Discovering his passion for design at Carnegie Mellon, a former Computer Science student realized the value of iteration. Initially embarrassed by bad ideas, he learned that exploring alternatives leads to better solutions. Emphasizing process and revisions, he highlights that even renowned creators like Hemingway and Einstein embraced imperfect drafts to achieve excellence.
2025.01.22·whydesignishard.substack.com·7 min read·TLDR Design Forcing dark mode can cause discomfort due to high contrast ratios - users should have the option to choose their preferred mode.
Radical packaging changes can confuse customers, as seen with brands like Bahlsen and Tropicana.
The Nokia Design Archive, now at Helsinki's Aalto University, offers over 700 curated artifacts and 20,000 items, including designs never made public.
Instagram recently announced Edits, a free video editing app similar to CapCut. The app offers features like advanced editing tools, AI animations, and insights for Instagram reels. It will allow 10-minute videos with customizable settings. Launching in February, Edits aims to rival CapCut, which was recently banned from U.S. app stores due to security concerns.
Canon has introduced the “Canon Live Switcher” app, enabling iPhone and iPad users to create multi-camera live streams easily. The app supports up to four Canon cameras connected via Wi-Fi and allows users to switch between camera feeds, add graphics, and manage live video directly from their devices. This innovation targets content creators seeking an affordable, portable alternative to traditional live production setups.
Using advanced diffusion architecture, MatterGen, a generative AI tool, revolutionizes materials discovery by generating novel materials from design prompts. It accelerates innovation in batteries and fuel cells, surpassing traditional methods.
Design thinking falls short in addressing today's complexities, requiring a shift toward Community-Powered Transformation, which fosters trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. This approach builds resilient networks, unites diverse communities, and drives change through innovation, marketing, governance, and social impact.
2025.01.21·links.tldrnewsletter.com·7 min read·TLDR Design The creative and web developer job markets are struggling, with many working for free on passion projects or facing job losses due to generative models. Both industries suffer from poor management, leading to unsustainable practices. There's a need to focus on serving end-users directly and creating sustainable, independent projects rather than relying on unstable industry trends.
Designers often uncover valuable insights outside of UX during user research. Addressing these insights, even if unrelated to the current design project, is crucial. By connecting design feedback to business metrics, designers can ensure stakeholders understand its importance, potentially impacting the company's bottom line.
2025.01.21·dataanddesign.substack.com·5 min read·TLDR Design Create and share videos for product demos, feature launches, and presentations.
Hire Framer professionals who can help you at any stage of your project.
Record beautiful screen recordings with follow-cursor zooms or load your video in the editor and add zooms manually.
Wildfires have devastated Los Angeles, destroying homes and displacing residents. In response, over 400 architects, engineers, and contractors have joined a crowdsourced list to assist with rebuilding efforts. Joanna Grant, an architect who narrowly saved her home, initiated the list to help those unfamiliar with rebuilding processes to provide essential support and expertise.
2025.01.21·links.tldrnewsletter.com·2 min read·TLDR Design Texas Tack's new visual identity by Dan Bailey features Clint, a giant hat character, and a bold design that embraces the brand's Texan roots. The strapline "Stick 'em up!" stands out from typically sterile tape brands.
AI's integration into daily life grew in 2024. Key UX frameworks from major tech leaders focused on transparency, user intent, and continuous improvement to create human-centered AI experiences.
Although many designers use Pinterest for inspiration, alternatives like mymind, Same Energy, and Cosmos offer unique features for creativity.
Syntilay, founded by Ben Weiss and supported by Reebok's Joe Foster, uses AI to design footwear, enhancing efficiency and reducing waste.
Microsoft rebranded its office suite from Microsoft Office to Microsoft 365 and now to Microsoft Copilot 365, which is confusing as the old name is still referenced. Critics see the change as unnecessary and part of a broader trend of companies making puzzling rebrands.
Apple's redesigned Mail app, which features AI-powered message prioritization and categorized inboxes, will arrive on Mac with macOS 15.4 in April. Previously introduced on iPhone with iOS 18.2 and available in beta on iPad, this update aligns Mac users with other Apple devices.
Ralf Groene, former head of design at Microsoft, has joined Amazon to lead design for its devices and services. He previously worked on the Surface line with Panos Panay, who recently moved to Amazon. Groene's move follows Pavan Davuluri's appointment as Microsoft's new Windows and Surface chief.
Gesture-based navigation, enhanced by AI, is revolutionizing digital interactions, reducing cognitive load, and offering personalized experiences. Serenwikity, an app designed to browse Wikipedia through AI-powered swipes, fosters serendipitous discoveries while balancing user control and AI augmentation. This innovation highlights the evolving intersection of design, development, and AI in modern digital products.
Spatial metaphors deeply influence how we navigate and understand digital spaces by borrowing from physical concepts like desktops and folders. While these metaphors initially aided digital adaptation, they may now limit innovation. We can develop more intuitive, non-physical navigation patterns, enhancing user experience by learning from game design and creating meaningful digital landmarks and hierarchies.
Focus on real users by talking to them, testing frequently, and solving actual problems rather than relying on abstract personas. Embrace the chaos of user behavior and iterate based on genuine feedback to build a product that truly meets their needs.
