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FigJam Update 🎨, Google Gemini Gen-AI πŸ€–, Paralympic Logo πŸ…

TLDR Design <dan@tldrnewsletter.com>

September 2, 12:07 pm

TLDR Design
Figma has introduced enhancements to FigJam, focusing on connectors' visual and functional aspects, including improved connector spacing 

TLDR

TLDR Design 2024-09-02

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News & Trends

Figma introduces enhanced connector functions for building diagrams in FigJam (1 minute read)

Figma has introduced seven enhancements to its FigJam platform, focusing on connectors' visual and functional aspects. These updates include improved connector spacing for a cleaner look, streamlined alignment indicators to reduce visual distractions, and an enhanced "Quick Create" that automatically links nearby objects. Additional improvements like dynamic connector anchor points, new hover visuals, and customizable connector text colors make FigJam more intuitive and user-friendly for diagram creation and organization.
Google Gemini Will Let You Create AI-generated People Again (2 minute read)

After pausing it due to issues with historically inaccurate images, Google has reintroduced the image generation feature in its Gemini AI chatbot. Using brief text descriptions, the updated tool can create diverse types of images, from photorealistic landscapes to oil paintings. Enhanced safeguards preventing users from creating pictures of public figures, minors, and explicit scenes are now in place. Feedback from early users will guide further improvements.
The meaning behind the Paralympic logo (2 minute read)

The Paralympic Games have commenced. Its unique logo, known as the Agitos, meaning 'I move' in Latin, carries a distinct symbolism while sharing a connection with the idea of movement and unity. The logo emphasizes the dynamic spirit and resilience of Paralympic athletes.
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Opinions & Tutorials

Breaking in: A guide to landing your first product design role (6 minute read)

Landing an early career opportunity requires a compelling portfolio that showcases your best work, storytelling skills, and a deep understanding of design decisions. Quality over quantity is key in a portfolio, and candidates should demonstrate technical and soft skills. Set yourself apart by regularly updating your portfolio and effectively presenting it in interviews.
Dark Theme: Five UI Design Tips (3 minute read)

Designing a compelling dark theme involves avoiding pure black backgrounds, selecting legible fonts, and adjusting shadows for depth. Use muted colors to prevent eye strain and ensure accessibility. Consistency with the light theme's color scheme is crucial to maintaining a cohesive user experience across both modes.
How to Design Dropdown Menus that Improve Navigation and Usability (6 minute read)

Dropdown menus enhance navigation, reduce clutter, and improve user experience. They help streamline website forms, navigation, and search while freeing up UI space and supporting responsive design. A focus on simplicity, accessibility, and mobile optimization contributes to creating effective, user-friendly menus.
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Launches & Tools

Wireframe, Diagram & Whiteboard Online (Website)

Moqups is an online tool for creating wireframes, diagrams, and prototypes. It also enables real-time collaboration, simplifying the design process for teams.
Huetone (Website)

Huetone generates accessible color palettes using the LCH color space, offering predictable contrast ratios and compatibility with various design tools like Figma.
Do Deep Work, Enter Flow State (Chrome extension)

This Chrome extension helps you enhance focus by setting deep work goals and blocking distracting websites.
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Miscellaneous

No One's Ready for This (2 minute read)

Advancements in AI image generation are blurring reality, making the truth less knowable. While image removal feels acceptable, adding unreal elements is immoral and deceptive. This technology's potential for misuse can be harmful, and such practices should be considered illegal to preserve clarity and authenticity in visual media.
10 Lessons from Designing for Early Stage Startups (1 minute read)

Designing for early-stage startups involves balancing quality, time, and scope and prioritizing learning, trust, and rapid testing. Embrace autonomy, collaborate on solutions, and pick battles wisely. View setbacks as learning, express challenges openly, and seek help. Share your experiences to foster mutual growth and understanding.
The Wombles get a suitably charming rebrand courtesy of How&How (2 minute read)

The Wombles received a rebrand from B Corp agency How&How that balanced its classic charm with a refreshed look. The design uses Monokrom's Nordvest for the wordmark and illustrations by Remi Sorbet, preserving the retro, hand-drawn feel while embracing a cleaner, digitized style.
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Quick Links

Rethinking the UI Design of a Musical Keyboard (1 minute read)

The Seaboard Rise 2 replaces traditional keys with soft silicone ridges, enhancing control over notes with five gestures and allowing players to simulate various instrument sounds with greater realism.
Five Information Design Classics that are so Perfect You Might Forget They Were Ever Designed (10 minute read)

β€œGraphic Classics” by Phaidon features legendary but underrated creations like the Venn diagram, copyright symbol, crossword puzzle, U.S. route shield, and Universal Product Code (UPC).
CSS finally adds vertical centering in 2024 (6 minute read)

CSS's `align-content` property simplifies vertical centering, requiring just one property without a wrapper div.

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


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