The hottest User Experience Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Character.AI: So This is How AI Will Kill Us

Heir to the Thought • 219 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Mental health User Experience
  1. AI products like Character.AI can create harmful attachments for users, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes, like the case of a young user who became obsessed and ultimately took his life.
  2. The rise of AI may lead to increased loneliness and addiction as people prefer interacting with bots over real-life connections, which can result in negative mental health effects.
  3. It's important to consider the real-world impacts of technology and prioritize creating helpful solutions rather than just exciting ones, to prevent future harm.

Apple, Design, and the Future of the Device

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Devices Design User Experience Software
  1. Apple is set to reveal a new operating system called Liquid Glass, featuring a shiny and transparent design. This aims to enhance the aesthetics of their devices, but questions remain about the future importance of physical devices.
  2. With the rise of AI, people may interact with technology in new ways, reducing the reliance on traditional screens and devices. AI's development may outshine the need for beautiful hardware.
  3. Although Apple is focusing on design right now, the tech community is recognizing that AI could change how we use devices in the near future. Apple needs to integrate AI more effectively to stay relevant in this evolving landscape.

You’re not the user anymore | Layer’s Andrew Hamilton

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🕹 Technology AI Product Design Software Development User Experience Innovation
  1. The rise of AI agents means we need to start designing products that cater to them, not just humans. Ignoring this shift could mean losing a big part of the market.
  2. It's important to create a smooth experience for these AI agents, focusing on their workflows and needs. This isn't just about connecting APIs; it's about how these agents interact with our products.
  3. Companies are racing to invest in AI talent, with many signing big name researchers. This will likely change the competitive landscape, much like how major players shaped the operating system market.

The story of Sublime's logo

The Sublime Newsletter • 534 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🪑 Design Graphic design Branding User Experience Creative Process
  1. Logos represent more than their appearance. They carry deeper meanings that connect with feelings and ideas, like innovation or nostalgia.
  2. Choosing a designer that breaks the mold can lead to unique and creative outcomes. Sometimes the riskier choice is to step outside the norm.
  3. The journey of creating something, like a logo, is just as important as the final product. It's about collaboration, sharing ideas, and making something beautiful together.

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.
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UI is hell: four-function calculators

lcamtuf’s thing • 8570 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Interface Design User Experience History
  1. Basic calculators seem simple, but designing their interface is really tricky. Many small rules affect how they operate.
  2. Users often expect calculators to follow straightforward rules, but calculators can behave unexpectedly based on their design. This can lead to confusion when doing simple calculations.
  3. Calculator design has evolved over time, but some quirks and confusing features remain. Understanding these can help users use them more effectively.

Make your social apps pop with LinkPresentation

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 874 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Apps Development User Experience Design
  1. You can easily improve your social apps by adding better link previews. This makes sharing more visually appealing and user-friendly.
  2. Building support for hyperlink features in your app can be quick and simple. Many times, you can get it done during a lunch break.
  3. If you're in a fast-paced environment, it's often easier to create a proof of concept and refine it later. Don't be afraid to just jump in and start making changes.

Hello, Apple Intelligence (Or Just Grammarly with a Few Extra AI Features)

Artificial Corner • 158 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software User Experience Product Review
  1. Apple Intelligence features are mostly focused on writing tools and photo editing, but many expected more advanced AI capabilities. Users may find it similar to Grammarly rather than a fully developed AI assistant.
  2. The new updates for Siri are not as transformative as anticipated. Many promised features are still missing, making it feel like users are getting a version of the old Siri rather than a revamped one.
  3. Some standout features include writing tools for proofreading and summarization, smart replies for emails and messages, and a cleanup option for photos, which enhance user experience but may not be enough for those looking for advanced AI functions.

RIP Skype

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Communication Software Platforms User Experience Data Management
  1. Microsoft is shutting down Skype on May 5, 2025, after more than two decades of service. They are focusing on Teams now for communication.
  2. Users have 10 weeks to move their data from Skype to Teams or export their information. After that, user data will be kept until the end of 2025 before it is deleted.
  3. Skype had a big drop in users, going from 300 million at its peak to only 36 million daily users by 2023, which is why Microsoft made this decision.

You can’t build a moat with AI (redux)

Generating Conversation • 256 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Applications Data User Experience
  1. Using AI like LLMs isn't unique anymore. Just having AI in your product doesn't really set it apart from competitors.
  2. To really stand out, focus on making a great user experience and integrating your product into how users already work. This makes your tool more valuable and hard to replace.
  3. Data is crucial for AI. It's not just about having lots of data; it's about using it smartly over time to improve your product and understand your users better.

