show the business impact of their work, tailor applications, stay positive, and focus on strong portfolios over personal branding.

designweek.co.uk8 min read

UX LOCALIZATION: ADAPTING USER INTERFACES FOR DIVERSE CULTURES

UX localization means more than just translation - it adapts interfaces for different cultures by managing text length, reading direction, colors, and symbols. While maintaining global brand consistency, designers must also address local needs by using flexible layouts and defining guidelines for what elements can be adapted. Important areas to focus on include fonts, icons, content layout, and clear, culturally neutral writing.

uxmatters.com6 min read

03LAUNCHES & TOOLS

FIGMA COURSES

From beginner basics to industry skills, these courses will guide designers step‑by‑step through hands‑on projects, real-world use cases, and best practices.

help.figma.comTool

ALL-IN-ONE CREATIVE TOOLKIT FOR CREATING IMAGES WITH AI

This suite features easy-to-use AI tools for generating images from text, expanding photos, creating videos, or training custom AI models.

getimg.aiTool

VECTOR BLENDER (FIGMA PLUGIN)

This Figma plugin generates smooth transitions between two shapes by creating intermediate states.

links.tldrnewsletter.com

04MISCELLANEOUS

FRESH OFF THE GRILL: CONTRAST FOUNDRY AND TOOOT WHIP UP THEIR MIX-AND-MATCH SPECIMEN HAMBURGERFONTS

Contrast Foundry and The Office of Ordinary Things created a playful, burger-themed type specimen book that groups 22 CoFo typefaces into “protein,” “veggies,” and “condiments.” Using a mix-and-match children's book format, the book invites creative combinations. With thick board pages and rich visuals, it blends typographic detail with accessibility and humor for designers and casual readers.

the-brandidentity.com4 min read

AI CAN'T REPLACE DESIGNERS. BUT IT CAN BE A POWERFUL IDEATION TOOL

AI won't replace designers, but those who ignore it will fall behind. As a rapid ideation tool, AI can generate concepts in seconds, replacing time spent browsing, organizing, or searching for inspiration. When paired with human creativity, it becomes a powerful collaborator that enhances, rather than replaces, the design process.

yankodesign.com2 min read

“KEEP AWAY FROM THE BLOODY COMPUTER!”: HELEN OXENBURY ON THE ART OF ILLUSTRATING CHILDHOOD

Helen Oxenbury, a celebrated illustrator who shaped children's books for decades, entered the field through necessity and intuition. She learned by observing her husband and honing her own emotionally rich style. Her work brings humor and depth to stories, and she urges aspiring artists to stay authentic, remain emotionally connected, and avoid relying too heavily on computers.

itsnicethat.com4 min read