The hottest User Interface Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Secret SwiftUI: A practical use of _VariadicView

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2842 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming App Development User Interface Innovation
  1. The \\_VariadicView feature in SwiftUI helps create custom components like flexible tab bars and lists. It's useful for developers wanting more control over their UI elements.
  2. Finding real-world examples for \\_VariadicView can be tough, but it can significantly help in building complex UIs like chat applications.
  3. A specific application of \\_VariadicView is creating a reusable 'ChatList' component that manages scroll inversion, making it easier to handle messaging apps.

New Classic Updates are LIVE!

The Lunacian • 368 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Software Updates User Interface Development
  1. New game updates are here for Axie Classic, just in time for Season 8, with a lot of changes to explore before the regular season starts.
  2. There are two new quest modes: Starter Mode for beginners to earn rewards without needing Axies, and Guardian Mode for experienced players with tougher challenges and better rewards.
  3. Tower Mode has expanded with more levels, allowing players to earn stars and rewards as they progress, plus gear can now be equipped and upgraded to enhance gameplay.

Intentions & Actions

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1082 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Design User Interface Machine Learning Programming User Experience
  1. People often come to computers with intentions, like wanting to watch a show or add a stop to a trip. But the actions needed to achieve those intentions can be confusing and hard to remember.
  2. When the computer does what we want easily, we feel amazed and grateful. But this happens less often because of complicated menus and actions we have to figure out.
  3. Kids find it easier to use technology because they learn quickly from their friends and practice a lot. They navigate digital worlds more smoothly, while others often struggle with the basics.

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.

Ronin Waypoint is LIVE on App.axie!

The Lunacian • 138 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Blockchain Gaming Cryptocurrency Wallets User Interface
  1. Ronin Waypoint is integrated into App.axie, making it easier to switch between wallets. You can manage your assets without visiting other sites.
  2. There are no gas fees for up to 10,000 transactions daily when using Ronin Waypoint on App.axie. This helps save money while trading.
  3. A new UI card shows the status of your axies, including evolution and offering details. It makes tracking your axies much simpler.
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Flows Are So Back

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Data Development Software User Interface
  1. Graphs help show complicated data in a simple way. By using nodes and edges, you can easily see how everything connects.
  2. No-code tools let anyone, even those without programming skills, create complex workflows. This makes development quicker and more accessible for everyone.
  3. There's a growing need for tools that can organize and connect different AI flows. This would help everything work better together and solve problems more effectively.

Driving and Dragging Loops

the shimmering void • 116 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🪑 Design Experience User Interface Interaction Game design Teaching
  1. Good design is all about drawing people in. If users don't want to engage with your work, it doesn't matter how good it looks.
  2. The early experience matters a lot. If users struggle at the beginning, they might give up, so make sure to guide them through the initial steps smoothly.
  3. Creating an engaging experience is like making music. It's about balancing challenges with rewards, helping users feel a natural flow as they progress.

chainEDGE 3.0 Is Live

Onchain Wizard's Cauldron • 137 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Data Analysis Cryptocurrency Web Development User Interface Trading
  1. The chainEDGE 3.0 update brings significant improvements for users, including enhanced UI and filtering options.
  2. The new version features tools like auto-filtering of low liquidity tokens and detailed insights into smart money swaps.
  3. chainEDGE 3.0 offers optimized token and wallet pages, along with a Portfolio God dashboard for sorting and filtering smart money holdings.

Moving From Natural Language Understanding To Mobile UI Understanding

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning User Interface Natural Language
  1. Natural Language Understanding (NLU) helps machines grasp and respond to human language, making sense of unstructured conversations.
  2. The shift to Mobile UI Understanding means we are now focused on understanding what's on mobile screens instead of just conversations.
  3. The Ferret-UI model enables devices to interact with users in a more meaningful way, allowing for richer and more context-aware conversations.

HILL: Solving for LLM Hallucination & Slop

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 39 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🕹 Technology AI User Interface NLP Machine Learning Software Development
  1. HILL helps users see when large language models (LLMs) give wrong or misleading answers. It shows which parts of the response might be incorrect.
  2. The system includes different scores that rate the accuracy, credibility, and potential bias of the information. This helps users decide how much to trust the responses.
  3. Feedback from users helped shape HILL's features, making it easier for people to question LLM replies without feeling confused.