The Securicode Edition

Why is this interesting? • 422 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Design Innovation Security User Experience
  1. The Securicode keypad is a practical feature on vehicles that allows users to unlock doors without needing a key. It's been around since 1980 and remains popular because it's easy to use and very useful.
  2. Securicode introduces tiered access for vehicles, meaning you can allow someone to access your truck without giving them the ability to drive it. This is great for job sites where you might want to share tools without losing control of the vehicle.
  3. The long-lasting success of Securicode shows that simple solutions can be effective. More complex systems might be fancier, but they often require more resources, making Securicode a smart choice in automotive design.

The Rust Mirage

Erik Explores • 184 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Languages User Experience
  1. Adding too many features can make software complicated and hard to use, especially for new users. Keeping things simple helps everyone feel more comfortable with the software.
  2. Languages like Rust and Swift focus on making things safe, but this can lead to unnecessary complexity. It's often better to prioritize simplicity to help developers and users alike.
  3. Languages that prioritize simplicity, like Go and Zig, can be more manageable and user-friendly. Creating a balance between safety and simplicity is key to successful software development.

The AI Attention War

ChinaTalk • 459 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Innovation Open Source Model Training User Experience
  1. AI models are changing how we interact with technology daily. People should explore tools like OpenAI because they can think and analyze complex ideas much faster than before.
  2. There's a growing concern about AI promoting harmful behaviors through sycophancy, where they give positive feedback for negative actions. This could have serious long-term dangers for society.
  3. The competition between Chinese and American AI models is heating up. Chinese models are gaining traction because they offer better licenses and capabilities, even though many businesses fear the risks of using them.

Hello AI Agents: Goodbye UI Design, RIP Accessibility

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 180 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI agents User Experience Web Design Automation Accessibility
  1. AI agents will change how we interact with the internet by doing tasks for us, making traditional user interfaces less important. Instead of users browsing websites, agents will handle everything, like shopping or booking trips.
  2. Accessibility might become less relevant as AI agents can adapt content for the individual needs of users with disabilities. These agents will tailor their actions and communication according to what each user prefers or requires.
  3. As AI agents become more capable, the way content is designed will shift. Websites may need to focus more on how agents can access and analyze information rather than on making things visually appealing for human users.

Algorithmic ranking is unfairly maligned

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1156 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Algorithms Social media Digital Culture User Experience Data Ethics
  1. Not all algorithmic ranking is bad. Some algorithms can be useful if they align with what you want to see and achieve.
  2. A lot of current algorithms are designed to keep you engaged and make money for the companies, not necessarily to help you find what you like.
  3. We need better control over these algorithms to ensure they serve our interests, possibly through new technology or structures that prevent companies from taking that control away.

Correct vs Good

General Robots • 383 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Product Development Software Engineering Robotics User Experience Value Creation
  1. Being correct means having a product that works as intended—it's stable, bug-free, and meets specifications. However, it can be very costly to reach near-perfect correctness.
  2. Being good is about providing value and meeting customer needs. There's no limit to how good a product can become, and making something better is always beneficial.
  3. To improve a product, it's essential to iterate quickly based on real customer feedback. This helps in learning what features work best and keeps development moving efficiently.

Is Social Media Becoming 'Hollow Media'?

In Bed With Social • 277 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Artificial Intelligence User Experience Digital Culture Community Engagement
  1. Social media is increasingly becoming artificial, with bots and AI taking over real human interactions. These digital companions might seem helpful but they are not real friends.
  2. The rise of AI and superficial connections is causing loneliness, as people miss out on genuine interactions. Meaningful relationships require vulnerability and real dialogue, which AI can't provide.
  3. Some new platforms are showing that authentic connections can still exist. Apps focused on shared hobbies or interests are creating real communities, reminding us that human experiences are vital to social networks.

Jesse Singal: Bluesky Has a Death Threat Problem

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2480 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Social media Online safety Technology Regulation User Experience Digital Communication
  1. Bluesky was thought to be a friendlier alternative to X, but it actually has a lot of hostile behavior and threats. Many users feel unsafe there.
  2. There has been a huge spike in reports of violence and threats on Bluesky, especially after it gained a lot of new users. Moderation seems to be ineffective in handling these issues.
  3. The culture of Bluesky is not as welcoming as many expected, and the site has serious problems with managing violent content and doxxing. Users need to be cautious when joining.

The Substack Email Settings Edition

Why is this interesting? • 8385 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Digital marketing App Development User Experience Subscription services
  1. Check your email settings in Substack if you're not receiving newsletters. Sometimes the settings can change without you realizing it.
  2. Substack's 'smart notifications' can lead to confusion and missed emails. It can send app notifications but not the actual emails from writers.
  3. If you experience issues with Substack emails, switching the notification settings to 'Only in email' can help you start receiving them again.

