The hottest User Experience Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

UX Roundup: UX in the Street | AI Video | Infinite Scroll | Simplicity vs. Features | Logo as Coin | AI Blooper | Midjourney Animation

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 32 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Infinite scrolling can create problems for users by making it hard for them to find what they need. It's often better to use pagination or a 'load more' button to give users more control.
  2. Adding too many features to a product can confuse users and make it harder for them to complete tasks. It's important to focus on simplicity and clarity in design.
  3. AI tools for video creation are improving, but they often still need better integration and usability. Users will have a better experience if they can create videos easily without complex prompts.

Be a centaur

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Technology is changing fast, and it's important to keep learning and adapting. It's easy to think things have settled down, but we're still on an upward curve.
  2. As AI models improve, they will be more useful in specific areas. It's crucial to understand how to use these models effectively to stay competitive.
  3. To stay relevant, we need to focus on asking the right questions instead of just knowing the answers. Learning how to work with AI tools can give you an edge.

Chatbots are dead, long live chatbots!

Generating Conversation • 70 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  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.

Finding a better perceptual metric than FPS

Philip’s Newsletter • 24 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Jitter is more important than average FPS in 3D environments because it affects the realism and immersion of the experience. If frames are delayed, it can surprise the brain and break the illusion of movement.
  2. The average FPS can vary greatly due to different hardware and complex user-created content. This makes it hard to rely solely on FPS as a measure of performance.
  3. New metrics like Normalized Jitter and Normalized Frametime Variation are being tested to better reflect user experience. These metrics consider the timing of frames and how noticeable the delays are.

Navigating the AI Jungle - Chat Bots

Erik Explores • 61 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  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.
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Sunday Letter - let's leave the typewriter behind

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Documents have changed a lot, but they still feel stuck in the past, like from the typewriter days. We need to rethink how we create and interact with documents to make them more useful and dynamic.
  2. AI can help us create smarter, more interactive documents that understand our needs. Instead of just being static text, documents could be live conversations that adapt to what we want.
  3. It's time to move beyond old ideas of fixed applications. We should expect software to understand us better and respond to our needs in a more flexible way, just like we would have a conversation.

Defining The Great Uncoupling™

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🕹 Technology 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.

#6 Twitter: What's My *Name* Again?

Product Identity • 19 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Twitter, now called X, is facing an identity crisis after Elon Musk's takeover. Users feel confused about the platform's direction and branding changes.
  2. Despite its challenges, Twitter remains a unique place for short-form content and discussions. Its text-first approach has fostered a special community culture.
  3. The introduction of long-form tweets has changed Twitter's essence, moving it away from its original character limit that defined its identity. This could impact the way users engage with content.

For Personalized AI, How Agreeable Is Too Agreeable?

techandsocialcohesion • 19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Users must decide if they want their personal AI assistants to be agreeable or expose them to diverse perspectives.
  2. Being surrounded by agreeable AI assistants could lead to a filter bubble, isolating users from different viewpoints.
  3. Businesses, governments, and users all play a role in balancing agreeableness and exposure to diverse ideas in personal AI assistants.

The end of scaling laws doesn't matter

Generating Conversation • 70 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Even if LLMs stop improving, we can still create a lot of value by using the current technology better. Building more applications and spreading them widely is key.
  2. The main reasons companies resist using AI tools aren't usually about the technology itself. Instead, it's often about not having enough good applications or worrying about job losses.
  3. Improving the user experience of AI applications is very important. Products that make it easy and seamless for users to engage with AI are much more likely to succeed.

What Makes a Great Quality Engineer?

QUALITY BOSS • 39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Great quality engineers need a quality mindset. This means they care about making sure the product is useful and works well for customers, not just ticking off boxes.
  2. Some key traits of top QEs are curiosity, adaptability, and persistence. These qualities help them understand the product better and keep pushing until they get to the bottom of any issues.
  3. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are also important. This ensures they can share findings clearly and work well with other teams to improve the product.

Intent and Iteration are the new Click and Drag

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Understanding intent is more powerful than following a strict process. It's like asking for milk instead of giving detailed steps on how to walk to the kitchen.
  2. We need to iterate when designing user experiences as language and meaning can change over time. It's like adjusting your conversation when something doesn’t make sense.
  3. Future software will focus on talking to computers in more natural ways, using various methods like voice, images, and gestures instead of just clicking buttons. This makes interactions more flexible and user-friendly.

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

Dev Interrupted • 23 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  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.

