The hottest Product Design Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The hard thing about building AI applications

Generating Conversation • 140 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Product Design User Experience
  1. Good AI should figure things out for you before you even ask. It should make your life easier by anticipating what you need without requiring a lot of input.
  2. Trust is key for AI systems. They should be honest about what they don't know and explain their level of confidence. This helps users rely on them more.
  3. AI should take complex information and boil it down to what's important and easy to understand. It should help you find insights quickly without overwhelming you with details.

Earlywood: Making Things Hard/Easy

The American Peasant • 1796 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🪑 Design Product Design Industrial Design Graphic design UI/UX Design Fashion & Design
  1. The balance between making tasks hard or easy can impact productivity. If a task is too hard, people may give up, but if it's too easy, they might lose interest.
  2. Finding the right level of challenge can help improve skills and keep people engaged. It's important to push yourself just enough without overwhelming yourself.
  3. Understanding how to adjust difficulty levels can lead to better learning experiences. When tasks are balanced, it encourages growth and motivation.

The Product Development Triathlon

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1436 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Product Design Innovation Project management User Experience
  1. Product development happens in three main phases: Explore, Expand, and Extract. Each part has its own challenges and ways to tackle them.
  2. You need different skills and tools for each phase. Trying to use expansion tools in exploration will slow you down.
  3. It's important to notice when you're transitioning between phases. Adapting quickly helps keep the project on track.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Attenspiration

12challenges • 171 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Tech Analysis Satire Product Design Digital Culture
  1. Attention will focus on making tech fun and poking fun at it through playful analysis and satire.
  2. The publication will feature interactive mini-sites that combine both tech analysis and humor.
  3. The author is inspired by diverse examples of creativity in tech and media, and welcomes suggestions for additional content.

Tariff Engineering, Explained

SatPost by Trung Phan • 84 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Tariffs International Trade Market Competition E-commerce Product Design
  1. Tariff engineering is when companies change their products slightly to pay less in import taxes. This can involve using different materials or designs that fit into cheaper tariff categories.
  2. Some well-known brands, like Converse and Subaru, have used tariff engineering to give their products lower duty rates. This practice can lead to legal debates but is generally accepted as long as rules are followed.
  3. Recent changes in tariff rules, especially related to low-value imports, can affect companies like SHEIN and Temu significantly, potentially leveling the playing field for U.S. businesses and impacting the prices consumers pay.

Techno-Feudalist Time Theft

The Carousel • 89 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Rights Digital economy Product Design
  1. Many tech products force us to do extra work, making us feel like we're troubleshooting issues that should be the company's responsibility. This is done to cut costs for the companies and shift the burden onto consumers.
  2. Digital products can end up costing more and being more complicated than simpler, traditional options. For example, digital car keys can be expensive to replace and often need frequent reprogramming.
  3. The design of modern tech is often intentional to make us do more work for them, not less. Instead of providing convenience, tech can sometimes complicate our lives and steal our time.

Tech companies are clamoring to re-buttonize their products

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology User Interface Product Design Consumer Electronics User Experience Tech Trends
  1. Tech companies are bringing back physical buttons in their products. After years of relying on touch screens, people are realizing that buttons are often easier and more reliable to use.
  2. Touch screens can crash and are not as user-friendly when you can't look at them, making things difficult in situations like cooking or driving. Buttons allow for more control without having to focus on a screen.
  3. The desire for buttons indicates a shift in how people want to interact with technology. There’s a growing appreciation for the tactile experience and simplicity that buttons provide.

TBM 336: Product OS Design Tips and Principles

The Beautiful Mess • 1414 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Product Design Leadership Organizational Design Human factors
  1. Think of your product operating system like a product itself. It needs to fit everyone's needs and constantly adapt to new challenges.
  2. Senior leaders should take responsibility for the product operating system. Their commitment is crucial to build trust and ensure everyone follows the guidelines.
  3. Start with simple interactions and routines for teams to use regularly. Well-designed rituals help improve communication and decision-making while reducing bureaucracy.

The "Brilliant" Idea that Saved The Economy and Killed The Future

OK Doomer • 111 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Marketing Innovation Product Design Corporate strategy
  1. A group of light bulb companies created a plan to make bulbs that burnt out faster, so people would buy more. This was done under the false idea that they were improving efficiency.
  2. In the 1990s, a company launched a cheaper printer but actually just made minor changes instead of improving the product. They found clever ways to cut costs without giving customers a better deal.
  3. These examples show how businesses can prioritize profit over quality, tricking consumers into spending more money without a real benefit.