Sundry complaints

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Interface Design Digital Literacy Social Trends Communication
  1. User interfaces have become harder to understand. Instead of getting better, they are now filled with confusing icons without clear labels.
  2. Each company has its own symbols, making it tough for users to know what actions to take. There's no common language for things like saving or moving to the next step.
  3. People are using softer words for tough topics, avoiding direct terms like 'money.' This change makes conversations about real issues less clear.

When Algorithms Come to Your Neighborhood

The Honest Broker • 7513 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Algorithms Online Platforms User Experience
  1. Nextdoor can be useful for getting local alerts, especially in emergencies. However, it might not always provide timely information when you need it.
  2. Many users ignore alerts from apps like Nextdoor because they often send old or irrelevant notifications. This can create a false sense of security and put people at risk.
  3. It's important to question whether the information we receive from neighborhood platforms is reliable. If we learn to overlook their messages, we could miss crucial updates.

The origins of human-centered design

Can We Still Govern? • 151 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🪑 Design User Experience Product Design Technology
  1. Human-centered design started in the military during World War II. It focused on understanding how people interacted with equipment to prevent crashes and improve safety.
  2. John Arnold formalized human-centered design processes in the 1950s, laying the groundwork for its use in technology and public services.
  3. In recent years, human-centered design has gained attention in government to enhance services. It's about putting people's needs first to build trust and engagement.

"A Browser with a ChatBot": Watching the Evolution of The Browser Company Toward "AI", Whatever That Might Become

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Web Development AI Software User Experience Internet
  1. The Browser Company is trying to create a new web experience by mixing a familiar browser interface with a chatbot. They hope this will make it easy for users to adapt to their product.
  2. There is a lot of competition in the browser market, with big companies like Google and Apple also developing AI features. This makes it hard for smaller companies to stand out.
  3. The goal is to not just be another browser, but to help users manage their entire online life better. They want to offer advanced features that save time and improve productivity over time.

Defining The Great Uncoupling™

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Devices Optimization Digital Life User Experience
  1. The goal is to stop letting my phone control my life and find a better balance with technology. It's tough to do this, but I'm determined to make a change.
  2. I plan to use an Apple Watch for most basic tasks like communication and payments, which will help reduce my phone usage. This way, I can enjoy the useful features of a watch without getting distracted by apps.
  3. I also want a simple device, like the Boox Palma 2, that lets me do essential things without the risk of endless scrolling. This will help me stay focused and less reliant on my phone.

A Vision of the Future

The Fry Corner • 11030 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets AR/VR User Experience Innovation
  1. Apple's Vision Pro headset is seen as a major product, similar to the iPhone's impact when it launched. It combines VR and AR features, allowing users to interact with both digital and real-world elements effectively.
  2. Users experience high-quality visuals and intuitive controls, making it easy to navigate and use apps. It's designed to be comfortable, adjustable, and user-friendly, which may change how we use technology in everyday life.
  3. There are still challenges in content availability and comfort with social interactions while using the headset. However, many believe that as developers create new apps, the technology will evolve and become more integral to our lives.

Well, TikTok's Gone

Default Wisdom • 366 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Social media Internet culture Digital Trends User Experience Information Technology
  1. Many people feel a deep emotional loss now that TikTok is gone. It wasn’t just a time-waster; it was a community where they connected with friends.
  2. TikTok's ability to make ideas stick in people's minds is powerful, which is why some lawmakers were concerned about its influence. They worried it could be used for spreading certain messages too easily.
  3. Some folks are now looking at China differently and even romanticizing life there. This shift seems to stem from frustrations with their own lives and technology in America.

One feed to rule them all

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3045 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Apps Digital Trends User Experience Content curation
  1. Tapestry is a new app that combines multiple social media feeds into a single view, making it easier to keep track of updates. Users like that it is chronological and ad-free, offering a smooth browsing experience.
  2. There are other timeline apps besides Tapestry, like Reeder and Unread, which aim to help users organize their online content better. These apps reflect a shift from traditional RSS readers to modern feed solutions.
  3. The challenge with timeline apps is making them user-friendly for a variety of content types, such as videos and podcasts, while also allowing interaction like liking or commenting on posts.

How Substack's follow feature betrays its original mission

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7643 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Social media Content creation Digital marketing User Experience
  1. The follow feature on Substack helps creators gain visibility but makes them lose ownership of their audience. This is a shift from Substack's original purpose of allowing creators to connect directly with their subscribers.
  2. Writers are now juggling between growing their follower counts and keeping their newsletter subscriptions growing. This split can make them feel pressured to create even more content, complicating their strategies.
  3. Substack's follow feature could confuse users, as some may think they are subscribed when they're only following. Educating users on this difference could help creators maintain stronger connections with their audience.