Improve Conversational UIs Using Social Intelligence

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 59 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Natural Language User Interface Machine Learning Data science
  1. Social intelligence is important for conversational AIs to feel more human-like. It helps them understand emotions and social cues better.
  2. A good conversational UI needs to consider cognitive, situational, and behavioral intelligence. This means the AI should know what you mean, the context of your words, and how to interact appropriately.
  3. Using more data and different types of information beyond just words can help improve how AIs communicate. This could include things like images and gestures to understand conversations better.

The Promise of The Browser (Company)

alohomora • 176 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Browsers Web Technologies Brand Marketing User Interface Product Strategy
  1. The Browser Company focuses on creating a user-friendly browser experience for all types of users, not just technical individuals.
  2. The Browser Company aims to revolutionize browsing by creating an 'internet computer' experience that provides seamless access to online content across devices.
  3. The Browser Company is strategically positioning itself to challenge browser market incumbents by leveraging branding, network economies, and switching costs.

HCF EP 005: Cursor based pagination

Hasen Judi • 35 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Web Development Data Storage Programming User Interface
  1. Cursor-based pagination lets you skip to the next set of results easily. It's better for large lists because it doesn't waste time reading and ignoring lots of entries.
  2. This method is more stable, as it remembers where you left off even if there are changes to the list. It's like using a bookmark to continue reading later.
  3. However, it has some downsides, like not being able to jump to a specific page directly, which might be less convenient for users wanting to skip ahead quickly.

#91

The Nibble • 4 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Cryptocurrency Software User Interface Web Development Home Automation
  1. Apple is working on a video doorbell with Face ID, which is a new direction for the company that mostly makes money from AirPods and iPhones. This could change how people think about home security.
  2. In the AI world, several new tools and models are being released, like Goodfire's Ember, which helps shape AI responses. This shows the rapid growth and innovation happening in artificial intelligence.
  3. There is a rising interest in decentralization within the Ethereum community, but concerns are growing about groups forming that may stray from its core values. This raises important questions about the future of the community.

Accessibility Has Failed: Try Generative UI = Individualized UX

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 89 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Accessibility AI User Interface UX Design
  1. Traditional accessibility methods have not significantly improved computer usability for disabled users, prompting the need for a new approach like Generative UI for tailored user experiences.
  2. Accessibility has faced challenges due to high costs and ultimately creating a subpar user experience, especially for blind users with auditory interfaces.
  3. Supporting older and low-literacy users has been more successful with current methods, highlighting the importance of considering their needs alongside generative UI for wider user inclusivity.

Toasts and Theming

Pine • 19 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🕹 Technology User Interface Product Design Software Development User Experience
  1. Pine now gives you fun little toast messages when you keep a daily streak or reach card milestones. This helps give positive encouragement while you work.
  2. You can now customize the appearance of each deck with different themes and styles. This makes it visually unique and easier to switch between decks.
  3. Many improvements have been made to the user experience to make using Pine more enjoyable overall. This should enhance how you create and review your cards.

#2 - How to make a good text field

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

#114 Sunshine design ☀️

Design Lobster • 239 implied HN points • 25 Jul 22
🪑 Design Architecture User Interface
  1. Anisotropic design describes virtual objects with appearances that change based on viewing angles, potentially revolutionizing user interfaces.
  2. In architecture, utilizing features like rotating roof-light covers can transform everyday actions like adjusting light into magical experiences.
  3. Great design, like well-placed sunlight on a building, has the power to enhance and reveal beauty in the environment, much like other forms of art.

2023 annual review of "A Good Interface"!

A Good Interface • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🪑 Design User Interface Video Games Newsletter Game design
  1. The writer quit their job, sold belongings, and traveled to create a game and explore, turning this journey into newsletter content.
  2. In 2023, the writer focused on sharing insights on UI/UX design for video games, posting consistently on Substack.
  3. For 2024, the writer plans to continue sharing design insights and personal project updates while aiming for reader interaction and feedback.

How I Developed the 10 Usability Heuristics

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 75 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🕹 Technology UX Research Usability User Interface Design
  1. Jakob Nielsen's 10 usability heuristics were developed through factor analysis to explain a database of usability problems, with the final list chosen for its explanatory power.
  2. The initial heuristics in 1989 were based on opinion and teaching needs, while the refined 1994 list was derived through systematic research and factor analysis.
  3. The 10 heuristics have remained relevant for 30 years due to their grounding in fundamental mismatches between humans and machines, and their broad, general applicability across different user interfaces.