Use AI to produce studio-quality videos in any language without a camera or crew.
This CSS-only UI library allows you to copy and paste any component without installation.
"Forward Thinking 2025" is a manifesto that emphasizes the emotional depth behind creativity, advocating for human-centered creative processes amid a data-driven landscape. Lucy Bourton highlights the importance of emotional connections in artistic endeavors, drawing from examples like Keith Brymer Jones and Molly Lewis, who integrate heartfelt expression into their work, enhancing audience engagement.
Accessible design goes beyond basics like alt-text and color palettes. It involves straightforward navigation, color contrast, and multimedia for inclusivity. Using ARIA roles, captions, and improved forms enhances user experience. Implementing accessibility features early in the design process, using checklists, and conducting regular audits ensures compliance and broader audience reach.
The UX job market has declined, with job postings down to 70% of 2021 levels and regression in UX maturity as businesses undervalue the field. To adapt, UX professionals should be flexible, build stakeholder relationships, and balance user and business goals while embracing AI responsibly.
The title "Design Engineer" represents a blend of design and development, often bridging gaps between these fields.
Illustration enriches content by visualizing concepts, enhancing communication, and engaging diverse audiences through various styles like watercolor, cartoon, and vector.
A brand refresh makes minor updates, while a rebrand is a complete overhaul.
Nintendo has unveiled the first details of the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set for release this year. The console resembles the original Switch but is larger. It features black Joy-Con controllers with colored accents that attach magnetically. The new Switch has a new USB-C port and an improved kickstand. Backward compatibility with most Switch games has been confirmed.
Aalto University's Nokia Design Archive is now open. Featuring 700 curated entries and 20,000 items showcasing Nokia's design history, the archive, led by Professor Anna Valtonen, explores the evolution of mobile phones from basic devices to innovative concepts like the Nokia N95. Visitors can browse sketches, models, and concept displays.
The Porsche X Honor Magic 7 RSR smartphone seamlessly combines Porsche's automotive-inspired design with cutting-edge technology. Its distinctive hexagonal camera unit, sharp edges, and high-quality materials reflect Porsche's signature aesthetic. Available in refined colors like Agate Grey and Provence, the device offers a perfect balance of elegance and individuality for an elevated user experience.
Researchers from Hanyang University analyzed thousands of font pairings, confirming sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura, and Univers dominate across mediums. The study highlights how font choices vary by use case, with serif fonts appearing in print, ornate fonts in ads, and bold glyphs in branding.
2025.01.17·links.tldrnewsletter.com·2 min read·TLDR Design Designers should prioritize instinct over data, as data can oversimplify complexity while instincts capture emotional nuance. It is important to hone instincts through experience, understand the end user, and create a safe environment to foster bold, inspired work.
The term "primitives" in design systems refers to foundational elements like color, typography, and spacing but may feel vague to non-technical teams. Alternatives like "root" and "foundation" offer clearer, more inclusive language that fosters better collaboration and understanding across design, development, and stakeholder teams.
BlurData is a macOS application designed to enhance privacy by blurring sensitive information in screenshots and images.
Transform images into 3D models for animation, rendering, or 3D printing.
A daily photo game to capture a drop of color from your world.
27b created a unique brand identity for Kokoro, a Japanese pop-up restaurant in Amsterdam, that avoided cultural clichés through hand-drawn typography, textured illustrations, and a reusable pink menu sleeve. The design emphasizes authenticity, innovation, and sustainability, with custom merchandise featuring subtle branding elements.
2025.01.17·the-brandidentity.com·3 min read·TLDR Design Campbell Hay developed a dynamic new identity for Islington Square, transforming it into a vibrant London retail destination focused on experience and discovery. The brand features bold graphics, animated 3D arches, and an inviting verbal identity to showcase its lively atmosphere.
Public trust in government is low; many feel it fails to meet their needs. To rebuild trust, we need more user-friendly, adaptable systems like success planning, guaranteed income, and the abundance movement, focusing on personalized, responsive services that effectively deliver results rather than rigid, outdated bureaucratic processes.
Slack has implemented automated accessibility tests with Axe and Playwright, ensuring comprehensive checks throughout development, supplemented by manual and user-focused evaluations.
Anthony Giaccone's debut art series showcases hand-drawn illustrations of iconic guitars, blending his marketing career and passion for art.
The tech industry is obsessed with disruption over quality, which results in buggy and confusing user experiences.
2025.01.17·links.tldrnewsletter.com·5 min read·TLDR Design Live co-editing is now available in Photoshop in private beta. The feature allows multiple users to edit the same document simultaneously. It enhances teamwork by streamlining collaboration, eliminating version control issues, and enabling real-time updates, fostering a more efficient and cohesive creative workflow.
A leaked letter from Jaguar's internal design team revealed concerns over the brand's controversial decision to ditch its iconic logo during its 2024 rebrand. It criticized the outsourced project for disconnecting from the company's narrative. Jaguar has defended the process, saying it is part of the creative growth process. The bold overhaul has divided opinions among designers and enthusiasts.