The hottest Design Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
Design Lobster 119 implied HN points 28 Dec 20
  1. Combining ideas from different disciplines can lead to innovative design, like the evolution of the Christmas cracker incorporating elements of confectionery and pyrotechnics.
  2. Adding elements of shock or surprise can enhance the emotional impact of a design, similar to the intentional surprises in Christmas crackers.
  3. Finding connections between unrelated ideas is a valuable design skill, as seen in the Milton Glaser Christmas card that creatively combines typography elements to form a Christmas tree.
escape the algorithm 39 implied HN points 03 Aug 22
  1. The prices for some items on Etsy can go extremely high, ranging from unique collections to mysterious boxes
  2. The listings on Etsy include a variety of unusual and unconventional items, such as mentorship programs from witches and immersive escape room experiences
  3. There are sellers on Etsy offering unique and controversial items, like lifetime mentorship under a witch and an inflatable erotic bouncy castle
Basta’s Notes 40 implied HN points 11 Apr 23
  1. License plate typography is more detailed than you might think, impacting visibility and individual character legibility.
  2. Most states use sans-serif typefaces for license plates to enhance legibility, with variations like serifs added for character differentiation.
  3. Virginia stands out by using a unique serif typeface on its license plates, which presents challenges in maintaining character equal width and readability.
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UX Psychology 59 implied HN points 07 Oct 21
  1. Psychological time, influenced by factors like anxiety and cultural background, affects how we perceive waiting time.
  2. Changing passive wait time to active engagement can significantly improve user experience in various scenarios.
  3. To enhance user experience, minimizing traditional wait times and engaging users with activities can create a more enjoyable waiting experience.
Design Lobster 2 HN points 27 May 24
  1. In the post-taste world of design, there is a shift towards embracing ugliness and authenticity over traditional aesthetics.
  2. The concept of 'ugly design' challenges the boundaries of good taste and encourages a more real and genuine connection with audiences.
  3. It's important for designers to balance experimentation with ugliness while ensuring usability is not sacrificed in pursuit of aesthetics.
The ZenMode 42 implied HN points 15 Feb 23
  1. Designing a Tic-Tac-Toe game involves creating a user interface with components like a game board, player information, game status, and start/restart buttons.
  2. Implementing game logic requires components like game state, move validation, win condition detection, tie condition detection, and player management.
  3. For scalability, maintainability, and extensibility, consider using components like load balancer, cloud-based infrastructure, modular architecture, clean code, and automated testing.
Anima Mundi 20 implied HN points 25 Sep 23
  1. Data-driven design is revolutionizing manufacturing by partnering with nature and using intricate data.
  2. To fully realize the potential of advanced manufacturing techniques, tools and platforms need to be developed to enhance and integrate with them.
  3. DDMM combines data and design to create innovative, intelligent, and precise outcomes in the realm of material discovery and manufacturing.
Austin Kleon 79 implied HN points 27 Aug 21
  1. Creativity can come from personal expressions like blackout poetry. It’s a fun way to process thoughts and emotions, especially during tough times.
  2. Reading books that connect well can enhance understanding. Mixing different topics can spark new ideas and insights.
  3. Listening to interesting conversations or podcasts can offer valuable perspectives. They can deepen knowledge and inspire new ways of thinking.
CTOrly 19 implied HN points 22 Sep 22
  1. The act of recreating something isn't just imitation; it can be a way to continue the essence of the original.
  2. Documenting decisions and actions may not fully replicate the original intention, but it keeps the essence alive.
  3. Utilize tools and methods that support your work effectively, like Linear for workflow management, to avoid unnecessary challenges.
HackerPulse Dispatch 10 implied HN points 27 Feb 24
  1. Sinkly is a design tool that helps streamline the process for mechanical designers and system engineers by automating document synchronization and updates across the organization.
  2. The idea for Sinkly originated from the founder's experience with manual tasks in hardware design, leading to the development of a collaborative and automated solution to transform clunky Excel processes.
  3. Sinkly's tech stack focuses on user-friendly elements like browser-based application, JavaScript, React, Python, and AWS for scalability, continuous improvement, and a seamless user experience.
Cybernetic Forests 39 implied HN points 20 Feb 22
  1. Communication requires good transmission and reception; without care on either end, hurt can result.
  2. Play and playfulness emerge from safety and shared agreement; the absence of play can lead to authoritarianism and fear.
