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MESH GRADIENT GENERATOR

Quickly experiment with effects like grainy noise and blur, and create and export mesh gradients as SVG or to Figma.

13 LESSONS CREATIVES WISHED THEY'D KNOWN EARLIER IN THEIR CAREER

A successful creative career requires resilience, patience, and building strong relationships. Key lessons from experienced creatives emphasize networking, handling rejection, developing soft skills, embracing collaboration, and understanding that success takes time.

MANYONE SHAPES KOLDING SCHOOL OF DESIGN'S JOURNEY FROM EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION TO CREATIVE POWERHOUSE

Kolding School of Design was rebranded with a new visual identity by Manyone that reflected its shift from a traditional design school to a design university. The identity features a custom ‘K' mark, refined typography, a modular grid, and integrated textures to balance academic rigor with creative expression.

DOES THE DESIGN INDUSTRY NEED TO DO BETTER?

Nearly half of freelancers reported declining mental health in 2024, citing economic struggles, poor client behavior, and payment issues. A shift toward treating freelancers as valued partners, involving them in decision-making, and fostering a supportive work culture can improve industry conditions.

ELECTRIC CAR DRIVERS ARE "GETTING A BETTER EXPERIENCE" SAYS VOLVO CHIEF DESIGNER

Volvo's design head, Jeremy Offer, sees electric cars as an opportunity to enhance driving with more space, quietness, and premium materials.

DOWN IN FRONT! WHAT MOVIE POSTER DESIGN CAN TEACH WEB DESIGNERS

Movie posters masterfully blend art and marketing, using bold typography, impactful imagery, and visual hierarchy.

BRUTALISM IS BACK! WHY THIS CONTROVERSIAL ARCHITECTURE IS COOL AGAIN

With its bold concrete structures gaining appreciation for their authenticity, durability, and striking aesthetics, Brutalism is experiencing a revival.

META RESEARCHERS GENERATE PHOTOREALISTIC AVATARS FROM JUST FOUR SELFIES

Meta's Avat3r generates photorealistic avatar heads in minutes using just four selfies. Unlike previous methods, which required extensive data and processing, it employs a large reconstruction model (LRM) with a vision transformer to create 3D Gaussians. While not yet real-time, it marks a step toward effortless avatar creation for VR users.

HERE'S WHAT THE NEWEST IPHONE AIR LEAKS SAY ABOUT ITS DESIGN

The latest leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air will be Apple's thinnest phone yet, possibly as slim as 5.5mm. Renders from leakers like Ice Universe and iDeviceHelp show a design with a 6.6 to 6.9-inch display, a Google Pixel-style camera bar, and familiar features like Face ID and a USB-C port. While these leaks provide insight into the potential design, Apple's September launch event will likely reveal the official details.

INTANGIBLE, A NO-CODE 3D CREATION TOOL FOR FILMMAKERS AND GAME DESIGNERS, RAISES $4M

Intangible, an AI-powered 3D creation tool, has secured $4 million in seed funding. Launching in June, users can generate 3D worlds from text prompts with a no-code interface, collaboration tools, and a 6,000-asset library. Investors include a16z Speedrun and Crosslink Capital.

SCOPE IN GENERATIVE AI FEATURES

Broad-scope AI handles diverse tasks with flexible inputs and outputs, like ChatGPT. Narrow-scope AI, such as Spotify's playlist generator, serves specific functions and enhances usability. Users often find narrower AI features easier to understand and use. Scope impacts design, prompting guidance and user interaction, influencing both functionality and accessibility across applications.

DESIGN FOR EVERY BODY: THE EVOLUTION OF ACCESSIBLE DESIGN

Michael Graves Design champions accessibility, blending style and functionality to create products for all. Rooted in empathy, it pushes brands to prioritize universal design from inception, not as an afterthought. Its “Delight for All” philosophy drives innovation, proving inclusive design enhances lives while expanding market reach and business growth.

CAN WE FINALLY ADMIT THE TESLA CYBERTRUCK WAS A TOTAL DESIGN FAIL?

The Tesla Cybertruck set out to be a bold, futuristic statement but fell short as a functional design. Its sharp angles, oversized proportions, and real-world usability issues like poor visibility and difficult repairs make it more of a spectacle than a practical vehicle. While some appreciate its uniqueness, many see it as an overhyped concept that doesn't deliver on its promises.

FIND ANY SOUND YOU LIKE

Freesound is a collaborative database of creative-commons licensed sound for musicians and sound lovers, with more than 600 thousand files.

OPEN SOURCE COMPONENTS DESIGNED FOR USE WITH SHADCN/UI

TURN ANY IDEA INTO A FULL-LENGTH VIDEO

Invideo is the easiest way to make videos with AI in under 5 minutes. Just prompt your video idea and get a publish-worthy video.

