Joas Pambou built an app that integrates vision language models (VLMs) and text-to-speech (TTS) AI technologies to describe images audibly with speech. This audio description tool can be a big help for people with sight challenges to understand what’s in an image. But how this does it even work? Joas explains how these AI systems work and their potential uses, including how he built the app and ways to further improve it. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/07/integrating-image-to-text-and-text-to
In today’s turbulent landscape of design, Penpot stands out with its commitment to open-source, free unlimited access, and its unique, robust features. An example could be its new components system that takes another leap forward in aligning design with code. Let's dive into how it empowers both designers and developers to create more maintainable and scalable design systems. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/07/build-design-systems-penpot-components/
WCAG provides guidance for making interactive elements more accessible by specifying minimum size requirements. In this article, Eric Bailey discusses the nuances of interactive element sizes and clarifies what it looks like to provide accessible interactive experiences using WCAG-compliant target sizes. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/07/getting-bottom-minimum-wcag-conformant-interactive-element-size/
This in-depth guide takes you through the three crucial phases of conversational search, revealing how users express their needs, explore results, and refine their queries. Learn how AI agents can overcome communication barriers, personalize the search experience, and adapt to evolving user intent. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/07/how-design-effective-conversational-ai-experiences-guide/
Today, UX design contributes to the problem of excessive consumption through persuasive e-commerce practices and designing for companies with linear and exploitative business models. Anna Rátkai explores practical steps we can take to reduce material consumption and the massive environmental impact that comes along with it by designing mindful shopping experiences. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/07/designing-sustainable-e-commerce-experiences/
Visualize the user experience with user journey maps. Here are some helpful templates, real-world applications, and insights on the importance of mapping both successful and unsuccessful touchpoints. Part of Smart Interface Design Patterns by yours truly. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/07/customer-journey-maps-figma-miro-templates/
Let’s welcome the new month with some fresh desktop wallpapers! Created by artists and designers from across the globe, they come in versions with and without a calendar for July 2024. Enjoy! https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/06/desktop-wallpaper-calendars-july-2024/
Interface copy plays a crucial role in the overall user experience, helping guide users smoothly, allowing them to navigate easily through the app, discover and start using product features, and more. In this article, you’ll find simple, practical tips and a checklist to help you create a clear and concise microcopy, ensuring a seamless user experience. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/06/how-improve-microcopy-ux-writing-tips-non-ux-writers/
Gaining buy-in for accessibility can be challenging due to common myths and misunderstandings. For many, accessibility remains a big mystery. Here are some practical techniques for winning stakeholder support and making accessibility relatable by bringing accessibility testing to your company. Part of Smart Interface Design Patterns by yours truly. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/06/how-make-strong-case-accessibility/
The biggest mistake you can make in UX design is to launch a website or app and then walk away. Monitoring and improving after launch will benefit users and your metrics. Nothing will bring bigger gains. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/06/website-improvement-after-launch/