Designing better notifications, writing UX copy, conceptual models & more
Sketching for UX Newsletter Issue #22 - my favorite design resources I discovered in the last 2 months (June-July, 2024)
Dear subscriber,
This is a double issue (you can call it a summer edition🌞). I took some days off with my family, we spent some time next to lake Balaton - I hope you also had the chance to have some rest!
✏️ My work
Here are some things I’ve been working on (or have completed) lately:
I’m going to publish an article about my favorite UX research books. In the meantime, you can revisit my previous articles about my favorite design books: UI design books, UX workbooks
I facilitated an online 4-hour long ideation workshop at xLabs’s UX Project course
I gave a lecture on conducting usability tests and other research methods (e.g. card sorting and tree testing) at UI Academy
✏️ How to design better notifications
My new UX Knowledge Piece Sketch - check out my sketch & detailed article here soon.
✏️ Favorite resources
Here are my favorite discoveries of June-July, 2024:
#1 Tips for Designing FinTech Products by Ceara Crawshaw
”We need to find that sweet spot where we're showing enough data to be useful but not so much data that the interface becomes inscrutable. We need enough checks in place to prevent people from making mistakes, but we also need enough fluidity to the flow so that finance pros can get stuff done in a fast-paced environment.”
#2 Copying is the way design works by
”Copying helped me develop as a designer without needing to go to design school.”
I talk about the importance of copywork in my How to train your designer eye course.
#3 "Research Theater" Defined with a Checklist by
”Research theater refers to situations where organizations claim to be conducting research but […] the appearance of research is prioritized over the substance.”
#4 When and why to create a Product Glossary for your team by Lisa Vorobeva
”This article describes the process of creating and developing a robust glossary for tech companies, with the ultimate goal of maintaining content consistency across all communication channels.”
#5 AI anxiety and how to design for it: Resources and best practices by Tetiana Sydorenko
”Understanding the roots of AI anxiety and implementing user-centered design solutions can mitigate these concerns […].”
#6 The political and societal power of video games by Yannick Allendorf
”I will explore how video games can be used to critique societal norms, highlight injustices and encourage critical thinking about the world around us.”
#7 Concept - On finding the essence of your thinking. by the UX Collective team
”Conceptual models help users (and stakeholders) understand how a system works.”
#8 How To Improve Your Microcopy: UX Writing Tips For Non-UX Writers by Irina Silyanova
”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.”
#9 Is it good design, or does it just look good? by James Harrison
”The world of good design should be aesthetically beautiful, if it can be. Users want that. Where things fall apart is when designers take aesthetics too far.”
Related sketches:
#10 Sentient Design: AI and the Next Chapter of UX by Josh Clark
”Sentient Design is the already-here future of intelligent interfaces: experiences that feel almost self-aware in their response to user needs.” (Josh’s talk at Friends of Figma Miami if you prefer the video format)
+1 You can watch back Figma Config’s recordings here. Some of my favorite talks:
How we redesigned Figma (I love this behind-the-scenes talk featuring many-many experiments)
Unlocking opportunities: building your brand with side projects by MDS
Pitching accessible design like a pro by
(81% of websites have contrast issues, what a huge number!)Finding inspiration in nature: the science of creature design by Simon Green
From paper to pixels: why great ideas start on a napkin by
🔥 Deals & recommended products
My Udemy courses
Newest course: How to train your designer eye - €12.99
Sketching for UX Designers course - €12.99
Be a better designer by understanding development aspects course - €12.99
My (pay-what-you-want) books
Recommended design courses
Master Gorgeous UI Design Course by
& his team - now being updated with a new chapter on using colors!
- (use the code SKETCHINGFORUX to get $100 off)
Into UX Design (UX research & concept validation) by Anfisa Bogomolova (use the code SKETCHINGFORUX to get 10% off)
The Ultimate UI Design Mastery Bundle is an epic starting point if you want to become a UI designer. I attended their Advanced Figma course, so I experienced their teaching style myself.
Other deals
Mobbin 2.0 is here with many new exciting features like flows, advanced search and an all-new library! Join with my link to support me with a couple of dollars, I’d really appreciate it!
Thanks for reading my newsletter, I hope you enjoyed it! 💙
Krisztina