The hottest Design Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

#118 (Un)certainty

Design Lobster • 359 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  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 Design
  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.

Pylons

The Commonplace • 809 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Pylons have left a significant mark on the modern world and landscape.
  2. The countryside before pylons represented a timelessness and deep continuity that has been altered by progress.
  3. There is a complexity in the impact of technological advancements, with every step forward carrying consequences.

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

Technology Made Simple • 119 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
💼 Business Design
  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.

be my (tired, aging) valentine?

Both Are True • 484 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Design
  1. Consider creating unique, age-appropriate gifts for the over-30 crowd during holidays like Valentine's Day.
  2. Traditional candies and gestures may not be as fitting for individuals in long-term relationships or older demographics.
  3. Personalizing gifts and celebrations based on age and life stage can make occasions more special and meaningful.
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AI as Sparkly Magic

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 627 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Technology can feel like magic when it is not fully understood
  2. The trend of using sparkly icons in tech products to represent AI is becoming more common
  3. AI, especially large language models like GPT-4, is seen as the ultimate incomprehensible technology

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

UX Psychology • 99 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Design
  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.

What Hotelier Ari Heckman thinks about building brand worlds IRL

the case for brand 💼 • 137 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💼 Business Design
  1. Ari Heckman focuses on creating unique brand worlds for his hotel projects, blending art and commerce. This approach helps make each hotel feel special and connected to the local culture.
  2. He emphasizes the importance of being involved in both the creative and operational sides of business. Balancing creative ideas with sound business practices can lead to better results.
  3. The idea of evolving beyond just being a hotel brand is key for Ash. They want to be seen as a lifestyle brand, offering more than just lodging, like products and experiences that connect with their brand story.

Striking the Right Balance: Anthropomorphism in AI Assistants

UX Psychology • 119 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Design
  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 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.

Signal Integrity fundamentals

Only Wonder Knows • 117 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Design
  1. High speed digital design is not black magic, but engineering magic.
  2. In high speed designs, the generator sees only the cable, not the load, to determine current.
  3. Proper termination with load impedance equal to cable characteristic impedance prevents signal reflection.

Concept design in three easy steps

Subconscious • 711 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology Design
  1. View software design as shaping functionality, understand what it should do first before how it does it or how it looks.
  2. Break down app functionalities into modular concepts, each with its own behavior and actions, combine existing concepts creatively.
  3. Design concepts to function independently, sync actions to ensure smooth interaction, focus on how concepts fit together to improve usability.

Launching: Mini Printer Pal!!!

vrk loves paper • 119 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Design
  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.

An Inventor's Quest for the NHL Pt. 36

An Engineering Self-Study • 611 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
💼 Business Design
  1. The inventor faced challenges in finding the right design direction for their product.
  2. They learned the importance of load paths to distribute force and reduce stress on welds.
  3. The inventor made adjustments to their design and construction process towards achieving a functional prototype by a set deadline.

To Boldly Go Down The Hall

Wild Information • 98 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. Corridors in architecture are often an afterthought, especially in structures with many rooms.
  2. Corridors play a significant role in popular science fiction, such as in Star Trek, representing travel and exploration.
  3. Robert Irwin's innovative art and approach to light mirror the creativity and attention to detail seen in the set design of Star Trek.

Apple IIe and IIc Design Manager Peter Quinn Interviewed by BYTE's Gregg Williams

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Peter Quinn was involved in the design of Apple IIe from the beginning, starting with a plan to enhance the keyboard and provide 80 columns, which led to the idea of expanding the memory to 128K.
  2. The development of Apple IIc was intertwined with the IIe project. The decision to create a more focused product led to the IIc design, which included built-in peripherals like a mouse port and two serial ports.
  3. Design challenges for the compact Apple IIc included managing heat and radiation effectively, with unique solutions like intricate venting schemes and careful layout of components to meet corporate specifications.

FontDiscovery 🖼️ 154: New Year, New Name

FontDiscovery • 58 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  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.

The Items of Interest Edition

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. There are some new products worth checking out lately. It's nice to see fresh ideas and designs coming into the market.
  2. This edition feels lighter compared to previous ones, offering a break from heavier topics.
  3. Subscribing can give you more insights and access to past posts, plus a free trial allows you to explore before committing.

