The hottest Design Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

A fun thought on optimization

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Design Optimization Product Development
  1. Avoid optimizing too early in the design process. This can lead to wasted efforts and complicated designs.
  2. In the world of AI, focusing too much on costs can lead to weak solutions. It's better to have a solid, simple design from the start.
  3. Instead of worrying about future needs, consider how hard it will be to make changes later. It's important to find a balance between planning and flexibility.

What is Taste and how to have it?

Product Composition • 137 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Craft Creativity Aesthetics Influence
  1. Having good taste is a skill that can be developed by paying attention to craft, analyzing surroundings, seeking feedback, and surrounding yourself with tasteful things and people.
  2. Buying expensive items doesn't necessarily mean you have good taste; true taste is about appreciating quality and value, not just high price tags.
  3. Having good taste can be beneficial for business success, as it involves analyzing goods, spotting opportunities, and making valuable decisions efficiently.
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🗓️ cycle 2 begins?! learnings & changes!!

vrk loves paper • 139 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Learning Personal Growth Design Art
  1. Working on personal projects feels really good. Having control over what you're creating can bring happiness and motivation.
  2. Focusing on one project at a time can lead to better results. Trying to juggle too many tasks can often lead to getting nothing done.
  3. It's okay to take time to learn new skills instead of doing what you're already good at. Learning something new can be a great way to grow.

#118 (Un)certainty

Design Lobster • 359 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Design Psychology Quote Gaming Creativity
  1. In a corporate setting, "certainty theatrics" can stifle creativity by creating a culture that demands absolute certainty in inherently uncertain situations
  2. Pachinko parlors use uncertainty to create excitement and engagement, showcasing the psychological effect of intermittent reinforcement
  3. Embracing experimentation and uncertainty is vital for personal growth and avoiding becoming static or repetitive in design and in life

System Design - Scale 0 to Millions of Users

Better Engineers • 7 HN points • 31 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Systems Design Databases Scaling
  1. Scaling systems to handle millions of users involves understanding how to make systems work better under pressure. This can be done by adding more resources or managing them effectively.
  2. Vertical scaling means adding more power (like RAM or CPU) to existing servers, while horizontal scaling means adding more servers to share the load. Horizontal scaling is often better for high traffic situations.
  3. Using a master-slave database setup helps balance loads and keeps data safe. If one database fails, another can take over, ensuring the system runs smoothly and reliably.

Design Better Products and Systems with Jugaad Innovation [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 119 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
💼 Business Design Innovation Productivity Leadership Entrepreneurship
  1. Frugality: Jugaad Innovation emphasizes doing more with less and maximizing value with minimal resources. It's about resourcefulness, focusing on essential elements for real value and results.
  2. Flexibility: Being agile and adaptable is crucial in business. Jugaad Innovation highlights the importance of pivoting when needed and seizing new opportunities.
  3. Quick Feedback Iterations: Building systems with tight feedback loops allows for fast iteration and catching flaws early. Constant customer feedback helps reduce the costs related to pivoting.

An Ode to BYD

Kartick’s Blog • 35 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Design Innovation Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics
  1. BYD cars have a really unique and stylish design. They stand out on the road and feel like they are from the future.
  2. Most car companies play it safe with their designs, which can make many cars look very similar. BYD took a chance and created a standout vehicle that works well.
  3. The shift to electric cars often favors new companies like BYD. Established brands struggle to adapt, which gives BYD a chance to grow and attract drivers looking for innovative options.

From Challenges to Opportunities: Insights into the Neurodiverse Experience in UX

UX Psychology • 99 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Neurodiversity UX Design Innovation Career
  1. Neurodiversity refers to a natural variation in how people think, perceive, and learn, and includes conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
  2. Neurodivergent individuals can struggle with employment due to sensory sensitivity, social difficulties, and executive functioning challenges, but with the right support, they can thrive professionally and bring unique value.
  3. In the field of UX, neurodiverse perspectives can offer diverse skills and innovation, but individual assessment and customized support are crucial for success as each person's strengths and challenges vary.

UX Roundup: ElevenLabs Podcast | Usability Guidelines as Figma Plugin | AI Kills Companies | o1 and o1 Pro

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 9 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Design Usability Podcasts Business Models
  1. ElevenLabs has a new podcast feature called GenFM, but it feels less fun to listen to compared to Google's podcast version. While it's informative, it follows more of a Q&A style than a dynamic discussion.
  2. Baymard Institute's new Figma plugin offers usability guidelines for web design, making it easier for designers to access important research while they work. This should help create better websites more efficiently.
  3. AI is significantly disrupting companies like Chegg and Stack Overflow, leading to big drops in their business. As AI technology advances, we can expect more industries to feel its impact and change how they operate.