Elegant Solutions

David Friedman’s Substack • 404 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🪑 Design Product Design Industrial Design User Experience Graphic design Systems Design
  1. Using both words and numbers when writing a check helps reduce mistakes, making it much harder to misread the amount. It's a clever way to prevent errors and fraud.
  2. The design of everyday items, like rubber spatulas and manhole covers, often has simple solutions to practical problems. These designs make them more useful in various situations.
  3. When faced with a decision or a problem, looking for the simplest and most practical solution is key. Sometimes, the best way to find a solution is to observe how things are naturally done.

Ergotron's MacTilt

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Product Design Innovation History
  1. Ergotron is known for creating ergonomic solutions. They design products to help people work comfortably and reduce strain.
  2. The MacTilt stand helps improve computer use by adjusting the screen for better view and reducing glare. This leads to less fatigue and more comfort during prolonged computer work.
  3. The company's focus on ergonomics has been backed by studies showing that a well-designed workstation can boost productivity. Users of products like MacTilt have reported feeling more energized and productive.

#8 Compact Design

Mountain Labs Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 24
🪑 Design Product Design User Experience Sustainability Materials Prototyping
  1. Compact design can be very complex, as it needs to use every bit of space wisely. Creating a small air quality monitor involved three design revisions and a lot of thought.
  2. The design process involves trial and error. Each version of the product had its own challenges, whether it was durability, assembly, or size balance.
  3. Choosing materials is important for the final product. Different types of wood can affect how the product looks and feels, and the design might need tweaks for the manufacturing process.

TBM 338: 4 Core Product OS Design Competencies

The Beautiful Mess • 647 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Operations Leadership Product Design Systems Thinking Domain Knowledge
  1. Good leadership is key for a product team's success. Leaders need to support and influence their teams effectively, helping them navigate challenges without adding to their stress.
  2. Having the right experience matters. People should understand the product work deeply, as it helps them make better decisions and recognize what needs to be automated or done manually.
  3. Being skilled in operations and systems thinking is important. This means knowing how to manage workflows, map needs, and ensure that the right tools are in place for an efficient process.

Make YouTube Better.

Elizabeth Laraki • 199 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Product Design Tech Innovation Software Development Digital Media
  1. User experience research can be simple and effective. Instead of fancy tools, talking to users directly can lead to big insights.
  2. Removing unnecessary features is crucial. Complex products can confuse users, so it's often better to simplify than to add more.
  3. Observing real user behavior offers valuable lessons. Understanding how people interact with a product can guide meaningful improvements.

Security by design is hard

Frankly Speaking • 355 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Product Design Software Development Startups Tech Trends
  1. Security by design is a good idea but hard to implement. Most companies prioritize speed over security, treating security as an afterthought.
  2. Many existing cybersecurity solutions focus on adding security measures after a product is built instead of integrating it from the start.
  3. Tools like Pangea help address security issues early in product development, making it easier for developers to implement security as they build.

A Fancy Phone Box to Help You Unplug

The Analog Family • 599 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🪑 Design Product Design User Experience Sustainability Visual communication
  1. Design can influence our habits, like a fancy phone box that encourages us to put our phones away. When our devices are out of sight, we're less likely to think about them.
  2. Unplugging rituals can help us manage our phone use better. Simple actions, like hiding our phone or designating phone-free times, can promote healthier habits.
  3. Adults also need support in reducing screen time since there's no one to set limits for them. Creating structures or sharing the unplugging experience with others can make it easier to focus on the moment.

Chatbots are dead, long live chatbots!

Generating Conversation • 70 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Chatbots User Experience Product Design Innovation
  1. Chat interfaces are still useful even if there are bad chatbots out there. A good chat interface helps users feel more comfortable and connected with AI.
  2. Building trust is super important when using AI. A chat interface can show users strong, reliable responses, which helps them trust the technology more.
  3. Chat can do more than just question-and-answer tasks. It can be improved by allowing more natural conversations and gathering useful data to make AI better.

5 Sony VAIO Designs That Changed the Look of Personal Computers

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Product Design Innovation Consumer Electronics
  1. Sony's VAIO line was important for making personal computers stylish and innovative. They focused on both design and performance in their products.
  2. Some VAIO models, like the PCG-505 and PCG-U1, set new standards for portability and compactness in laptops. They showed that computers could be both small and powerful.
  3. VAIO's unique designs, such as the PCV-MX1V7 and VGC-LA70B, blended multimedia features with attractive looks. This made them stand out in homes and changed how people viewed desktop computers.