TO SHOW HOW EFFECTIVE YOUR DESIGNS ARE, TALK ABOUT USER BEHAVIOR CHANGE

A plain form redesign that changed the behavior of 231,000+ users highlights the power of UX beyond aesthetics. Defining and influencing behavior showcases design's impact, even without direct ROI metrics. Understanding user actions, addressing friction points, and demonstrating behavior change through research-driven solutions can make portfolios more compelling.

DEMYSTIFYING DESIGNING AN AGENT

AI agents are evolving, shifting UX design from interfaces to systems thinking. This article presents a five-step “agent-centered design” framework that emphasizes agent behavior, decision transparency, and human-AI collaboration. Using a travel-booking agent example, it explores defining agents, communication, user engagement, collaboration, and addressing challenges to enhance trust and usability.

WHY EVERYONE CAN (AND SHOULD) BE A GREAT STORYTELLER

Anyone can be a great storyteller because writing is just organizing your thoughts—and like anything else, it gets better with practice, feedback, and revision. Clear communication is more important than ever, whether you're an engineer, designer, or product manager, because good storytelling helps bring ideas to life and get people on board. The key is starting messy, structuring your thoughts, and refining until your message is clear and engaging.

THE COST OF SKIPPING UX RESEARCH (AND HOW TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN)

Skipping research leads to wasted time and credibility loss.

AN AURA OF ACCESSIBILITY

Auras, a type of partial seizure often linked to epilepsy and migraines, can disrupt reading and focus.

APPLE'S NEW MACBOOK AIR COLOURS MARK THE END OF AN ERA

Apple has unveiled a new M4 MacBook Air that features improved performance, a lower starting price of $999, and a new Sky Blue color. However, Apple discontinued the Space Grey option in a surprising move without offering a true black alternative, disappointing fans. The only available colors now are Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight, with the latter being a dark navy rather than black.

TANGERINE UNVEILS DESIGNS FOR JAPAN'S ICONIC BULLET TRAIN

Japan's new E10 bullet train for JR East has been designed by Tangerine, marking the first time a non-Japanese firm has taken on this project. The train prioritizes comfort and efficiency by featuring a Sakura-inspired exterior and aviation-influenced interiors. Production is set to begin soon, with the service expected to launch in 2030.

TAILWIND UI IS NOW TAILWIND PLUS

Tailwind UI has been rebranded as Tailwind Plus. Still, several key aspects remain unchanged, including a one-time purchase model, no upgrade costs for existing users, and continued access to all previous content. The rebrand opens up new possibilities, such as Tailwind Play accounts, custom editor themes, curated color palettes, and enhanced community engagement.

BECOME THE MANAGER YOUR DESIGN TEAM NEEDS

Effective design management involves helping team members grow by guiding, not controlling, their work. Managers should create a balanced feedback rhythm and understand individual needs for success. Supporting an inclusive practice, adapting to project rhythms, and leveraging empathy and curiosity are key to fostering growth and achieving team goals.

WHY I LIKE DESIGNING IN THE BROWSER

Designing web interfaces directly in the browser offers real-time feedback, ensuring accurate typography, animation, and layout adjustments. This approach enhances flexibility, responsiveness, and efficiency while enabling immediate use of new web standards.

DESIGN SYSTEMS ARE HUMAN STUFF THAT HAS TO HAPPEN. AND THAT'S THE HARD WORK

Stuart Wainstock, PUMA's DesignOps and Design Systems Lead, shares his journey from teaching to design, highlighting DesignOps' role in supporting teams and bridging gaps. He discusses PUMA's design system, its implementation challenges, and how cultural shifts, not just tools, drive success.

AI-POWERED PRESENTATION SLIDES

Snapdeck uses LLM to create interactive web slides in seconds. Just enter your content and audience details to instantly build your presentation with version control and natural language upgrades.

SHAPE MOVE (FIGMA PLUGIN)

Create more dynamic and engaging animations within designs by animating the anchor points of vector shapes.

TURN ON HYPER-PERSONALIZATION IN YOUR APP

With Crosshatch, users share their preferences and history with a tap, allowing you to deliver experiences that feel personally crafted for them.

EVENTBRITE REBRAND 2025

Eventbrite partnered with BUCK to rebrand as a dynamic events platform, shifting its image beyond ticketing to discovery and hosting. The new identity features an energetic logo, bold colors, authentic photography, and a flexible design system to inspire connection and creativity.

BUILDING A DESIGN SYSTEM AS A SOLO DESIGNER

A solo designer can build a design system by collaborating with engineers, starting with core components, and keeping documentation minimal. Focus on simplicity, reuse existing elements, and refine things gradually. Accepting some early inconsistencies is okay, and being flexible is key. Avoid over-engineering and save complex interactions for a later stage.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FORM DESIGN

Effective form design is crucial for a seamless user experience, which can impact conversions and brand reputation. Key principles include clarity, accessibility, user control, feedback, and minimal input. Properly designed forms should be intuitive, logically organized, and responsive across devices.

