Google Maps getting ‘cleaner home screen’ with simplified bottom bar (1 minute read)
Google Maps is streamlining its mobile interface with a cleaner home screen and a simplified bottom bar, the specifics of which are yet to be unveiled. The app will feature new pin colors to enhance map readability, complementing previous updates like map color revisions, improved directions interface, and expanded Street View coverage.
Banksy: London tree mural covered in plastic and boards (1 minute read)
A Banksy mural in Finsbury Park, London, has been covered up with plastic and wooden boards by the building's owner after being vandalized with white paint. This has caused visibility issues and resident concerns. Islington Council is now managing the site, aiming to allow public enjoyment while considering local disruptions.
Redefining Interfaces: The Icon Evolution (6 minute read)
PARC's Xerox Star system introduced desktop icons in the early 1970s, launching the GUI paradigm. Those primitive, pixelated icons ushered in a new era of user interface design. This article covers everything from the early days of icons in user interfaces to spatial design icons that add depth and motion using specular highlights and shadows.
How to consolidate multiple design systems (9 minute read)
There are four options for consolidating design systems: 1. Keep them separate, which may lead to redundancy in research and development, 2. Systems start sharing subsystems, which leads to efficiency gains but challenges in alignment, 3. Systems retire, and a new one emerges, and 4. One system stays and others retire, streamlining operations but may only meet some unique market segment needs.
How Adobe’s Bet on Non-Exploitative AI is Paying Off (7 minute read)
Adobe has shown that socially responsible tech doesn't have to come at the expense of profits. The bulk of Firefly's training data comes from Adobe's library of stock photos, which has an explicit license for AI training. Adobe has partnered with IBM, Mattel, NVIDIA, and NASCAR to explore how its intellectual property can be used to generate copyrighted content.
The (not so) subtle reason you hate chatbots (10 minute read)
There's a strong argument that chatbots are a mostly one-sided revolution, increasing business efficiency while generally irritating consumers. There are exceptions, but broadly, virtual agents, decision trees, and ChatGPT-powered conversations are different from the future of customer service that we were promised.
Why iOS 18's Customizable Home Screen Layout Is a Big Deal (4 minute read)
Apple will finally let iOS users place app icons wherever they like instead of forcing them into a strict grid. Users will now be able to create groups of icons, which will vastly improve accessibility through spatial memory. This will also be a large boon for anyone with low vision — it's easier to spot the right icon to tap if it is surrounded by empty space and contrasts strongly with the background.