How One UX Researcher Ignited Sweeping Changes to YouTube

Elizabeth Laraki • 419 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Data Analysis Product Design Digital Media Research Methods
  1. Kerry Rodden, a UX researcher, helped YouTube understand how users navigated the site. By deeply analyzing user data, they found out what people really wanted from YouTube.
  2. One big surprise was that most YouTube sessions didn't start on the homepage. Instead, many users went directly to watch videos they found elsewhere on the internet.
  3. Kerry created clear visualizations of user data that showed how people moved through YouTube. This helped the company improve its homepage and focus on personalizing content for users.

3 Products That Influenced Me

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Product Design Innovation Software Development User Experience Tech industry
  1. The iPhone changed how we think about technology. It shows that controlling both hardware and software can lead to incredible innovation.
  2. Tesla focuses on making things simple and helps users learn through experiences. This approach makes the product easier to use and reduces complexity.
  3. Amazon Web Services made it quick and easy to start an online business. It built a strong foundation by allowing teams to create interconnected services, speeding up product development.

Briefing: Tinder for Slack, GPTs, X’s 2024 roadmap

Department of Product • 943 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Product Design Software Development Tech industry Artificial Intelligence
  1. Slack's new Catch Up feature works like Tinder for messages, making it easier to catch up on missed messages.
  2. OpenAI launched a GPT store with tools like DesignerGPT and AI PDF, offering add-ons for ChatGPT.
  3. Perplexity is a new 'answer engine' competing with Google, providing direct answers and generative AI capabilities.

Rebuilding Google Maps

Elizabeth Laraki • 659 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Product Design Web Development Interface Design Software Engineering
  1. Google Maps had to change a lot because it was getting too complicated with too many features. The team decided to redesign it so users could find what they needed easily.
  2. The redesign focused on making the map easier to use by creating one main search box instead of many tabs for different tasks. This helped simplify the user experience.
  3. It's important for products to keep evolving. By regularly checking how users interact with the product and making improvements, it can grow and stay relevant.

The other chair

Product Identity • 118 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🪑 Design Furniture Aesthetics Product Design
  1. The HÅG Capisco chair is unique and has a very different design compared to typical office chairs. It encourages users to change their sitting posture often for better comfort.
  2. This chair, although on the pricier side around $1,000, stands out for its aesthetics and quality. It's not just a piece of furniture but also an art piece that can spark conversations.
  3. Designed with inspiration from horse saddles, the Capisco challenges how we think about office chairs by promoting movement and discouraging sitting still for too long.

AI is a funny coworker

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Product Design User Experience Automation
  1. AI tools can be very intelligent and quick, but they also sometimes make things up and can be frustrating to work with.
  2. These AI coworkers are always available and eager to help, but they struggle with remembering context and prefer to start over rather than make small changes.
  3. Improving interaction with AI is important, and with better design and usability, they can become more effective and user-friendly in the workplace.

Why brand comes first

The Sociology of Business • 657 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Brand Management Organizational Design Marketing Retail Product Design
  1. Short-term thinking in brand-building focuses on quick sales, leading to discount-dependency, while long-term prioritizes full-funnel strategy and brand desirability.
  2. Brand strategy goes beyond marketing, involving product design, retail, and cultural influence for modern retail success.
  3. Brand management emphasizes organizational cooperation, cultural awareness, and coordination across departments to renew brand perception and maintain relevance.

🚗 Uber One: Information Hierarchy

First 1000 • 805 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
💼 Business Product Design
  1. Uber recently tested two designs for their subscription page, and design A performed better than design B.
  2. Information hierarchy is crucial on a page; our eyes move from the most important information to lesser details when making decisions.
  3. Design differences in information hierarchy can impact user engagement and decision-making.

What’s the future of AI hardware?

Product Identity • 138 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🕹 Technology AI hardware Product Design Tech Trends Gadgets Consumer Electronics Innovation
  1. AI hardware is still finding its identity and purpose. It's not yet clear how AI will truly enhance our devices.
  2. New gadgets often create high expectations but can lead to disappointment. Companies may hype products that aren't fully developed.
  3. Innovation in hardware often combines old ideas with new technology. It might be better to improve existing devices than to create entirely new ones.

#141 Very superstitious

Design Lobster • 619 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🪑 Design Visual Design Product Design User Experience Industrial Design Graphic design
  1. Designers are superstitious about alignment because it signals care and attention to detail in the design process.
  2. Small design choices, like the shape of an iron fish, can have a big impact on user behavior and address practical issues, like iron deficiency.
  3. Designing for human beings is not a formula - the most effective designs often emerge from understanding human behavior, even if it seems irrational.

