DesignXplorer Weekly – Issue #1
Popular stories this week cover AI’s surprisingly low workplace adoption, Meta’s Aria Gen 2 glasses for AR design, Photoshop’s leap to mobile, and the debate over freelancing versus building an agency
Hello and welcome to the very first edition of DesignXplorer Weekly! Each week, we’ll highlight the most exciting news, resources, and innovations shaping the design, AI, and tech world. We hope to keep you inspired, informed, and ready to tackle your next big project.
Quick Teaser Summary
Discover why AI adoption in workplaces is still surprisingly low.
Explore Meta’s Aria Gen 2 glasses, built for cutting-edge AI and AR research.
See how Photoshop is finding new life on mobile devices.
Learn how to decide between freelancing or starting a full-scale agency.
Read on for all the details and more!
Latest News & Updates
AI Adoption in the Workplace Still Low, 2 Years Later
Pew’s research suggests many workers haven’t fully embraced AI tools, including chatbots like ChatGPT or Gemini. Interestingly, those who do use AI are often in data-heavy or IT-centered roles.
It’s Not Mario Day Yet, but We’re Already Seeing Epic Nintendo Deals
With Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, fans are enjoying game discounts and glimpses of upcoming releases like Pokémon Legends Z-A. Gamers have plenty to celebrate before Mario Day even arrives.
Google Begins Testing AI Mode While Rolling Out Gemini 2.0 AI Overviews
“AI Mode” is a fresh addition to Google Search Labs, promising more advanced reasoning and multimodal features. Early testers get a more immersive AI interface well beyond standard search overviews.
World’s First “Biological Computer” Runs AI Models on Actual Human Brain Cells
Australian company Cortical Labs unveils the CL1, powered by living neurons that learn and rewire in real time. This breakthrough blurs the line between organic biology and cutting-edge AI.
The Worst Branding Blunder: Meta’s Messenger Logo U-Turn
Meta has flipped the Messenger logo back to its familiar blue, stirring questions around the company’s larger brand direction. The repeated pivots highlight ongoing identity challenges at Meta.
Product Launches
Aria Gen 2
Meta’s new glasses promise advanced AR and AI capabilities for future-ready tech research. Early glimpses show potential for immersive experiences and deeper human–computer interaction.
Adobe Brings Photoshop to Mobile
The smartphone-friendly version includes layers, masking, and even Firefly-powered Generative Fill. With this move, Adobe aims to help designers edit on the go and collaborate more flexibly.
Google Business Profile Update: QR Codes for Review Pages
Google’s new feature simplifies how businesses collect customer reviews with a quick scan. More user feedback means better visibility and insights for local entrepreneurs everywhere.
Resources You Can Use
39 Lookbook Examples to Inspire You
Browse layouts that combine product showcases with lifestyle imagery to tell compelling brand stories. These examples feature flexible customization options, perfect for creating on-trend lookbooks.
AI Transparency in UX: Designing Clear AI Interactions
This guide walks through AI-dedicated components and patterns to help users identify AI-driven content. It also outlines best practices for informing users about AI’s role in your product.
How to Design the Right Thing in High-Pressure Situations
When urgent requests arise, it’s easy to lose sight of design fundamentals. This piece offers practical ways to balance rush demands with thoughtful, user-centric solutions.
Freelance or Full-Scale Agency? How to Choose the Right Path for You (Video)
Weigh the pros and cons of going solo versus building out a full-fledged team. This crash course from Content Marketing Institute helps you find your best-fit model for professional success.
Jobs You May Be Interested In
Collaboration.Ai: Senior Frontend-Focused Full-Stack Engineer
Contribute to AI-driven applications where front-end performance and beauty matter. You’ll lead development on multiple platforms, bringing user-centric designs to life.
UX/UI & Graphic Designer
Help shape the visual identity and user experience of a growing product suite at Smartness. You’ll also be building a scalable design system that fuels collaboration across teams.
Design Manager
Join Geekbears to oversee a team of designers working on mobile and web projects. Your leadership will be key in delivering top-notch UX/UI experiences.
Head of Branding & Design @ Swiss Hospitality and Real Estate Business
Own the entire brand experience, from digital marketing to on-site signage and building aesthetics. This is your chance to create a consistent, impactful identity across physical and digital spaces.
Stay Tuned & Keep Exploring
That’s a wrap for this edition of DesignXplorer Weekly! Thanks for diving into our curated picks in design, AI, and tech. If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for next week’s insights.
Until next time,
The DesignXplorer Weekly