Lumiterra’s Closed Beta Test starts NEXT WEEK!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 73 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Lumiterra's Closed Beta Test starts on November 11th and will last around three weeks. Players can check their access eligibility based on previous participation and certain criteria.
  2. New features include equipment enhancement options, six dungeon difficulty levels, and a team-based PvP event called Escort Slime. These updates aim to offer more ways to earn rewards and enjoy the game.
  3. The onboarding process for new players has improved, with NPCs guiding them through game basics and advanced tasks. This makes it easier for beginners to dive into the world of Lumiterra.

The Great Uncoupling™

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Many people feel too attached to their phones. It can be helpful to step back and rethink how we use these devices.
  2. Being overly reliant on smartphones can lead to issues like digital addiction. Finding ways to create space from our phones can improve our well-being.
  3. Exploring simpler devices and reducing phone usage is a good strategy. It helps to regain focus and brings balance back into our lives.

The value of iteration

Sunday Letters • 159 implied HN points • 17 Jul 22
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Software development has changed from a strict step-by-step approach to a more flexible, iterative process. This means developers now focus on making small, incremental improvements based on user feedback.
  2. Many current applications still operate like the old method with rigid tasks. They don't allow users to interact freely, making the experience less enjoyable.
  3. Emerging technologies, like large language models, have the potential to make software more adaptable. This could lead to personalized experiences that evolve based on individual user needs.

Quality Engineering Basics: Debugging

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Debugging is like being a detective; you need to find clues to solve the problem in the software. Understanding how or when a bug happens can help get it fixed faster.
  2. A good bug report includes details like when the bug occurs and what steps to reproduce it. The more information you provide, the easier it is for developers to understand and fix the issue.
  3. Trying different methods and tools can help uncover more about the bug. For example, using different browsers or versions of software can help pinpoint what's causing the problem.

AR and the (Possible) Return of Skeuomorphism

Thoughts • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Skeuomorphism was a popular UI design concept that mimicked physical objects, making interfaces user-friendly for those new to technology.
  2. Affordances in digital interfaces, as seen in skeuomorphism, help users interact intuitively, like how door handles suggest pushing or rotating.
  3. With AR/XR devices gaining popularity, there's potential for a comeback of skeuomorphism in a more functional form, bridging virtual and physical worlds.

UX Roundup: Field Observation of Sticky Notes | Performative Privacy | Response Time Delays | Jakob Fireside Session | Content Supremacy

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 23 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Users struggle with bad designs when they need to write sticky notes to remember how to use a system. This shows that the design is confusing or hard to use.
  2. Many privacy features on websites only look good and don't actually protect users. They often annoy users while providing little real help, which can damage trust.
  3. Long loading times and delays frustrate users. It's important to make systems faster and to give clear updates during wait times to keep users engaged.

UX Roundup: UX Leaders Need Profits | In-depth AI | Emotional Avatar Animation | Construction Time | User Needs

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 5 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. UX leaders should focus on delivering value and driving profits, rather than just trying to get close to CEOs. It's important to prove you can make a positive impact on the business.
  2. New AI tools like 'Deep Review' are designed to analyze and improve academic papers in depth, showing that more investment in AI can lead to better results in research quality.
  3. User engagement with AI products, like ChatGPT, is growing fast. People are increasingly relying on these tools over traditional methods, signaling a big shift in user preferences.

Avoid "Basket Case" Data Products Through Iteration

The Data Score • 39 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. In both music and data product development, iterate continuously to refine and improve the final outcome
  2. Feedback is crucial in the iterative process - share, adapt, and repeat until achieving product/market fit
  3. The final product should not be the minimum viable product; be willing to discard prototypes and embrace scalability for long-term success

#6 - What's the right size?

A Good Interface • 39 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Size your buttons correctly: Follow guidelines like 10mm x 10mm for mobile games and 44px / 48px for non-touch screens for optimal user interaction.
  2. Text matters too: Ensure text size is at least 16px for readability and paragraphs have 50-75 characters per line. Line spacing should be at least 1.5 times the font size.
  3. Provide user options: Let players customize their experience, like font size, to cater to diverse preferences and enhance accessibility.

Why Android Owners Switch to iPhone

CIRP - Apple Report • 39 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Android owners switch to iPhone for reasons like better features and user experience.
  2. Some Android owners switch to iPhone due to specific problems with their previous Android phone.
  3. Cost and the desire to use iMessage and FaceTime with family and friends are also reasons for Android owners to switch to iPhone.

Speed vs the Appearance of Speed

The Serverless Mindset • 39 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Focus on giving users a sense of progress to hide unoptimized areas of your system
  2. Strive to achieve the Appearance of Speed in user experience rather than focusing solely on actual speed
  3. Show something to the user quickly and update the page with data to enhance the feeling of progress in the application

Microsoft Sentinel Content Hub Changes

Rod’s Blog • 39 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. The default view in the Microsoft Sentinel Content Hub has changed to List Mode, which allows users to select multiple solutions for installation at once.
  2. The step-through wizard for installing solutions in the Content Hub has been replaced with simple options: Install and View Results.
  3. Investing in Microsoft Sentinel means having the most current version of the product available without downtime, showing continuous improvement in the platform.

