The new App Directory architecture has been the main character of the recent Next.js release, which keeps bringing up many questions. In this article, Atila Fassina explores the advantages and pitfalls of this new strategy and reflects on whether you should use it in production now or not. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/02/understanding-app-directory-architecture-next-js/
Do you need a little inspiration boost? Well, then our new batch of desktop wallpapers is for you. Designed by artists and designers from across the globe, they come in versions with and without a calendar for February 2023. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/desktop-wallpaper-calendars-february-2023/
Throughout a customer journey (particularly in B2B), there will be interactions that are primarily between two people rather than a human and an interface. In this article, Paul Boag explains why you cannot improve the user experience without considering the entirety of the UX journey. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/b2b-sales-understand-role-ux-designers-better/
Developers often feel discouraged from editing SVG markup and experimenting with SVG animations, thinking it’s a significant time investment or they need to use a complex animation library to do so. In this article, Adrian showcases his favorite tricks, which make the process streamlined and fun. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/svg-customization-animation-practical-guide/
In this article, Rachel walks you through various ways that product teams can utilize to build relationships with customers. She will share some tips and tricks from her experience that have helped her nurture customer relationships and build better products. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/build-strong-customer-relationships-user-research/
Managing our colors can truly help people to access our content. In this article, Brecht de Ruyte takes a deep dive into how we can create a high-contrast system while maintaining a balance between designing something accessible and respecting the look and feel of a brand. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/creating-high-contrast-design-system-css-custom-properties/
According to recent data from Maze’s Continuous Research Report, 57% of product professionals say that product research has a positive effect on customer satisfaction. 55% say it improves product and feature adoption. And 42% agree that it affects profitability. Imagine how much more successful your product would be if you did research continuously? https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/better-roi-digital-products-continous-research/
How do we design effective reviews and ratings? With a distribution chart, decimal scores, tags, recommendation score and unedited product photos. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/product-reviews-ratings-ux/
In this article, Peter Ramsey shares his vision on how to effectively take inspiration from others without losing that magic spark, including some handy do’s and don’ts of building familiar-feeling products. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/copying-designs-doesnt-work/
In this episode, we ask whether technology is making us redundant; will we all soon be replaced with AI? Vitaly Friedman talks to Tejas Kumar to find out. https://smashingmagazine.com/2023/01/smashing-podcast-episode-55/