Striking the Right Balance: Anthropomorphism in AI Assistants

UX Psychology • 119 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI User Experience Design Research
  1. Incorporating anthropomorphic design elements can improve user experience and satisfaction with AI systems. Humanlike voices and natural conversational abilities in chatbots lead to more positive user perceptions and emotional connections.
  2. Not all humanlike cues in AI elicit positive reactions - some may cause unease or revulsion. Factors like the uncanny valley effect and privacy risks need to be considered when designing anthropomorphic AI.
  3. Emotional and auditory anthropomorphic cues like humor and natural-sounding voices can increase user satisfaction and strengthen connections. These cues are more impactful for entertainment purposes than utilitarian tasks with AI assistants.

Oh what a circus

London in Bits • 117 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Music Literature Design
  1. The book 'Piccadilly: The Circus at the Heart of London' by Midge Gillies tells the story of Piccadilly Circus through the eyes of various individuals like flower girls, shop assistants, and celebrities.
  2. The author's interest in social history led to the book's clever structure with themes like entertainment, transport, and advertising interwoven throughout the chronological narrative.
  3. Piccadilly Circus is portrayed as a unique meeting place where people of diverse backgrounds gather, reflecting a history of social change and surprising stories like the Rainbow Corner and the Piccadilly Commandoes.

Launching: Mini Printer Pal!!!

vrk loves paper • 119 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Software Design Development Open Source Education
  1. Mini Printer Pal is a free tool that helps you edit photos for a specific printer, making printing easier for users.
  2. The creator found joy in working solo after many years of team projects, feeling a sense of accomplishment from start to finish.
  3. Looking ahead, the creator is considering new projects, such as building a fortune-telling device or creating a stationery zine with friends.

FontDiscovery 🖼️ 154: New Year, New Name

FontDiscovery • 58 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Typography Design Branding Naming Creativity
  1. Create a naming matrix to help generate brand names based on word structure and types of names.
  2. Ensure to consider legal issues, domain availability, scalability, and cultural sensitivity when naming your brand.
  3. Naming is an important aspect of branding that involves creating an identity and should be done carefully with input from others.

VLSI Japan: It’s Better on the Backside

Mule’s Musings • 263 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Manufacturing Innovation Competition Design
  1. VLSI Japan discussed the revolutionary Backside Power Delivery (BSPDN) technology and its importance in semiconductor design.
  2. BSPDN addresses the IR droop problem in semiconductor design, offering power and performance benefits like decreased IR droop and increased core performance.
  3. Intel's adoption of PowerVia technology positions them ahead of competitors like TSMC, providing potential competitive advantages in process efficiency and cost.

🗓 Your invitation to weekly craftsmanship topics

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 59 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Architecture Design
  1. Weekly craftsmanship topics cover Modern Frontend Engineering Culture and Software Engineering Fundamentals Series. They delve into architecture, design techniques, and XP disciplines.
  2. Upcoming events include discussions on Modern Frontend Development and Object-Oriented Programming systems.
  3. Subscribe to Crafting Tech Teams for a 7-day free trial to access full post archives and continue learning about these topics.

Ensuring pedestrian and cyclist safety

The Third Place • 79 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Safety Education Design
  1. Pedestrian and cyclist safety is crucial at intersections and on roads, requiring better design and clear separation of paths for different users.
  2. Educating drivers on their responsibilities and encouraging alternative transportation can greatly improve road safety and inclusivity for all users.
  3. Implementing tactical urbanism concepts, such as redesigning street layouts and providing amenities, can transform public spaces to be more vibrant, safe, and accessible for everyone.

Issue 02 – Cannabis

Unbox Inbox • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Cannabis Design
  1. The post discusses appreciating cannabis design beyond traditional stereotypes.
  2. The newsletter 'Unbox Inbox' offers packaging inspiration and observations on a weekly basis.
  3. Readers can access a 7-day free trial to explore more content and post archives.

From Error, Virtue

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Creativity Design Music Philosophy
  1. Making mistakes can lead to unexpected and beautiful designs, just like fixing an error in a project can give it a unique charm.
  2. Life is full of mistakes, but some of them help us grow and become better, similar to how the best music often includes 'wrong' notes used creatively.
  3. Many great discoveries in science come from unexpected errors, reminding us that being open to failure can lead to amazing insights and new ideas.

