Microsoft Decides it's a Good Time for Bad UI to Die (4 minute read)
Microsoft is phasing out the Windows Control Panel, a 40-year-old interface linked to DOS that has been criticized for its complexity. Despite affection from some long-time users, it has always been a flawed and dangerous tool that gave too much power to the hands of the untrained. Its retirement signifies a move towards centralizing functions into the more modern but imperfect Settings. This shift highlights a broader industry issue: the lack of a shared, structured way to manage device settings, leading to user frustration and inefficiency.
Nike and MoMA Design Store Launch First Official Collaboration (1 minute read)
Nike and MoMA Design Store have launched their first official collaboration series of limited-edition and co-branded products, emphasizing fitness and style. The series starts with the MoMA Nike Everyday Sock, which features the iconic Swoosh and MoMA branding. This partnership marks the first time official Nike x MoMA products have been released, despite a long-standing relationship highlighted by exhibits and exclusive releases. The collaboration will see more product drops.
Canva says its AI features are worth the 300 percent price increase (2 minute read)
Canva's aggressive rollout of generative AI features will significantly hike its subscription costs next year. Canva Teams users globally will see a price increase of over 300%, with US rates jumping from $120 to $500 per year for up to five users, discounted to $300 for the first year. Canva justified this by citing its new AI tools' enhanced "product experience" and value. Some users have criticized the steep price hike and are considering switching to alternatives like Adobe.
Aspects of the Early Web I'd Like to See Come Back (6 minute read)
The early web (1995-2005) was defined by its simplicity, lack of big data, and opportunities for originality, allowing creators to build niche communities and unique online cultures. This era's openness and focus on user privacy offer valuable lessons for shaping the future of the web.
Why A.I. Isn't Going to Make Art (12 minute read)
Art involves numerous choices, often unconscious. AI-generated works lack these choices, leading to bland or derivative results. While impressive, AI-generated art lacks the depth and breadth of decisions found in human-made creations.
Sanding UI (3 minute read)
"Sanding UI" involves iteratively testing and refining a user interface by repeatedly interacting with it, like smoothing wood with sandpaper. This method identifies issues, such as non-clickable gaps caused by CSS styling, and resolves them to enhance usability. The process focuses on continuous adjustments to create a seamless user experience.
Pines UI (Website)
Pines is a UI library designed for Alpine and Tailwind projects. It provides a collection of ready-to-use animations and components, such as sliders, tooltips, accordions, modals, and more.
The Lost Sense (6 minute read)
The digital revolution, especially smartphones, has diminished tactile experiences, impacting brain development, emotional growth, and well-being. Reconnecting with the physical world and redesigning devices to enhance touch could help counter these adverse effects.
How to get hired as a junior designer in 2024 (8 minute read)
The design industry has faced instability due to the pandemic and AI, making it essential for junior designers to master UX basics and design tools like Figma. Continuous learning, seeking mentor feedback, and leveraging prior skills and networks can help you stand out to employers.
Reducing UX debt (or die trying) (8 minute read)
UX debt refers to unresolved user experience issues, often caused by poor communication and compromises in design quality, that can hurt business and team motivation. Regular collaboration between designers and developers, modular design systems, and proper documentation can help manage and reduce UX debt.