RETRO GAMERS ARE DROOLING OVER THESE ATARI-THEMED SAUCES

Atari has released a special sauce collection inspired by classic games like Pong and Crystal Castles.

ILLUSTRATOR JENNIFER HINES' POP-UP BOOK IS AN ODE TO SANDWICHES AND CROSS-CULTURAL EXPLORATION

Jennifer Hines created a pop-up book, Sandwiches: The Inside Story, that explores global sandwich cultures through intricate paper engineering.

LONGBOTTOM & COS PLAYFULLY PROPER REBRAND BY DEREK&ERIC

Longbottom & Co rebranded with Derek&Eric, adopting a premium yet playful identity with a witty Queen Mary mascot, refined typography, and a vibrant tomato-inspired palette.

APPLE LAUNCHES A NEW M3-POWERED IPAD AIR

Apple has announced a new iPad Air with an M3 chip that offers a performance boost over previous models, though it's not using Apple's latest M4 processor. It also gets an improved Magic Keyboard, making it feel more like a Pro-level device. Apple still faces the ongoing question of what the iPad is truly for, as the upgrades mainly appeal to those with much older models.

COREL JUST STEALTH LAUNCHED ITS MOST EXCITING APP IN YEARS

Alludo, formerly Corel, has launched CorelDRAW Go, a browser-based graphic design app for beginners and enthusiasts. CorelDRAW Go offers customizable templates, interactive drawing tools, and over six million stock images. Positioned between Canva and professional software, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite also adds a web version and new features.

NEW PENTAGRAM BOOK FEATURES 1,000 LOGOS ITS PARTNERS DESIGNED

Pentagram's 1,000 Marks book expands its 2010 edition, now featuring 1,000 logos spanning diverse styles and industries. Curated through a democratic process led by Angus Hyland, it highlights both iconic and lesser-known identities. Designed for a digital-first world, the book is available in three editions, including one with an A2 fold-out poster.

HOW TO TEST AND MEASURE CONTENT IN UX

To check if content is clear, use Banana Testing by replacing actions with “Banana” to see if users understand them, or Content Heatmapping where users highlight what makes sense or feels confusing. Moderated testing helps find deeper issues, while methods like Cloze tests and card sorting fine-tune wording. The right words matter because one unclear page can ruin the whole experience.

MAKING DESIGNS WITHOUT A DESIGNER

AI-driven tools like v0.dev make designing sleek, responsive UIs easier than ever—no coding needed. Users describe their needs with prompts and get functional interfaces in seconds. This speeds up development while ensuring consistency, though AI-generated layouts can feel stiff or standardized. Still, for quick prototyping, these tools are a game-changer

INSIDE THE GREAT EGG BRANDING CRISIS

Egg prices have soared, challenging consumer loyalty to premium brands. Matt Sia, once passionate about premium eggs, now prioritizes affordability. The American Egg Board has shifted messaging toward frugality, while shortages boost Just Egg's alternative. Consumers prioritize price over branding, reshaping the egg market and signaling a shift in purchasing habits.

HALFTONE EFFECT GENERATOR

This web-based halftone effect generator transforms images and videos into artistic dot patterns.

EVERART

Use AI to create on-brand content trained on any product, style, or mood board.

NOTIFICATION PSYCHOLOGY LAB

This game will help you understand the techniques that make notifications impossible to ignore.

AI TRANSPARENCY IN UX: DESIGNING CLEAR AI INTERACTIONS

When AI shapes digital experiences, users should know what's happening. Design systems like GitLab's Pajamas and IBM's Carbon make AI content clear, while Twilio's Paste takes a subtler approach. However, not all solutions work—some AI-enhanced interfaces hinder low-vision users. True transparency isn't just labeling AI - it's ensuring everyone can navigate it easily.

WHY MOST PRODUCTS TODAY ARE MEH

Many modern products feel generic due to an overemphasis on short-term metrics and a lack of user-centered design. To improve, designers should understand user needs, challenge ineffective design choices, and prioritize long-term engagement over optimization traps.

BLINKINK USES THE SUBTLE IMPERFECTIONS OF CROSS STITCH TO CRAFT AN ANIMATED CAMPAIGN FOR BURBERRY

Blinkink partnered with Burberry to create four animated shorts for the Winter 2025 show, bringing the knight logo to life through cross-stitch animation. Expertly crafted over four weeks, the campaign blends traditional embroidery with modern sound design by John Malcolm Morre and Charlie Pelling.

THE ART OF ALIEN FILM SERIES – HOW A FEARFUL FUTURE WAS CRAFTED

The visual heritage of the Alien film series stems from H.R. Giger's artwork and the designs of Ron Cobb and Chris Foss.

THIS ARTIST COMBINES HYPER-REALISM WITH DOODLES

Miracle Lim, a South Korean art director, mesmerizes over 224,000 Instagram followers with hyper-realistic illustrations, blending intricate details with expressive doodles that reveal her creative process in captivating step-by-step breakdowns.