#18: Amtrak's Next Generation Trains Look Awesome

Bureau of Adventure • 3 HN points • 17 Aug 24
🏝 Travel Transportation Design Experience Accessibility
  1. Amtrak is introducing new long-distance trains that enhance the passenger experience. The new designs aim to improve comfort with better sleeping compartments and dining options.
  2. The new trains will have special lounges for first-class passengers. This means they will have a place to relax, get snacks, and enjoy drinks that coach passengers won't have.
  3. Accessibility is a big focus, allowing more people to enjoy train travel. The trains will include features like lifts to upper levels and wider aisles to make it easier for everyone.

Crafting Great Software Products: The Function of Building for Beauty

Nadia’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Design Quality AI Product Development
  1. Craft and beauty in software products have significant business value. Quality design details can enhance user experience and performance.
  2. Meticulous craft and quality work are essential in company culture. Focusing on quality output is crucial for impactful software product development.
  3. Functionality and beauty should be prioritized in software design. Solving root causes and maintaining focus on core features contribute to building high-quality products.

How the Sainsbury's Design Studio Packaged a Nation’s Dreams

Vittles • 297 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. Sainsbury's design studio revolutionized supermarket design post-World War II by introducing self-service and unique packaging.
  2. The design studio's focus on modern, functional, and visually appealing packaging reflected the quality of the products inside.
  3. The shift towards agency-led design in supermarkets has led to a loss of distinct identities in packaging, moving away from the creativity and quality seen in earlier designs.

#105 U-G-L-Y

Design Lobster • 359 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. Ugly design can have a unique appeal and challenge conventional aesthetic norms.
  2. Consider breaking aesthetic rules in design to create something unconventional and eye-catching.
  3. Reusing existing materials creatively can lead to impactful and thought-provoking design solutions.

Uni Watch Blog Digest for the Week Ending Feb. 9, 2024

Uni Watch • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Uniforms Concepts Rankings Recap Design
  1. The Uni Watch Blog covers a wide range of uniform-related content in a weekly digest format, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for uniform enthusiasts.
  2. The blog features diverse content such as concept designs, uniform rankings, updates on jersey releases, and discussions on sports uniforms.
  3. There is a strong community engagement aspect with contributions from various individuals, showcasing different perspectives on uniform-related topics.

Welcome to Big Charts! Behind the scenes with interactive data stories

Big Charts • 79 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Data journalism Design Storytelling
  1. Interactive data storytelling projects involve a complex process involving journalism, design, and coding.
  2. The process of creating interactive data stories often deviates from the initial plan due to the dynamic nature of the work.
  3. Various modes of communication, such as writing, design, and coding, play unique and essential roles in organizing thoughts and shaping storytelling.

#2 - How to make a good text field

A Good Interface • 79 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Design User Interface Video Games Accessibility
  1. A good text field is displayed at the right time - only show it when needed, use alternatives like toggle switches or choice lists when possible.
  2. A good text field has clear label - make labels short, precise, and avoid overusing technical language.
  3. A good text field gives visual feedback - ensure visual cues like hover, active, focus states are properly incorporated to guide users.

Mirage at Apple Park

Tabletops • 78 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Sculpture Architecture Design Visual Arts
  1. Mirage at Apple Park is a public sculpture made of cast-glass pillars from deserts worldwide, creating a stunning visual during the day and a gentle glow at night.
  2. Apple Battersea in London is Apple's 40th store in the UK and is located in a redevelopment area with offices and apartments.
  3. Apple Watch Pride Edition is celebrated in stores with new displays featuring colorful geometric shapes, and Apple Camp offers kids aged 8-12 a chance to design inventions on iPad.

July 2023

Product Composition • 78 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Startup Data Management Design
  1. Decipad is launching its beta version, focusing on making sense of numbers in a dynamic way
  2. AI in the industry should prioritize collapsing data to enhance clarity and facilitate action-taking
  3. The future of jobs is facing a drastic shift, with issues around productivity, social contracts, asymmetrical compensation, and poor job descriptions

#071 ✰ (Re)connecting with objects

Objet • 78 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🎭️ Culture Design Fashion Art
  1. The relationship between humans and shopping objects is broken, aiming to bring back joy and pride in mindful shopping.
  2. Objects can hold soul and meaning, like Rendl's Japanese teacups, representing significant moments in the creator's life.
  3. There is a need to shift towards a circular economy, embracing repair and sustainability in design to combat overconsumption.