How to design better destructive action modals

UX Psychology • 79 implied HN points • 01 Nov 21
🪑 Design UI/UX User Interface
  1. Error prevention is crucial in user interface design to enhance usability and prevent user mistakes.
  2. Using confirmation dialogs before destructive actions can help users understand consequences and avoid errors.
  3. Improving destructive action modals involves clear microcopy, visual cues for destructive buttons, and allowing users to undo actions or confirm through text input.

Understanding, explaining and simplicity

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 31 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Design User Interface Code Understanding
  1. Explaining something to someone else helps you see how well you really understand it. If you can break it down clearly, then you know it well.
  2. Simplicity is important in design and communication. To simplify, you need to break things down to their basic parts and only keep what is essential.
  3. Before adding more to a design or an idea, try taking things away first. This helps in understanding the core of the problem and making things simpler.

Prompt Chaining

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 19 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI Programming Chatbots User Interface Data Transformation
  1. Visual Programming tools are being used to connect prompts in applications, making it easier to create conversational interfaces.
  2. Chaining prompts involves transforming and organizing data from responses to ensure better output and decision-making in AI applications.
  3. Good design of these tools includes making it easy to build, edit, and debug chains while also allowing users to interact flexibly with the AI.

Episode 37: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Hardware Software Engineering User Interface Development
  1. Choosing the wrong hardware, like an outdated HMI terminal, can lead to costly delays and complications in projects. It's important to think carefully before making these choices.
  2. Sticking with old software can create big problems. It can require more workarounds and ultimately slow down production, affecting overall business performance.
  3. Investing a bit more money upfront in quality hardware and software can save a lot of time and money in the long run. Planning ahead leads to easier work later.

Dark mode is here

trydeepwork • 2 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software User Interface Design Features Innovation
  1. Dark mode is a new feature that many users will appreciate. It changes the screen to a darker theme that can be easier on the eyes.
  2. The design of dark mode is said to be beautiful and visually appealing. Users are encouraged to check it out themselves.
  3. If users encounter any issues or odd experiences while using the new feature, they are invited to provide feedback to improve the service.

"Single panes of glass" are horrible

Counting Stuff • 21 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Data Analysis User Interface Project management
  1. Single panes of glass in technology often promise magic but fail to deliver in a meaningful way
  2. The concept of 'single panes of glass' in tech is fundamentally flawed because it doesn't mirror the efficiency and specialization seen in physical interfaces like those in transportation
  3. Project requests for 'single panes of glass' tend to lead to complex, unsustainable solutions that are difficult to manage and maintain over time

Episode 26: Burkhard on Qt Embedded Systems

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Embedded Systems Software Development User Interface
  1. Investors are worried that the difference in value between Qt LGPLv3 and Qt Commercial is too small. They think that not enough extra value is offered to make customers want to pay for the Commercial version.
  2. The new simplified Qt Commercial licensing still may not attract more customers. Many companies are likely to stick with Qt LGPLv3 or even revert back because they see no compelling reason to upgrade.
  3. Companies prefer fixed pricing for licenses rather than fees based on the number of developers or devices. This straightforward approach could help Qt increase profits and appeal to more customers.

Review: Freewrite Alpha

Freddie deBoer • 2 HN points • 07 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets User Interface
  1. The Freewrite Alpha is a writing-only device with a focus on simplicity, typing experience, and lack of distractions. It caters to those who struggle with digital distractions.
  2. The build quality of the Alpha is great, with premium materials and sturdy construction. Its lightweight and portability make it easy to carry around.
  3. The device's unreasonably long battery life, instant power button function, and reliable WiFi syncing are standout features. However, the small screen size and some odd UI choices might be drawbacks for potential users.

Making software user-extendable

How Software "Sells Itself" • 2 HN points • 18 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Software Development User Interface Debugging Serverless Computing
  1. Enterprise software often lacks user-extendability, leading to workarounds or completely custom tools.
  2. Having a user-friendly code editor can simplify adding custom functionality to software.
  3. Modern technologies like Monaco and serverless platforms make it feasible to achieve user-extendability and advanced debugging features.

Is front-end dead?

31 Seconds • 1 implied HN point • 28 Mar 23
🕹 Technology AI APIs User Interface
  1. Front-end development may be replaced by AI models in the future.
  2. LLMs could potentially take over front-end interfaces and simplify interaction.
  3. Companies might need to adapt by presenting APIs to users' AI agents.