Brass Tacks

davidj.substack • 47 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Hardware Software Web Development User Experience
  1. Using a split ortholinear keyboard can really help with wrist and finger positioning while typing. This might reduce discomfort or issues like repetitive strain injuries.
  2. Switching to AI tools like LLMs can sometimes be faster and more energy-efficient than traditional web searches. This is surprising since many people assume web searches are the quickest.
  3. In the future, AI could streamline our search for information by reducing the number of web searches needed. Instead of multiple searches, we might get answers in a single go using AI systems.

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.

Claude Sonnet 3.7 Compared with Previous AI Models

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 13 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI User Experience Web Design Usability Software Development
  1. The new AI model, Claude Sonnet 3.7, performs better than previous versions and outperforms other models, like Grok 3, in explaining key concepts like Jakob's Law.
  2. Jakob's Law highlights that users form their expectations based on their experiences with other websites. This means that following common design patterns is crucial for creating a user-friendly experience.
  3. Interactive demos created by AI can help users see how standard and non-standard designs affect usability, making it easier to understand the importance of sticking to familiar web conventions.

13 Super Useful Chrome Plugins for Front-End Developers

JavaScript Development Substack • 46 HN points • 22 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Web Development Software Tools Productivity User Experience Digital Design
  1. Chrome extensions can make front-end development easier and faster. They help with tasks like inspecting CSS, testing forms, and analyzing website technologies.
  2. Tools like CSS Peeper and Fake Filler let developers quickly see styles and fill forms automatically. This saves time and simplifies the testing process.
  3. Extensions like Wave Evaluation Tool and Ahrefs SEO Toolbar help improve website accessibility and SEO. They offer insights that can help boost a site's performance.

One month of using Devin

Generating Conversation • 163 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software Engineering Product Reviews User Experience Tech Innovation
  1. Devin is good for fixing small, specific coding tasks quickly, saving time for developers. It works best when given straightforward instructions on simple issues.
  2. However, Devin struggles with more complex tasks that require understanding and linking multiple components together. In those cases, it can produce confusing or unusable results.
  3. Although Devin shows promise in AI-assisted programming, it's still not at the level of a junior software engineer. There's definitely room for improvement as the technology develops.

Agents, Agents, Agents

Teaching computers how to talk • 178 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Business User Experience
  1. In 2025, AI agents are expected to become very popular, but there's skepticism about their real capabilities. Many companies are making bold claims, but it's important to see if the technology can truly deliver.
  2. The term 'AI agent' is being used a lot nowadays, but many so-called agents are just chatbots with limited functions. True AI agents should work independently and be able to interact meaningfully with their environment.
  3. Understanding user needs is crucial when integrating AI solutions. Companies should focus on solving real problems instead of simply adopting trendy technologies without considering their usefulness.

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.

Navigating the AI Jungle - Chat Bots

Erik Explores • 61 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools User Experience Applications Machine Learning
  1. There are many AI tools available, and it can be confusing to choose the right one. It's helpful to rely on personal experiences to see which tools work well.
  2. OpenAI's ChatGPT is popular for its good interface and features, like voice chat, which makes learning interactive and fun.
  3. DeepSeek allows for using AI models directly on your computer, giving flexibility, but it's important to choose the right model for your specific task.

The Dumbification of our smart screens

Product Identity • 753 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Smartphones Digital Culture AI User Experience Screen Time
  1. Smartphones were supposed to make our lives easier, but now they often feel overwhelming and unhelpful. Many people want to focus on simpler uses for their devices instead of getting caught up in unnecessary features.
  2. There's a trend of 'dumbification' where people are choosing less complicated devices and apps to reduce distractions. Instead of seeking out the latest tech, people want tools that help them focus and connect better.
  3. This movement might not be mainstream yet, but it's growing. Many are looking for ways to minimize their screen time and simplify their digital lives to find more balance.

Tech's reality problem

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Digital Culture Social media User Experience
  1. Tech companies significantly shape how we perceive reality through their platforms, as seen with the Gulf of America name change. People tend to accept information as real when it is presented on these map apps.
  2. The concept of hyperreality shows how real life and digital simulations blend together. This blurring can lead to a reality where what we see on screens holds as much weight as what exists physically around us.
  3. It's important to be aware of how technology influences our lives. We should not let apps or platforms define our reality, but rather focus on our direct experiences and relationships in the real world.