  3. Social media structures can breed algorithmic indifference, filtering out personal content and hindering meaningful communication.
Sunday Letters 59 implied HN points 06 Dec 21
  1. When creating software, you're making promises to users about reliability and performance. If users can't trust your software to work well, they feel let down.
  2. Over time, adding too many features can slow down software and make it complicated. It's important for teams to keep user experience and performance in mind as they grow.
  3. Strong teams think carefully about the promises they make with each new feature. They aim to keep users happy and avoid feeling like they've broken that trust.
UX Psychology 39 implied HN points 29 Nov 21
  1. The 5-second test is a form of usability testing to measure users' first impressions of a design by showing them a fixed interface for a short time.
  2. Aesthetic elements influence users' first impressions, which form quickly within the first few seconds of viewing a design. Designers have a limited time to make a good first impression.
  3. The 5-second test is effective for assessing perceived usability and initial reactions to an interface, but it does not measure actual usability or comprehension of complex information.
Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots 19 implied HN points 09 Feb 23
  1. Conversation design focuses on creating the flow of dialogue between users and AI. It’s about defining how users interact and how responses are managed.
  2. Different AI platforms offer unique features for conversation design, like dialog flow management or visual design tools. Some tools are easier to use while others provide more advanced capabilities.
  3. Keeping the user experience in mind is crucial for successful conversation design. Understanding what the user needs helps to create smoother and more effective interactions.
Cybernetic Forests 39 implied HN points 27 Dec 21
  1. Annetta Pedretti was a cybernetic linguist known for fostering conversations about conversations, emphasizing the importance of writing and communicating consciously.
  2. Language is a complex system that reflects history and meaning, requiring active listening, questioning, and response to understand its nuances.
  3. Cybernetics is about relationships between complex systems, such as language and architecture, and involves navigating boundaries, challenging clichés, and engaging in curious, slow-building conversations.
UX Psychology 19 implied HN points 10 Aug 22
  1. Date formatting should consider international users as different cultures have varying ways of expressing dates.
  2. ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DD) can help avoid confusion in international date communication.
  3. Design date-entry fields with user familiarity and comfort in mind, using intuitive formats, labels, and separators to prevent errors.
Offline: dating that works 1 HN point 21 Jun 24
  1. Offline aims to facilitate meaningful, lasting relationships by focusing on authentic connections rather than swiping.
  2. They prioritize long-form profiles and compatibility testing to help users find genuine matches and filter through potential partners.
  3. Offline is designed for unconventionally attractive daters and those who are intentional about what they want in a relationship.
Mechanomy’s Substack 4 HN points 10 Feb 24
  1. Zoo's text-to-CAD application can quickly generate 3D models based on simple prompts, demonstrating a new approach to design tooling for hardware engineers.
  2. The correctness of a generated model matters based on intended use, and with advancements in AI and CAD, tools are evolving to aid in specifying design details more efficiently.
  3. The development of tools like text-to-CAD showcases the evolving capabilities in design technology, emphasizing the need for increased productivity and quality in engineering workflows.
The Lone Toad - Croaker RPGs Newsletter 2 HN points 19 Apr 24
  1. Buffalo Castle may have been the first solo RPG adventure created, opening up a new world for solo tabletop roleplaying games.
  2. Tunnels & Trolls, developed as a simpler and more accessible alternative to D&D, paved the way for unique RPG experiences.
  3. Designing solo RPGs requires balancing storytelling and player agency, as seen in lessons learned from Buffalo Castle, the pioneering solo adventure.
Bold Begin 1 HN point 14 Jun 24
  1. Canva focuses on simplicity in their home page, emphasizing creating designs quickly and easily, without the need for a sales pitch.
  2. Their product page highlights a strong value proposition in a single sentence, effectively conveying the essence and benefits of their product.
  3. Canva excels in social media ads with powerful images and clear, fun copy that emphasizes the ease and creativity of using their platform.
