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SECRETS OF AGENTIC UX: EMERGING DESIGN PATTERNS FOR HUMAN INTERACTION WITH AI AGENTS

UX designers can improve human-AI collaboration by focusing on perception, reasoning, memory, and agency.

PINTEREST IS TELLING TEENS TO STOP LOOKING AT THEIR MOOD BOARDS IN CLASS

A new Pinterest pop-up encourages teens to stop scrolling during school hours. The feature supports efforts to curb classroom phone use and promote healthier digital habits among youth. Emphasizing intentional engagement, Pinterest is expanding safety tools for teens amid rising concerns and legislative scrutiny over social media.

SPEED THRILLS – KOTO'S AMAZON REBRAND SHOWS WHAT'S POSSIBLE

Amazon rebranded globally with Koto, unifying over 50 sub-brands with a focus on clarity, consistency, and emotional impact. Updates included a redrawn, more empathetic logo, new custom typefaces, and standardized colors and icons. Awarded the project just four days after initial contact, Koto's work reflected Amazon's fast-paced culture and a wider industry shift toward quicker creative decisions.

CHATGPT EXPANDS IMAGE TOOLS TO MORE DEVS AND APPS

TO BECOME A MORE TRUSTED DESIGNER, ASK YOUR TEAM MORE QUESTIONS

Many designers feel powerless, fearing job loss if they question decisions. However, they can act in their team's best interests by asking strategic questions about goals, success metrics, and context. This shift from blind efficiency to thoughtful effectiveness helps them design impactful solutions and become valuable team members.

FIGMA'S 2025 AI REPORT: PERSPECTIVES FROM DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

AI adoption is rising, with more teams building agentic tools that complete complex tasks. Despite efficiency gains, reliability and impact remain concerns. Best practices and human expertise continue to matter as product teams navigate how to integrate AI meaningfully into their workflows.

THE KERNING ON THE POPE'S TOMB IS A TRAVESTY

Pope Francis, known for his empathetic and progressive leadership, was recently laid to rest in a simple tomb bearing only his name and a cross. The tomb has faced criticism for poor kerning, with experts calling the letter spacing "horrifically bad" and likely the work of an amateur using Times New Roman. While the flaw does not diminish his legacy, some say it fittingly reflects his humility in a sincere but imperfect tribute.

FRACTAL GLASS MORPHISM (FIGMA PLUGIN)

Fractal Glass Morphism is a powerful design tool that effortlessly generates customizable, glass-like fractal patterns to add depth, elegance, and modern flair to digital art, UI elements, and backgrounds.

POINT, CLICK, AND COMMENT ON A LIVE WEBSITE

With BugHerd, your clients can point, click, and comment on a live website. The tool captures a screenshot, gathers technical details, and creates a task for your team to manage.

RUN A VIBE CHECK

Just drop a link to what you are building, and Jo will talk to your users, uncover insights, and help you craft something they'll love.

WRESTLING WITH SKILL ATROPHY IN THE AGE OF GENERATED THOUGHT

Overreliance on AI can weaken critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. While AI offers convenience, excessive use may foster intellectual passivity and erode deep focus. To avoid this, actively engage your mind and treat AI as a collaborator, not a substitute.

IN THE AGE OF AI, WE MUST PROTECT HUMAN CREATIVITY AS A NATURAL RESOURCE

AI systems rely on human creativity but risk overwhelming and diminishing it. Unconsented content extraction harms artists, threatens cultural diversity, and floods the digital space with low-quality, synthetic material. Protecting authentic human expression is now a critical ethical imperative.

UX AND DESIGN FILES ORGANIZATION TEMPLATE

Scattered UX work can hinder team efficiency. Courtney Pester's folder structure introduces a seven-category system that promotes clarity, prevents duplication, and enhances collaboration. The flexible, secure template adapts to different workflows without imposing a rigid structure, supporting better organization throughout a project's lifecycle.

AI-GENERATED IMAGES MIMICKING STUDIO GHIBLI MAY BE BANNED BY JAPANESE LAWMAKERS

Backlash over AI-generated images in the style of Studio Ghibli has raised ethical and legal concerns.

