Figma's August Updates (2 minute read)
Figma has introduced new Pencil and Brush tools that let users sketch, paint, and customize strokes directly in design files, including the ability to create custom brushes from vector layers. The update also adds easier style navigation and enhanced AI image editing with batch processing and multiple model options for more flexible, efficient design workflows.
|
Introducing Vercel AI Elements: Prebuilt, Composable AI SDK Components (1 minute read)
AI Elements introduces a new open source library of customizable React components for building interfaces with the Vercel AI SDK. Built on shadcn/ui, it provides full control over UI primitives like message threads, input boxes, and reasoning panels. Users can install components via CLI, select their preferred components, import them, and start building AI interfaces.
|
“Essentially identical” logo reignites a 40-year brand war (4 minute read)
Baylor University has sued Boston University over the use of an interlocking "BU" logo, claiming it infringes on Baylor's long-standing trademark rights and causes irreparable harm. Despite a 1988 agreement allowing both schools to use the design, Baylor is now demanding that Boston destroy all merchandise with the emblem and cover legal fees.
|
|
Great products are made by small teams of specialists (6 minute read)
Small, autonomous teams of talented individuals drive innovation faster than large groups, which often get slowed down by bureaucracy, silos, and alignment issues. With high talent density, quick decision-making, and greater autonomy, small teams consistently deliver breakthroughs, while large teams tend to refine and maintain existing ideas.
|
The Future of Product Design in an AI-Driven World (4 minute read)
AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are transforming product design by enabling designers to create functional prototypes without writing code. This shift allows designers to become independent design engineers, no longer constrained by technical limitations or relying on developers. The democratization of building through AI could spark massive productivity gains and unleash collective creativity across all industries.
|
A New Way to Audit Design System Usage (4 minute read)
A new approach involves visually highlighting design system components on web pages as a more meaningful alternative to tracking raw usage numbers. This method can be implemented through browser extensions for manual auditing or automated via existing end-to-end testing frameworks. The technique enables non-technical audits, cost reasoning, and pattern recognition while providing tangible evidence of design system adoption.
|
|
Design Physical Products with AI (Website)
SuperCraft offers a collaborative node-based canvas where users can either generate sketches from product descriptions or hand-draw them directly on the canvas and convert the sketches to high-quality 2D and 3D renders of products using AI.
|
Vibe Code Games (Website)
Go from text description to code to mobile games with Rosebud AI Game Generator, an online, free game engine.
|
|
Blue Apron rebrands for a future beyond subscription meal kits (3 minute read)
Blue Apron has rebranded with a new logo, mascot, and business model that moves beyond mandatory subscriptions, now allowing customers to order meal kits a la carte alongside new pre-made and quick-prep options. Under Walmart-owned Wonder Group, the shift aims to make the service more flexible and convenient, positioning Blue Apron as a kitchen “helper” rather than just a subscription meal-kit provider.
|
Building it Once: How to Succeed in Tying Design Decisions to Business Outcomes (7 minute read)
Design leaders recommend starting with small wins to establish credibility, as initial buy-in becomes much easier after proving impact once. Designers should break large projects into smaller features, connect design changes to user behavior shifts, and translate impact into business metrics. Understanding decision-makers' priorities and maintaining consistent processes helps avoid self-sabotage when communicating design value to stakeholders.
|
Changing Human Behavior with Behavioral Design (6 minute read)
Behavioral design combines cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, and user experience to influence human behavior in a natural and non-manipulative way. This approach helps users make faster, more effective decisions by understanding how people think through System 1 and System 2 processing. Successful implementation requires understanding users' goals, selecting appropriate tools like nudges or cognitive biases, and maintaining ethical standards.
|
|
|
Love TLDR? Tell your friends and get rewards!
|
|
Share your referral link below with friends to get free TLDR swag!
|
|
|
|
|
Track your referrals here.
|
|
Want to advertise in TLDR? 📰
If your company is interested in reaching an audience of design professionals and decision makers, you may want to advertise with us.
Want to work at TLDR? 💼
Apply here or send a friend's resume to jobs@tldr.tech and get $1k if we hire them!
If you have any comments or feedback, just respond to this email!
Thanks for reading,
Jae Lee, Matej Latin & Ralph Brinker
|
|
|
|