Design: Weekly Summary (July 07-13, 2025)

The Transparent World of Apple's Liquid Glass

So, let's dive into this week's design chatter, starting with the buzz around Apple's Liquid Glass. Nick Heer and Matt Birchler have been all over this topic, dissecting the changes in the iOS 26 betas. It's like watching a painter tweak their masterpiece, except this canvas is digital and ever-evolving. Nick's got this knack for drawing parallels between now and the past, comparing the Liquid Glass updates to the old Mac OS X's Aqua interface. It's like he's saying, "Hey, remember when transparency was the new black?" But there's a twist—he's questioning if Apple jumped the gun with a not-so-perfect release. It's a bit like serving a half-baked pie at a dinner party, hoping your guests won't notice.

Matt, on the other hand, is all about the nitty-gritty. He's noticed a drop in opacity, especially in light mode, and he's speculating about a third appearance. It's like he's got a magnifying glass on the UI, spotting differences that most of us would miss. If you're into the details, his observations are a treasure trove.

Star Trek's Design Evolution

Switching gears, Bernd Schneider takes us on a nostalgic trip with Star Trek: The Next Generation. He's diving deep into the design elements of episodes like "The Measure of a Man." It's like he's got a backstage pass to the Star Trek universe, pointing out the evolution of props and sets. You know, it's fascinating how something as simple as poker chips can tell a story about design choices. Bernd's reflections make you appreciate the craftsmanship behind the scenes, and if you're a Trekkie, his insights are a must-read.

The Web Design Time Machine

Now, let's talk about web design before CSS. John Lampard takes us back to the days of HTML tables. It's like he's dusting off an old photo album, reminiscing about the control tables gave designers, even if they weren't the prettiest. He paints a picture of the tedious process of creating complex table structures, a bit like assembling a jigsaw puzzle without the box image. It's a reminder of how far web design has come, and if you're curious about the evolution of web interfaces, John's reflections are a goldmine.

The Secret Sony iPhone

Then there's this intriguing piece by ObsoleteSony about a secret Sony iPhone prototype. It's like uncovering a hidden chapter in a book you thought you knew. The story involves Sony designers Yujin Morisawa and Takashi Ashida, whose design philosophy influenced Apple's team. Imagine an iPhone with smooth lines and a jog wheel—sounds like a gadget from an alternate universe, right? This prototype never saw the light of day, but it resurfaced during a patent dispute with Samsung. It's a fascinating "what if" scenario that makes you wonder about the paths not taken in design history.

Newsletters and Design Musings

Marc Thiele shares his love for newsletters in a world where social media feels like a crowded bazaar. He's got a list of favorites like 'The Index' and 'Creative Output,' each with its unique flavor. It's like having a curated playlist for your inbox, offering a break from the noise. If you're looking for some fresh reads, Marc's recommendations might just hit the spot.

The Legacy of Mac's Settings

Stephen Hackett takes us on a journey through the history of Mac's settings. He's celebrating 'Settings Day,' which sounds like a holiday for tech enthusiasts. Stephen's got a soft spot for the 1984 Mac control panel designed by Susan Kare. It's like he's flipping through a design scrapbook, appreciating the evolution of Mac's control panels. If you're a fan of Apple's design history, Stephen's reflections are a delightful read.

Leadership Changes at Apple

Michael J. Tsai brings us news about Jeff Williams retiring as Apple's COO. It's a big shift, with Sabih Khan stepping in and the design team reporting directly to Tim Cook. Michael's got his finger on the pulse, discussing the implications for Apple's design leadership. It's like watching a game of chess, where every move could change the future of Apple's design direction. If you're curious about the inner workings of Apple, Michael's insights are worth exploring.

Text-First Design in Artemis

James' Coffee Blog is all about improving user experience with a text-first presentation feature for Artemis. It's like he's crafting a new reading experience, prioritizing text for easier skimming. James shares his design thoughts and limitations, emphasizing the importance of progressive enhancement. If you're into user interface design, his musings offer a fresh perspective.

Art vs. Design

Not So Common Thoughts dives into the age-old debate of art versus design. It's like a philosophical discussion over coffee, pondering the purpose of each discipline. The author argues that while art can exist for its own sake, design must serve an external purpose. It's a thought-provoking read that challenges you to consider the impact of both art and design in our lives.

GraphQL Schema Design

Petar Ivanov shares his expertise on designing GraphQL schemas. It's like he's offering a masterclass in API design, emphasizing minimalism and clear naming conventions. Petar's insights are grounded in personal experience, making them relatable and practical. If you're a developer or just curious about the technical side of design, his article is a valuable resource.

Creative Reflections and Shaker Design

Finally, Scott Boms and Christopher Schwarz offer reflections on creativity and design. Scott's post is a medley of topics, from quirky films to typography updates. It's like a creative buffet, offering something for everyone. Meanwhile, Christopher explores the influence of Shaker design on modern furniture. His observations on the Vitra Design Museum exhibit are like a guided tour, highlighting the craftsmanship and utility of Shaker pieces. If you're interested in design history, Christopher's reflections are a must-read.

And there you have it—a whirlwind tour of this week's design discussions. Each post offers a unique perspective, inviting you to explore the world of design through different lenses. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a design aficionado, or just curious, there's something here for everyone. Happy reading!