News & Trends

Figma allows creating Figma Slides presentations from a FigJam board with AI (1 minute read)

Figma's new AI feature enables users to convert content from FigJam boards into structured Figma Slides, making organizing brainstorming and research sessions easier. Users can select key elements from any FigJam board they have edit permission for and create a presentation based on specific parts like pages, diagrams, or sticky notes.

Microsoft's New Fluent Illustrations are More 3D and Playful (2 minute read)

Microsoft is revamping its product illustrations to enhance visual engagement. It is shifting from flat, vector-based designs to more playful 3D visuals with skeuomorphic elements. The new style incorporates shapes from the Fluent design language, with a saturated color palette and expressive, natural contours. This update also aims to better align illustrations with accompanying text.

Jony Ive confirms he's working on a new device with OpenAI (1 minute read)

Jony Ive has confirmed he is collaborating with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on an AI hardware project funded by Ive and the Emerson Collective. The project employs ten people, including key figures from the iPhone design team. LoveFrom, Ive's company, leads the design from its new San Francisco office. The device aims to leverage generative AI for advanced user interactions. Specifics about the device and a release date have yet to be announced.

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Opinions & Tutorials

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 4 Finally Got a Much-Needed Makeover (6 minute read)

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) features a larger display with an industrial design, supports more HVAC systems, and is Matter certified but doesn't work with the Nest app. It uses advanced proximity sensors, learns user preferences, and pairs with a separate Nest Temperature Sensor for room-specific comfort.

Don't Ask if AI can Make art — Ask How AI can be Art (12 minute read)

Debates about AI's artistic value often focus on generative output, but interactive systems offer more engaging possibilities. While AI-generated media can feel bland, tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E captivate users with creative exploration and interaction. This interactivity might shape a new genre of AI-based art, blending human creativity and machine assistance.

Digital Design is About Rethinking How Design Interacts with People's Lives (5 minute read)

Filippo Spiezia, Founder and CEO of Digital Design Days, discusses AI's transformative impact on digital design and blending physical and digital experiences. His upcoming event in Milan will feature insights from global experts and focus on innovation through AI, AR, and sustainable design solutions.

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AI Voice User Interviews (Website)

Gather user feedback using AI voice interviewers.

Design System Hub (Figma plugin)

This Figma plugin allows you to find Design Systems from all over the world.

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Miscellaneous

A space in motion: Campbell Hay details its fresh look for the London neighbourhood, Angel Islington (3 minute read)

The Angel Islington Business Improvement District (BID) partnered with Campbell Hay to revamp its brand, introducing a shifting rhomboid logo to reflect the area's adaptability. The new identity features dynamic visuals, Manner and Relative typefaces, and custom icons celebrating key neighborhood areas. It is planned for use across digital platforms and a future walking trail.

The Ruthless Edit (3 minute read)

Prioritize essential elements and build around them. Instead of cutting down to a limit, choose a core set you can't live without and add to enhance it. This approach shifts from editing to creating, ensuring the whole is cohesive and greater than individual parts.

Enhancing UX Design with Lateral Thinking Techniques (6 minute read)

Lateral thinking helps UX designers tackle complex problems by encouraging creative problem-solving and avoiding rigid, linear approaches. Mind mapping, role-playing, and SCAMPER can reveal new perspectives, break down problems, and spark innovative solutions.

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Finally, There's a Smartphone Built to Detect Deepfakes (3 minute read)

Honor introduced new products at IFA 2024, including a AI Deepfake Detection technology designed to combat identity theft and misinformation.

The Continuing Tragedy of Emoji on the Web (2 minute read)

Emoji display varies across browsers and operating systems due to outdated emoji fonts.

Strategic UX research doesn't need fancy tools (8 minute read)

Startups can enhance product design by regularly engaging users for insights instead of delaying UX research.

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