MICROSOFT HAS REVEALED ONE OF ITS RECENT ADS USES GEN AI — CAN YOU TELL?

Microsoft's Surface ad was quietly powered by AI, which handled scriptwriting and visuals without disappointing viewers.

APPLE'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY IPHONE REDESIGN MAY BE PRETTY EXPENSIVE, HERE'S WHY

Apple is planning a major iPhone redesign for its 20th anniversary in 2027, focusing on a glass-heavy design that will likely carry a significant price premium. High tariffs on Chinese goods and difficulties shifting production to India could push costs even higher, as Apple still depends on China's advanced manufacturing. Despite efforts to diversify, production for this special edition will likely stay largely in China.

LINKEDIN AND ADOBE ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO HELP CREATORS PROTECT THEIR WORK AGAINST AI

A new partnership between LinkedIn and Adobe helps creators protect their work from AI misuse. Verified LinkedIn users can link their identity through Adobe's content authenticity app, ensuring attribution and credibility across platforms. This initiative expands LinkedIn's verification badges and supports Adobe's broader Content Authenticity Initiative, promoting trust and transparency online.

INTRODUCING HANA

Hana is Spline's new real-time design and animation tool for creating interactive 2D experiences. Built with a powerful new render engine, it supports vector network editing, state-based transitions, and real-time collaboration. Everything made in Hana is production-ready, allowing seamless embedding into websites and apps with responsive motion, interaction, and live updates.

HOW TO BE STRATEGIC WHEN PICKING A TYPEFACE

Key UI font metrics like x-height, leading ratio, spatial efficiency, character shape, number design, and multilingual support determine a font's digital suitability. High x-height aids readability, balanced leading improves stability, and clear characters boost usability, especially in data-heavy interfaces. Objective metrics matter, but brand identity and user preferences should also guide font choices.

WEEDING IN THE UX GARDEN

UX problems are like weeds: ignoring them or treating only the surface lets deeper issues persist. Designers must balance fixing symptoms with uncovering system flaws and offer practical solutions within constraints. Patience, communication, and thoughtful action build trust and pave the way for deeper problem-solving over time.

AI UX PATTERNS FOR DESIGN SYSTEMS

Emerging UX patterns driven by AI demand new design components for voice, gesture, haptic feedback, and context-aware interactions. Key updates include conversational UIs, content generation displays, user control mechanisms, and transparent error and usage reporting. Designers must rethink how users interact with systems by blending clarity, flexibility, and control into future design systems.

FIELDS PATTERN GENERATION

Create dynamic, organic, visual patterns by simulating the movement of particles along vector fields.

INTERNET'S FINEST WEBSITE HEADLINES

Browse hundreds of the best website headlines and examples to inspire your marketing copy. Your go-to library of high-impact headlines that spark curiosity, inspire action, and drive results.

THE IPHONE 17 LINE UP COMES INTO FOCUS – AND IT SEEMS APPLE IS THINKING DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

New iPhone 17 dummy units show major changes, with a slimmer 'Air' model replacing the 'Plus' and a single camera lens. The standard model looks like the iPhone 16, while the Pro versions may get much larger camera arrays. Designs hint at a bolder, more experimental direction after the underwhelming iPhone 16.

A NEW STUDY SHOWS HOW CRUCIAL USER EXPERIENCE IS TO CREATING BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES

A white property by CVS Health showed that better consumer experiences boosts medication adherence, improves health outcomes, and lowers healthcare costs. Higher PDC rates save patients money. As consumer expectations rise and digital innovation grows, healthcare organizations must enhance patient experiences to stay competitive.

THE RISE OF AI-GENERATED UI KITS: CAN AI REPLACE DESIGNERS?

AI-generated UI kits speed up workflows by creating customizable components quickly. They boost efficiency but can't replace human creativity, strategy, or user insight. Designers are still crucial for refining AI output and delivering unique, user-centered experiences, making AI an assistant, not a competitor.

