User Experience Design
What are the key changes in Apple's WWDC 2025 software update?
Apple's WWDC 2025 introduced version unification, with all operating systems now labeled as version 26 instead of having separate numbering systems. The update features a new 'liquid glass' aesthetic that makes UI elements like icons, dialog boxes, and the lock screen more transparent. iOS 26 includes a redesigned, simplified camera app with hidden settings and new phone features like call screening and hold assist, similar to popular Pixel features. The update also integrates contacts, voicemail, and missed calls into one unified interface for improved user experience.
Watch clip answer (04:09m)How is AI being used to enhance user experiences in creative agency work?
Creative agencies are leveraging AI to create compelling user experiences that enhance brand engagement. In Brian Tillman's work with Blackbird, an AI company doing cutting-edge research on narrative intelligence, they fully embraced AI-generated art to develop a bold visual identity where the interface feels interactive, with elements like glowing eyes that seem to watch users as they scroll. Rather than just implementing a vision, the focus is on creating the best possible experience using collective skills, resulting in websites that are engaging, tactile, and industry-defining. This approach effectively plants a flag for brands in competitive digital spaces.
Watch clip answer (01:07m)How did Balaji Rao transition from being a designer to developing product management skills?
As a freelance designer, Balaji had to become more creative when working with founders and entrepreneurs who didn't provide specific instructions for screens and functionality. He needed to figure out design elements himself while asking deeper questions about the product's purpose. Through collaborating with various stakeholders (founders, engineers, business people), he learned to understand entrepreneurs' motivations by probing about target users, unique selling points, and core features. This experience taught him the importance of understanding the purpose behind products and how they solve problems - key product management skills.
Watch clip answer (01:28m)How do you build an advanced search bar in React that filters through book data?
To build an advanced search bar in React that filters book data, first create a reusable search bar component that takes two props: a placeholder and the dataset to search through. Structure the component with an input field and a search icon using Material UI icons (installed via 'yarn add @material-ui/core' and 'yarn add @material-ui/icons'). Implement the filtering logic by mapping through the data array and returning the relevant information for each book (like title) when it matches the search query. Add styling to improve the UI, including proper positioning, fonts, and responsive design. This approach allows the search bar to filter results in real-time as users type, while also providing the option to click on results to open Wikipedia pages.
Watch clip answer (12:52m)How does empathy influence design thinking?
Empathy influences design thinking by allowing designers to observe the world through others' perspectives, putting aside preconceptions to understand users' needs at an emotional and psychological level. It fuels creativity that transforms into human-centered solutions by creating a bond between developers and users. David Kelley, IDEO's founder, explains design thinking as deeply understanding problems and realities of people you're designing for, meeting their needs in technologically feasible and strategically viable ways. Airbnb's success story demonstrates how empathy-driven design—improving listing photos—doubled their revenue and transformed their business.
Watch clip answer (03:45m)What is the difference between a landing page and a website for ad conversions?
A landing page is specifically designed to convert paid traffic into leads, unlike a regular website. The key differences include simplicity (one focused page vs. many pages), no external links to prevent distractions, and content that's highly relevant to the specific ad. Landing pages typically achieve 20-40% conversion rates compared to websites' 10% or less. This optimization can potentially double your return on investment by providing visitors exactly what they need to become leads within the critical 7-second attention span window.
Watch clip answer (04:18m)