Rethinking The Software Development Life Cycle

Beekey’s Substack • 2 HN points • 31 Jul 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. The traditional waterfall model of software development rarely works well. Projects often go over budget, and the software can end up being unusable.
  2. Agile development was created to improve this, but many teams still stick to outdated processes and struggle with meeting user needs.
  3. Involving users early by writing code during requirements gathering can lead to better feedback and faster development, making sure the software created is valuable.

How to optimize your free trial

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 236 implied HN points • 10 May 23
💼 Business User Experience
  1. Collaborate with experts to conduct a thorough audit of your product-led growth strategy.
  2. Implement best practices at each stage of the free trial experience such as creating a compelling sign-up page and a goal-oriented onboarding checklist.
  3. Utilize personalized templates, value-add empty states, and contextual guidance to enhance user experience and increase conversion rates.

How to Sell Products and Retain Customers

Sarah's Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 12 Apr 22
💼 Business User Experience
  1. Understand your audience and solve their real problems to attract and retain customers.
  2. Provide a smooth onboarding experience to help users transition from inefficient processes to using your product.
  3. Customers who find your product valuable will be forgiving of small bugs, but focus on seamless integration within their ecosystem.

Understanding LLM User Experience & Expectation

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Most users engage with LLMs weekly and mainly use them for tasks like getting information and solving problems. It's a popular tool that people find helpful.
  2. Users expect LLMs to perform well in creative tasks too, but many are not satisfied with the results they get in this area. There’s room for better performance here.
  3. Understanding what users want from LLMs is key. This includes recognizing their different needs, like trust and capability in the tools, so improvements can be better targeted.

Tech Outages: Ep 1: Canva First Strike!

The ZenMode • 42 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Canva experienced a major outage caused by a version update that didn't go as planned. This led to slow loading times and a surge of failed requests, frustrating many users.
  2. A hidden bug within the system contributed to the outage, showing how important it is to monitor and test software carefully. Fixing such bugs can prevent future disruptions.
  3. After the incident, Canva focused on learning from the experience. They improved their system and promised to be more transparent about issues to better serve their users.

Deep Research: First Impressions

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 40 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. AI tools like OpenAI's Deep Research can make research tasks much faster and easier. This lets users get valuable insights quickly, which is great for decision making.
  2. Having AI ask follow-up questions before starting research helps users clarify their needs. This means the final output is more likely to match what they were actually looking for.
  3. Investing in AI tools for design teams can save money and improve work efficiency. It's cheaper than hiring extra help and helps teams stay updated with the best technology.

I don’t know anyone using InVision Studio, and that’s too bad

Better After a Nap • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. An MVP needs to offer a key differentiator or a promise of one soon to make an impact in a competitive market.
  2. Meet the specific needs of your core user base swiftly and effectively to stay ahead of the competition.
  3. Maintain a laser focus on your core business, listen to user feedback, and avoid overhyping your product to build trust and loyalty.

Passkeys, Phishing-Resistant MFA, and the Passwordless Revolution

Identity Revive • 38 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Passkeys use a public-private key system for logging in. This makes them safer than passwords because the private key never leaves your device, reducing the risk of hacking.
  2. Passkeys can sync across devices or stay on one device, offering flexibility for users. This means you can log in from different devices easily without needing to remember passwords.
  3. Major companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft support passkeys, making them easy to use on different platforms. This helps create a passwordless future that's more secure and user-friendly.

UX Roundup: AI Music | Humans Impolite to AI | Subscriptions vs. Social Media | AI vs. Search

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 5 implied HN points • 10 Nov 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. People are usually more polite and clear when talking to humans compared to AI. This shows that AI chatbots need to learn from how we communicate with them.
  2. Subscribing to newsletters is better than relying on social media for good content. Often, the best work doesn't get enough attention on social platforms.
  3. AI answers are becoming more popular than traditional search engines. Many people prefer getting information directly from AI instead of clicking on links.

AI Stigma: Why Some Users Resist AI’s Help

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 36 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology User Experience
  1. Many people are still skeptical about using AI, even when it often performs better than humans. They might rate AI-generated work poorly because they don't trust it.
  2. Collaboration between humans and AI can succeed when they complement each other's strengths. For example, AI can handle data quickly while humans provide deeper understanding.
  3. User attitudes toward AI are influenced by emotions and past experiences. If people have anxiety or distrust toward AI, they might avoid using it or not use it effectively.