Figma on Figma: Evolving our visual language (4 minute read)
Over the past decade, Figma has evolved from a design tool to an ecosystem supporting entire product teams. Its new brand refresh focuses on versatile primitives, dynamic compositions, an expanded color palette, and integrated motion principles, creating a flexible visual language. Inspired by playgrounds and collaborative activities, the refreshed identity reflects Figma's diverse user base and interactions. This reimagined design system, featuring bold shapes and vibrant colors, emphasizes adaptability and collaboration, pointing to Figma's future growth.
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iOS 18 is available today, making iPhone more personal and capable than ever (5 minute read)
iOS 18 is now available, with enhanced personalization for the Home Screen and Control Center, a major Photos redesign, and improved features in Messages and Mail. Users can customize app icons, widgets, and the Control Center layout, while Photos now offers on-device intelligence to organize content automatically. The new Apple Intelligence feature will roll out next month, providing privacy-focused AI tools integrated deeply into iOS 18. Additional updates include enhancements to Safari, a new Passwords app, improved connectivity options, and expanded functionalities for AirPods and Apple Pay.
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Unreadable Typography is the Latest Trend in Logo Design (3 minute read)
Minimalist logo design is giving way to more complex, maximalist trends in branding. Fashion designer Katarzyna Konieczka's new chaotic logo exemplifies this shift, reflecting her gothic-inspired style. Brands like Burberry, Puig, and Loewe, influenced by nostalgia and higher-resolution screens, are embracing unique, personality-driven designs, moving away from the streamlined aesthetics of recent years.
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The Hidden Power of Typography (11 minute read)
Typography profoundly impacts how we perceive information, influencing belief, creativity, and critical thinking. Studies show good design increases engagement and effectiveness. Microsoft's long investment in typography, from TrueType to Aptos, highlights design's power, underscoring its crucial role in communication and persuasion.
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Why Your Shadows (Might) Suck (7 minute read)
Creating realistic shadows in digital design involves layering to replicate natural light and adjusting colors to match the background. Consistent light sources, negative spread, and suitable shadow sizes for different elements enhance the visual effect. Hightouch's revamped shadow system prioritizes simplicity and clarity, improving the overall cohesiveness and usability.
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Simplicity — On removing complexity to add meaning (6 minute read)
Simplicity in design involves thoughtful reduction, prioritization, and organization to create a coherent and familiar user experience, even in feature-rich products. Beyond minimalism, simplicity should be prioritized in all aspects of work, considering technology's operational, personal, and societal impact.
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Similayer (Figma plugin)
Similayer allows you to work with multiple layers in your design. It enables one to find and select specific elements based on various criteria, such as their layer type, color, font, or stroke properties.
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Why is It Cool to Hate on Design Systems? (4 minute read)
While criticism of design systems has grown, they remain essential for speed and flexibility in product development, especially for startups. Simple components like buttons, typography, and colors offer high ROI without the complexity of enterprise systems. Reframing them as "design toolkits" emphasizes their practical value for all products.
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ROI of UX: How to Prove the Value of Good User Experience (13 minute read)
Good UX enhances customer satisfaction, retention, and conversions, potentially boosting conversions by up to 400% and reducing support costs. Measuring UX ROI with metrics like conversion rates and revenue per user helps secure stakeholder buy-in and ensures alignment with business goals for continuous optimization.
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Top 13 AI Tools for Design Ideation (9 minute read)
From UX design platforms like UX Pilot and FigJam AI to versatile tools like ChatGPT and Notion AI, designers can now explore endless creative possibilities, streamline workflows, and deliver impactful experiences.
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Thanks for reading,
Jae Lee, Matej Latin & Ralph Brinker
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