Coming soon

Identity, Authenticity, and Security • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. This newsletter focuses on modern system design, especially around identity and security.
  2. It's suited for anyone wanting to learn, whether you're a beginner or looking to grow in your career.
  3. The goal is to provide useful resources to help you understand and improve your knowledge in these areas.

Asking the hard questions

My Home Office Hacks • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. The goal is to make My HOH a noticeably better read in the very near future, ideally by the next issue.
  2. The piece poses a few final questions to prompt feedback and sharpen what should change next.
  3. The mood is a blue Monday vibe, giving the conversation a reflective, slightly downbeat tone.

Apple Bondi

Tabletops • 98 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. Apple Bondi was the first Apple Store with indoor trees.
  2. The opening of Apple Bondi was hectic and finished just in time for the original iPad launch in Australia.
  3. Apple Bondi features a unique atrium with indoor trees, which influenced future store designs.

🗓 Your invitation to weekly craftsmanship topics

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 59 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🕹 Technology 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 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.

Perspective Engines

the shimmering void • 139 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Video games can be more than just entertainment; they offer new ways to think and perceive the world. Playing them can lead to deeper understanding and focus.
  2. Creativity can be developed through experiences that push us to see things differently. It’s about learning and translating new perspectives into our lives.
  3. Software and design can help us understand our thoughts better. By creating spaces that encourage exploration, we can gain new insights and expand our thinking.

Creativity & Advertising won’t save itself — and it won’t be saved at Cannes.

The Social Juice • 58 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Creativity in advertising needs continuous attention and effort; it won't fix itself.
  2. The Cannes Lions event showcases many campaigns, but the competition is intense, especially with agencies clashing over new technologies like AI.
  3. Staying updated on industry trends is crucial, as every piece of information matters in the fast-paced world of marketing.

Inside the utopian cities of Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power

The Novelleist • 629 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. Designing for utopian worlds involves incorporating greenery and water to create a sense of life and comfort.
  2. Political structures can impact the ability to create utopian cities, as seen in contrasting examples like Saudi Arabia and the democratic process in Santa Monica.
  3. Technology can enhance our future, but it's essential to ensure it sustains human connection and values, like community and empathy.

Issue 02 – Cannabis

Unbox Inbox • 79 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture 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 Design
  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 Design
  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.

kitten corner: sartorial science

bad cattitude • 141 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Design
  1. Dressing nicely can help you feel good and fit in at events. It’s like dressing for the party you want to attend.
  2. Sometimes, it’s fun to dress up pets, like cats, in cute outfits. It can make their personalities shine even more.
  3. Fashion can be playful and creative, especially around holidays. A festive outfit can bring joy to both the wearer and those around them.

Crafting Great Software Products: The Function of Building for Beauty

Nadia’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🕹 Technology Design
  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.

UX Roundup: Designers in Denial | 3 Levels of Corporate AI Use | AI Improves Medical Diagnosis | AI Math | Ideogram Character Consistency | Bad Study Methodology

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 40 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Many UX designers are not adapting to AI advancements, which is important for their roles. Designers need to embrace new technologies instead of resisting them to stay relevant.
  2. Companies will evolve into AI-native organizations, making teams more efficient. This shift will change job paths, emphasizing skills over traditional career ladders.
  3. As AI takes over many design tasks, human skills like agency and strategic thinking become essential. Designers must adapt to focus on guiding AI effectively instead of just executing technical tasks.

TT Chapter: Fat-Tailed Distributions

Software Design: Tidy First? • 154 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Fat-tailed distributions show that extreme events can happen more often than we expect. This is important for planning in various fields.
  2. When designing software, it's good to focus on creating simple models first. This can help make complex concepts easier to understand.
  3. Being an empirical designer means you rely on real-world data and observations to guide your design decisions. This approach can lead to better results.

Engineering Crits at Figma: Interview with Laura Peng

High Growth Engineer • 307 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Consider the level of detail in crits based on the feedback needed for effective decision-making.
  2. Structure crit meetings with clear expectations, silent reviewing periods, and follow-up synchronous discussions.
  3. Approach feedback in crits by giving and receiving early, focusing on empowering team confidence, and maintaining a positive, collaborative culture.

#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 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.