Sawdust and aluminum shavings

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🪑 Design Product Design Interior design Design Philosophy Creative Process
  1. Thinking about tradeoffs helps us deal with uncertainty better. It's like understanding that we have to choose between different options when faced with unknowns.
  2. Clarifying tradeoffs allows us to adapt more easily. When we know what we're giving up or gaining, we can make better choices in changing situations.
  3. Expressing tradeoffs can lead to better shared goals. It helps everyone understand what matters most, leading to more effective teamwork.

The Over-Engineering Trap

Tech Ramblings • 39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Engineering Practices Cost management Product Design Systems Architecture
  1. Simplicity and maintainability are more important than performance and complexity in software design. Focus on creating code that's easy for others to understand and work with.
  2. Avoid over-complicated platforms like microservices, especially if your application doesn't need them. Start with basic tools and scale only when necessary.
  3. Your goal as a software engineer should be to deliver a product that customers can use easily. Keeping things simple helps with maintenance and helps new team members get up to speed faster.

Simplify your product design — borrow familiar patterns

amivora • 9 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Product Design User Experience Software Development Interface Design Tech Innovation
  1. Making product design simple helps users feel comfortable and familiar, just like using everyday items. This means users can start using your product without needing to learn it first.
  2. Using familiar patterns in your design, like placing buttons where users expect them, makes the product easier to navigate. This creates a predictable experience, so users know what to do without guessing.
  3. Borrowing well-known interfaces can help new technologies become popular quickly. When users see something they already understand, they’re more likely to try it out without feeling overwhelmed.

How We Made a UVC Disinfection Chamber

OK Doomer • 12 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Health tech Product Design Public Health
  1. UVC light can effectively disinfect items like groceries, helping to reduce the risk of virus transmission. It's especially useful for dealing with viruses that can survive on surfaces for a long time.
  2. Building a UVC disinfection chamber can be practical and cost-effective for personal use. It allows people to safely handle essential food items without too much hassle.
  3. Research supports the idea that UVC light can destroy viruses quickly, making it a reliable method for maintaining hygiene in everyday items.

Startup Profile: Happy Patina

Startup Strategies • 57 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Product Design Branding Market Trends
  1. Oscar Arenas started a slipper brand to continue a family tradition. His grandfather made similar slippers since 1981, showing how family history can inspire new businesses.
  2. Happy Patina focuses on products that change over time. This idea can appeal to customers who appreciate items that evolve and tell a story.
  3. Switching from an IT career to launching a product can lead to success. It shows the value of following your passion, even if it means a big change.

Google TPU V6 Designs are Probably in China

AI Research & Strategy • 237 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Espionage Cybersecurity Product Design Intellectual Property
  1. A Google engineer was arrested for leaking important AI designs, which could have serious effects on the company's competitive edge. It's alarming that such sensitive information can be accessed so easily.
  2. Once Google discovered the employee's suspicious activity, they didn't act quickly enough. Instead of launching a serious investigation, they let him continue working for a bit, which gave him a chance to escape.
  3. This situation raises concerns about how other companies might handle security. If a major firm like Google has weaknesses, it makes you wonder about the safety of information in smaller firms and universities.

Niche product design

Product Identity • 257 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🪑 Design Product Design Graphic design UI/UX
  1. Niche product design is becoming more popular as people seek unique and authentic designs that stand out from the mainstream. Designers are finding inspiration in smaller, lesser-known projects rather than big tech companies.
  2. As companies grow and aim for larger audiences, they often lose their originality and creativity. Instead of focusing on growth, some businesses are exploring their identities and making products that connect with specific communities.
  3. The internet still offers a lot of space for new and exciting designs. By looking beyond the usual sources, designers can find innovative ideas and embrace a new wave of creativity.

What we don't talk about when we talk about quality...

The faintest idea • 319 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🪑 Design User Experience Visual Design Product Design Software Quality Branding
  1. Quality really matters in software because it makes products more valuable and worth paying for. Just like with clothes or furniture, better quality provides a better experience.
  2. Software isn't always compared just by quality since functionality plays a big role too. It's important to fix the small details that make a big difference for users.
  3. People will feel the difference in quality when using software, even if it doesn't show up in simple success metrics. That feeling can influence their choices and how much they are willing to pay.

Doing less: a personal essay

Design Lobster • 818 implied HN points • 16 Jan 23
🪑 Design Architecture Product Design Digital Design Constraints Simplicity
  1. Designers should strive to 'do less' to avoid overwhelm and prioritize what truly matters in their work.
  2. Constraints in design are essential, as they lead to simplicity and help designers convey their message effectively.
  3. In a world of technological advancements, the concept of 'less' in design becomes more relevant, urging designers to deliver more with minimal elements.