News & Trends

Google Meet's Latest Update Includes a New UI and In-call Messaging (2 minute read)

New features are being introduced to Google's Meet app, enhancing personal video calls with in-call messaging, emoji reactions, and screen sharing. These updates aim to align the call experience with meeting functionalities, creating a unified user interface. The redesigned UI and added features will gradually become available to all users.

Instagram Tests Vertical Profile Grid to Adapt to Changing Content Trends (1 minute read)

Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, confirmed that the company was testing a new vertical profile grid layout, moving away from the iconic square grid to align with the rise of vertical content like Reels and Stories. Currently limited to a select group, the final decision will depend on user feedback and engagement during the testing phase.

Google Quietly Opens Imagen 3 Access to all U.S. Users (3 minute read)

Following a limited release to select Vertex AI users, Google's advanced text-to-image AI model, Imagen 3, is now available to all U.S. users through the ImageFX platform. This quiet expansion has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the tool's improved texture and word recognition capabilities while others criticize its strict content filters.

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Opinions & Tutorials

Designing for Control (5 minute read)

The evolution of UX design has significantly improved our online experience but also led to addictive behaviors. The root problem lies in how technology exploits human tendencies. Actual change requires reforming our relationship with technology and building a more robust identity rather than relying on temporary fixes like app blockers.

Why Designers Shouldn't Always Be Designers (7 minute read)

Exploring diverse career paths can significantly enrich a designer's approach. These varied backgrounds offer fresh perspectives, enhancing design thinking and content creation.

"Design as we know it is doomed, but that's a good thing for designers" (7 minute read)

The design industry has to choose between continuing its consumer-driven focus or embracing radical change to address the planetary crisis. This shift will prioritize redesign, reuse, and sustainable practices, with designers specializing in repair, adaptation, and end-of-life processes.

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High Quality Avatars (Website)

Avaaatars features a vast library of customizable, high-quality avatars for free commercial use.

Design System Organizer (Figma plugin)

This plugin seamlessly manages Figma styles, components, and variables across files. Features include selective swapping and efficient library organization.

Instance Finder (Figma plugin)

Select a Component or Instance, and this plugin will search the Figma file, listing all Instances used across pages and frames. The list is organized by pages for easy navigation, allowing designers to click on any item to zoom in on the specific Instance.

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Miscellaneous

AT is More than Screen Readers (1 minute read)

Assistive technology includes more than screen readers. It encompasses various tools like screen magnifiers, voice control, and Braille displays. Misusing "AT" to mean only screen readers can narrow the scope of accessibility and exclude other essential tools and disabilities.

Nespresso + Pantone Partner for a Rich Mediterranean Color Story (3 minute read)

Nespresso and Pantone have launched a campaign called "Unforgettable Mediterranean Summer" that features limited-edition Vertuo Pop+ Pantone machines, accessories, and two new iced coffee flavors. The collaboration emphasizes simplicity, approachability, and the beauty of color while also promoting sustainability with 85% recycled aluminum Vertuo capsules.

Amplie: A Blueprint for Transformative Financial Branding (2 minute read)

Amplie's branding, designed by Victor Berriel and Lorena Giostri, uses a calming blue palette and a modular logo to evoke trust and simplify the user experience in financial management. This thoughtful design approach strengthens the company's mission to consolidate credit cards and fosters lasting customer relationships by ensuring security and clarity in every interaction.

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How to Design Hand Icons (5 minute read)

When designing hand icons, start with sketches, focus on synthesis, and ensure consistency across styles. Maintaining proportions and legibility is key.

How Freelancers Can Maximize Their Work Exposure to Attract Ideal Clients (5 minute read)

To attract ideal clients, focus on targeted marketing strategies like email outreach, showcasing work on design sites, and blogging for clients rather than relying on social media followers or general guest posts.

Fire, Ready, Aim (16 minute read)

The frantic race to push out half-baked AI features into enterprise products is a cynical subversion of foundational UX principles. Their customers may never forgive them.

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Thanks for reading,
Jae Lee, Matej Latin & Ralph Brinker