design

The 3 Gurus of 90s Web Design: Zeldman, Siegel, Nielsen

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Three 90s web design gurus—David Siegel (hacks), Jakob Nielsen (simplicity), and Jeffrey Zeldman (flair and usability)—offered diverse approaches as Flash and CSS emerged in 1997. Siegel focused on aesthetic “hacks,” Zeldman blended design with web standards, while Nielsen emphasized usability. Their philosophies shaped web design, with Flash gaining popularity for visual creativity despite lacking semantics, leading to a divide between aesthetics and usability. Ultimately, Zeldman’s balanced design approach prevailed, reflecting a legacy that continues in modern web practices.

https://cybercultural.com/p/web-design-1997/

Integrating Localization Into Design Systems — Smashing Magazine

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Designers Rebecca Hemstad and Mark Malek share how they created a localization-ready design system for SAS. They combined Figma Variables and design tokens to manage multilingual design challenges like text overflow and right-to-left (RTL) layouts. Their approach highlights the importance of early localization integration, semantic token organization, and the need for testing with real content. The article outlines their framework, including structured JSON tokens, design considerations for localization, and lessons learned, emphasizing that successful internationalization requires flexibility, collaboration, and ongoing improvements in tools and processes.

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2025/05/integrating-localization-into-design-systems/

The History of Album Art

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Album art evolved from basic packaging for early records in the 1900s into a significant creative expression that enhances the music experience. Initially utilitarian, album covers became key marketing tools, largely due to pioneering designers like Alex Steinweiss who introduced creative and appealing designs in the 1940s. As music technology advanced, so did album art, fostering competition among record labels like Columbia and Blue Note, which further innovated with striking visuals and photography in the 1950s. Designers such as Reid Miles and S. Neil Fujita pushed boundaries, transforming jazz album covers into art that reflected the essence of the music. Over the decades, the scope of album art expanded to include works by renowned artists, highlighting its importance as an integral part of the music industry.

https://matthewstrom.com/writing/album-art/

The Rise of AI-Generated UI Kits: Can AI Replace Designers?

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AI-generated UI kits offer rapid design solutions, transforming complex tasks into quick outputs. While they improve efficiency and accessibility for non-designers, AI lacks the emotional and contextual understanding that human designers provide. Designers can utilize AI as an assistant, focusing on creative strategy and problem-solving instead of routine tasks. Ultimately, AI isn't poised to replace UX designers but to complement their work, enhancing workflows and collaboration.

https://designshack.net/articles/business-articles/ai-generated-ui-kits/

The Designer’s Handbook for Developer Handoff

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Figma's “Designer’s Handbook for Developer Handoff” emphasizes effective collaboration between designers and developers, outlining key strategies for improving the design-to-development handoff. It underscores the importance of early developer involvement, aligning design with implementation strategies, adopting a common language, and preparing design files methodically. The guide encourages teams to leverage existing design systems, understand technical limitations, and enhance accessibility in their designs. Ultimately, the focus is on fostering a collaborative environment that allows for smoother transitions and better product outcomes.

https://www.figma.com/blog/the-designers-handbook-for-developer-handoff/

Elizabeth Goodspeed on Why Graphic Designers Can’t Stop Joking About Hating Their Jobs

Graphic designers are joking about hating their jobs due to burnout and disillusionment, a shift from a previously idealistic perception of design's potential. This irony reflects a wider skepticism in the industry, where many feel their work contributes to profit over meaningful change. While creators often express their frustrations with humor, there's a deeper desire to care about their craft despite feeling constrained by corporate demands. A cultural trend toward sincerity may be emerging as designers seek more authentic engagement with their work and each other. This journey requires both personal reflection and collective action to improve industry conditions.

https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/elizabeth-goodspeed-optimism-vs-pessimism-graphic-design-270325

The Role of UI/UX Design in Cybersecurity: Creating Safe and User-Friendly Digital Experiences

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UI/UX design significantly impacts cybersecurity by guiding users toward safer online behaviors and reducing human errors that lead to breaches. Effective design balances aesthetics and security, helping users navigate secure actions without frustration. Key strategies include implementing strong password systems, multi-factor authentication, clear branding to combat phishing, and secure form designs that minimize data requests. As technology advances, UI/UX will increasingly integrate security measures, focusing on privacy-first principles and seamless user experience to enhance digital safety.

https://cssauthor.com/the-role-of-ui-ux-design-in-cybersecurity/

Symbl

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Symbl offers a collection of free SVG icons, HTML symbols, and design tools for developers and designers to enhance web projects. Key features include one-click downloads, customizable resources, and no sign-up requirements. Users can access various categories like app icons, emojis, and company logos, making it a versatile hub for design assets.

https://symbl.revend.group/

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