THERE IS NO "DESIGN PROCESS"

A rigid process can slow teams and hurt credibility.

ICONIC ANTI-PIRACY AD MAY HAVE USED PIRATED FONT

WHY I THINK ADOBE'S APPROACH TO AI IS WORTH SUPPORTING

Adobe's ethical AI approach and Content Credentials technology have the potential to become a safeguard for creatives' rights amid growing concerns over AI content scraping.

FIFA UNVEILS HOST CITY POSTERS FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP, DESIGNED BY LOCAL ARTISTS

FIFA has unveiled 16 host city posters, each by a local artist, for the 2026 World Cup. Capturing the cultural spirit of cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the vibrant designs have been praised, though some have criticized the lack of female representation among the artists. Overall, the posters are seen as a rare positive move by FIFA that highlights creativity and local pride ahead of the tournament.

CHARACTER.AI UNVEILS AVATARFX, AN AI VIDEO MODEL TO CREATE LIFELIKE CHATBOTS

AvatarFX, a video generation tool from Character.AI, animates AI characters or real photos. Though safeguards like watermarks and filters are in place, concerns about deepfakes and emotional manipulation persist. Ongoing lawsuits over chatbot-related harm have increased concerns about safety as the platform introduces more immersive AI features.

GOOGLE ROLLING OUT MATERIAL 3 REDESIGN OF GMAIL FOR IPHONE

Google is updating Gmail for iPhone and iPad with a Material 3 redesign, adding a pill-shaped search bar, blue accents, and subtle UI tweaks for a more consistent look across platforms. Meanwhile, Google Calendar for iOS is preparing to let users create and edit birthday events, though the feature isn't widely available yet.

FROM BETA TO BEDROCK: BUILD PRODUCTS THAT STICK

Many financial products fail by adding features instead of delivering clear, lasting value through a strong MVP. Success comes from identifying "bedrock" tasks users care about and making those experiences simple, dependable, and trustworthy. Long-term growth depends on maintaining a clear mission, prioritizing simplicity, iterating based on real feedback, and resisting the urge to overcomplicate.

FROM AMPHITHEATERS TO APPS: THE EVOLUTION OF USER EXPERIENCE

UX design has deep roots, from ancient structures like the Roman Colosseum to modern digital interfaces, always focused on enhancing human experiences. In the digital era, UX became a strategic discipline shaping entire products, emphasizing usability, emotional impact, and business alignment. Yet, it often struggles in organizations due to limited resources and misunderstandings about its true value.

"EVERYTHING WE DO IS TO BENEFIT CREATIVITY" – LOVE IT OR HATE IT, ADOBE HAS A BOLD VISION FOR AI AND CREATIVE TOOLS

Adobe announced major AI-driven updates at Adobe MAX London, including Firefly Model 4 Ultra, new collaboration tools like Firefly Boards, and deeper AI integration in Photoshop. It also emphasized transparency and data privacy through its Content Credentials system, even as it incorporates third-party AI like OpenAI. Adobe's broader AI strategy aims to democratize creativity while maintaining professional control and ethical standards.

AI VECTOR GRAPHICS EDITOR

Vectr allows users to create and edit vector images online. Users can also create logos, icons, and presentations, remove backgrounds, use a photo generator, and convert JPG to SVG.

GENERATE AI PRESENTATIONS

PlusAI allows users to generate presentations and edit slides with AI directly in PowerPoint. It also features templates that can be edited using AI.

WHAT DESIGNERS WISH THEY'D KNOWN ABOUT RUNNING A BUSINESS

Starting a design business takes patience to find your voice, courage to say no, trust in your instincts, and strong business sense. Embrace support, delegate, be firm with clients, and protect your personal wellbeing. There is no perfect moment to start — commitment, energy, and resilience matter most.

