Apple reaches deal to acquire Pixelmator (2 minute read)
Apple has agreed to acquire Pixelmator, a photo editing company known for its AI-driven apps in the Apple ecosystem, pending regulatory approval. Founded 17 years ago, Pixelmator aims to reach more creative users. The rare acquisition reflects Apple's interest in enhancing creative tools on its platforms.
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Generative AI is Coming to Google Maps, Google Earth, and Waze (4 minute read)
Google's new AI model, Gemini, will soon enhance Google Maps, Google Earth, and Waze. Maps will feature conversational searches, curated suggestions, and contextual directions. Waze will add voice-activated hazard reporting. Google Earth will support complex queries for urban planning. Some features will be initially limited to trusted testers in select regions.
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Meta's new OS update for Quest includes a redesign and train mode (2 minute read)
Meta's latest Quest update features a refreshed Horizon OS with improved dark and light themes, enhanced UI elements, and a revamped settings menu for better usability. The update also introduces a new calendar app that syncs with Google and Outlook, allowing users to manage events and meetings in VR. Travel Mode now supports use on trains, providing a convenient way to watch media while in transit.
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Woah, Opacity! A Full Guide to this Badass Hero of Efficient UI Design (5 minute read)
Transparent colors streamline design by adapting to different backgrounds, reducing the need for multiple styles and states. This approach simplifies buttons, borders, and theme adaptability, benefiting startups and fast-paced teams. Although transparency improves efficiency, accessibility and performance considerations are essential for optimal user experience across devices and backgrounds.
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What budgeting apps, Peloton, and Duolingo have in common (7 minute read)
Many apps, like Mint, Peloton, and Duolingo, use the Hook Model — a psychological approach involving cue, action, reward, and investment — to build user habits. Features like streaks, badges, and progress tracking encourage engagement and long-term commitment, making these apps more enjoyable and addictive.
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Maintaining a growth mindset (8 minute read)
For designers, maintaining a growth mindset and embracing self-teaching is essential for overcoming industry challenges and opening job opportunities. Consistent passion and practice can lead to senior roles or transitions into product management, where design skills offer a strong foundation.
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Font Replacer (Figma plugin)
Batch replace fonts across multiple layers, see font sizes and total changes, run before/after comparisons, and count with smart font weight matching.
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Woolmark campaign unearths horrors of fast fashion (4 minute read)
Woolmark's "Wear Wool, Not Waste" campaign uses a zombie apocalypse metaphor to highlight the environmental impact of synthetic fibers and promote wool as a sustainable choice. Created by 20(SOMETHING) and Studio Birthplace, the campaign has led to a 13% increase in wool consideration in the UK. Woolmark plans to expand the campaign in 2025 to drive further change in fashion habits.
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Four Popular Canvases for Product Design (6 minute read)
The Business Model Canvas (BMC), Value Proposition Canvas (VPC), Lean UX Canvas, and UX Research Canvas each streamline product design and problem-solving. BMC visualizes business elements on one page, VPC aligns customer needs and value, Lean UX Canvas emphasizes iterative learning, and UX Research Canvas structures user research. Together, these tools enable efficient, customer-focused design processes and decision-making.
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Thanks for reading,
Jae Lee, Matej Latin & Ralph Brinker
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