Dan’s MEGA65 Digest 11 implied HN points 30 Nov 23
  1. New MEGA65 45GS02 Quick Reference mousepads and posters are available on Zazzle with a discount code ZCYBERDEAL23
  2. Support the MEGA65 Digest and other MEGA65 work through Ko-fi with payment options like PayPal and Stripe
  3. The author lists accomplishments from the past year and plans for the future in supporting the MEGA65 project
Cybernetic Forests 59 implied HN points 14 Feb 21
  1. Syzygy describes unexpected combinations of things or concepts, like astronomy's alignment of celestial bodies or Pataphysics' imaginative coincidences.
  2. Maps can be more than physical territories; psychogeography creates personalized maps reflecting relationships and meanings within a city's spaces.
  3. Syzygetic cartography involves mapping internal psychological spaces collaboratively, challenging individuals to find unexpected alignments in their inner territories.
trydeepwork 2 implied HN points 27 Aug 24
  1. Dark mode is a new feature that many users will appreciate. It changes the screen to a darker theme that can be easier on the eyes.
  2. The design of dark mode is said to be beautiful and visually appealing. Users are encouraged to check it out themselves.
  3. If users encounter any issues or odd experiences while using the new feature, they are invited to provide feedback to improve the service.
Austin Kleon 59 implied HN points 04 Jun 21
  1. Plucking the day means to fully embrace and take advantage of every moment. It's about recognizing opportunities and making the most out of them.
  2. Ideas can come from both within us and the world around us. Sometimes inspiration is influenced by outside experiences more than our own thoughts.
  3. Corita Kent’s studio has been honored as a historic landmark. This shows the importance of artists and their contributions to culture.
Women On Rails Newsletter - International Version 19 implied HN points 29 Mar 22
  1. The newsletter covers topics like Machine Learning, design skills, and historical insights on being a woman developer in the 60s.
  2. Interesting updates on Ruby and Rails, with resources for upgrading to Ruby 3.0, finding Ruby career paths, and insights on Static Site Generators.
  3. Tips include a tool to generate empty commits on GitHub for managing multiple accounts, a tutorial on building a ML Web App, and an article on exploring vulnerabilities in Zoom by a Security Engineer.
Austin Kleon 59 implied HN points 22 Jan 21
  1. Disgust can actually help us survive and grow. It can push us to develop new habits, like keeping a diary.
  2. Beautifully designed books can inspire us to write. A simple act of writing just one line a day can be meaningful.
  3. Reading deeply and taking ideas from others is encouraged. This helps us connect with more creativity in our work.
AI Prospects: Toward Global Goal Convergence 1 HN point 21 May 24
  1. AI and robotics will transform manufacturing by scaling production, reducing costs, and increasing possibilities.
  2. Humanoid robots are not practical for manufacturing due to cost, clumsiness, and inefficiency compared to specialized machines.
  3. Automation in mass production focuses on designing and constructing machines efficiently, with AI playing a key role in breaking production bottlenecks.
The Works in Progress Newsletter 14 implied HN points 15 Jun 23
  1. A new platform called Books in Progress has been launched for collaboration with authors on draft chapters.
  2. Stewart Brand's upcoming book 'Maintenance: Of Everything' will explore the philosophy and practice of maintenance.
  3. The platform offers the first section of Chapter 2 on vehicles, focusing on what motorcycles can teach about maintenance.
Turnaround 79 implied HN points 22 Jul 19
  1. Thoughtful leaders and a supportive culture can successfully drive change in even giant corporations that have made big mistakes in the past.
  2. Empathy plays a crucial role in business success, as highlighted by Satya Nadella's focus on empathy in his book.
  3. Some books are meant to be read slowly and savored, with breaks to chew over the content and admire the writing.
Friends Of SaaS 14 implied HN points 09 May 23
  1. To create a killer landing page for your SaaS product, focus on first impressions like design, headlines, and compelling content.
  2. Include social proof like customer testimonials and showcase to influence others' decisions.
  3. Utilize tools like landing page generators, A/B testing, and email marketing tools to enhance your landing page and optimize conversions.
Do Not Research 19 implied HN points 15 Feb 22
  1. During the surge of infographic media on platforms like Instagram after George Floyd's murder, questions arose about credibility, design origin, and content impact.
  2. Critiques of Instagram Infographics include oversimplification, spreading misinformation, and a shift towards performative activism.
  3. Designers should reevaluate their role in social justice, focusing on accountability within the realm of infographic creation and content dissemination.