THE AI QUALITY COUP

The rise of viral Ghibli-style AI art has sparked debate about what defines quality art today. True artistry is about novelty, rarity, and skill—not just copying. While AI offers personalization and new ideas, lasting quality still depends on deep narratives, emotional connection, and real human effort. Pushing creative boundaries beyond what technology can easily replicate remains essential.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A CREATIVITY ENGINE

AI boosts, not replaces, human creativity by handling routine tasks and inspiring ideas. If used wisely, AI can be a valuable collaborator, not a threat, and has great potential in education, design, and innovation. AI serves as a powerful accelerator of creative processes. The human spark remains essential.

HOW LANDING PAGES BECAME PREDICTABLE—AND WHAT UX CAN LEARN FROM FILM EDITING

Landing pages should be designed like cinematic sequences, not static screens. Tools like Pageflows help UX designers learn pacing, emotion, and flow from film editing techniques.

HOW ARTISTS ARE BRACING FOR TRUMP'S ‘GOLDEN AGE' OF ARTS AND CULTURE

Despite deep cuts to federal arts funding under the Trump administration, American artists, rooted in a long history of resilience, continue to adapt through mutual aid, activism, and community-driven funding.

ADOBE RELEASES ‘CREATED WITHOUT GENERATIVE AI' TAG TO LABEL HUMAN-GENERATED ART

Generative AI has stirred debate in the design world, with some embracing it and others seeing it as a threat to creative authenticity. In response, Adobe added a “created without generative AI” tag in its Fresco app, letting artists certify hand-made work through its Content Credentials system. While expanding its AI tools and integrations, Adobe also supports transparency and gives creators the option to separate their work from AI-generated content.

FIGMA INTEGRATES NEW AI TOOLS: IMAGE EDITING, GENERATION, AND MODEL SELECTION

Figma is expanding its AI design tools for paid users with new beta features that simplify image editing and content creation. The standout update, Edit Image, uses OpenAI's gpt-image-1 to let users modify images with text prompts, such as changing backgrounds, moving objects, or adding elements. Users can also choose from image generation models by OpenAI, Google, and Amazon. Other tools like Rename Layers, Boost Resolution, and Replace Content further improve the design process.

MICROSOFT 365 COPILOT REDESIGN: THE NEW FACE OF HUMAN-AGENT COLLABORATION

Microsoft's spring "Wave 2" release of 365 Copilot focuses on human-agent collaboration with features like AI-powered search, personalized memory, and specialized reasoning agents such as Researcher and Analyst. The redesigned Copilot app offers easier access to AI tools and adds a Copilot key for smoother integration into daily tasks. Copilot Notebooks combines different content types for analysis. A new Agent Store will host Microsoft and third-party AI tools.

THE ART OF ART DIRECTION

Art direction at Figma involves balancing brand identity with personal taste and aligning collaborators' styles with the needs of each project. It's described as a communication-driven craft rooted in repetition, intuition, and a willingness to trust illustrators to explore and interpret ideas freely. Creative success often comes from allowing space for surprise and personal investment, resulting in work that feels both unexpected and emotionally engaging.

WHY TASTE MATTERS NOW MORE THAN EVER

AI automates design tasks that were once done by hand, shifting the designer's role from execution to interpretation. What now matters is not creating visuals, but assigning meaning, providing context, and exercising good taste. Designers have become curators and translators, guiding AI with intention and purpose. Creative direction, rather than technical skill, is emerging as the true differentiator in design.

IN A WORLD OF EXCESS, MINIMALISM PROVES TO BE A WINNING CHOICE

The Strama Table Lamp blends minimalist elegance with industrial design. Inspired by museum stanchions, it features cast metal bases and a suspended LED strand, creating a warm, refined glow. Though still a concept, its sleek form, energy efficiency, and versatility highlight the dedication to timeless, functional aesthetics.

CREATE ROUGH VIDEO CUTS IN MINUTES

Eddie is an assistant AI video editor for video pros. It helps users create great rough cuts, log A and B rolls, and automatically edit multicams. Eddie seamlessly connects to video editing applications like Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro.

AUTO-ANIMATED CHAT AI

Ememe allows users to create 3D chat AI characters and connect them to external apps, social media, metaverse, and games to use as AI-NPCs. The tool can generate not only chat, but also voices and animations.