Hey designers! Check out Apple's first design kit for Figma. It's packed with everything you need to create iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 app designs in a snap.

Apple Figma:

• Loads of components, from Alerts to Widgets and everything in between

• Templates for Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets

• Handy templates for notifications

• Templates for tabbed apps, parent/child apps, split views, and sheets

• Dynamic type chart with accessibility sizes

• Built-in iOS system colors, materials, text styles, and vibrancy effects

Get the Figma

They’re going to be constantly working on making this library even better. In the future, they’ll add new components for Apple Pay, App Clips, Shortcuts, and more. They also plan to create libraries for macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, tvOS, and visionOS.

If you have any requests, find bugs, or want to give them feedback, send using Feedback Assistant. Just select Developer Tools > Apple Design Resources.

Before diving in, ensure you have installed the latest versions of SF Symbols and SF Pro.

Enjoy!

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Yesterday, Apple shared an overview of the Vision Pro spatial computer (don’t say metaverse!). One of the many features that stood out was that with Vision Pro, every panorama shot on iPhone expands and wraps around the user, creating the sensation of standing right where it was taken. While this updated use case resurrects many hard-to-view pano shots from the past, pano has been on the iPhone since version 5.

Pano Photos launched on iPhone in 2012

The inclusion of panoramic photos in the Apple iPhone's camera marked a significant advancement in smartphone photography. Introduced with the iPhone 5 in 2012, Apple integrated a built-in panoramic mode into the camera app, allowing users to capture wide-angle images effortlessly.

By guiding users to capture a sequence of images while panning the camera, the software stitched them together to create seamless, expansive photographs. Over the years, Apple refined and enhanced the feature, increasing resolution and introducing interactive panoramas. Today, panoramic photos have become famous for capturing scenic vistas and other wide-angle landscapes.

Panorama Problems

The iPhone panoramic photos feature has sparked controversy regarding distorted and unnatural-looking images. In contexts like real estate listings, the exaggerated perspective of wide-angle shots has faced criticism for distorting dimensions and proportions, potentially misleading buyers or renters. The software's stitching algorithm can stretch or warp objects, especially with movement, resulting in less accurate representations. Additionally, privacy concerns arise as the wide-angle nature of panoramic photos may inadvertently capture people or sensitive information without consent, raising ethical questions.

Improvements Needed

Apple patent published in 2020

Despite these controversies, it's important to note that the panoramic photos feature on the iPhone remains a popular tool for capturing visually striking and immersive images. Apple has made efforts to improve the stitching algorithms and offer guidelines to minimize distortion, while users are encouraged to be mindful of privacy concerns and use the feature responsibly.

Vision Pro Panorama

Apple has unveiled a sneak peek of the Vision Pro, their new AR/VR headset. It includes a feature allowing users to resurrect their panoramic photos from their iPhone's photo library. This innovative capability enables a 180º large format view within the headset, offering an immersive and captivating experience. With its state-of-the-art technology and powerful camera capabilities, the Apple Vision Pro empowers users to capture awe-inspiring wide-angle images with remarkable precision and detail. By seamlessly stitching together multiple high-resolution shots, the panoramic mode delivers expansive and immersive photographs that authentically capture the scene's essence, be it stunning landscapes, bustling cityscapes, or group portraits. The panoramic photo feature in the Apple Vision Pro opens up new possibilities for users to create visually stunning and captivating moments that transport viewers into the heart of the captured environment.

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Hey there, fellow designers and enthusiasts! Today, we're diving headfirst into the fascinating world of virtual reality design. Virtual reality has opened up possibilities, allowing us to craft immersive experiences transporting users to incredible digital landscapes. So, let's roll up our sleeves and explore the key aspects of VR design in a down-to-earth manner. Strap on your VR headsets and prepare for an adventure where creativity knows no bounds.

Creating a Welcoming Virtual Haven

Designing for virtual reality is all about putting the user at the center. Designers must ensure our VR experiences are user-friendly, comfortable, and enjoyable. Think about how users will navigate and interact with the virtual environment. Let's keep things intuitive and seamless, providing clear instructions and avoiding confusion.

Virtual reality is the gateway to a sensory wonderland. As designers, we have the power to create visually stunning and captivating virtual environments. Pay attention to detail, from breathtaking graphics to realistic physics, and remember the importance of spatial audio and lighting. These elements bring the virtual world to life, captivating users and keeping them engaged.

"The wisdom of crowds works when the crowd is choosing the price of an ox, when there's a single numeric average. But if it's a design or something that matters, the decision is made by committee, and that's crap. You want people and groups who are able to think thoughts before they share." - Jaron Lanier, Father of Virtual Reality

Interactive Adventures: Designing for Engagement

In virtual reality, users expect to be active participants rather than mere spectators. Let's make their dreams come true! Consider the various input methods, such as hand gestures, controllers, or body movements, and design interactions that are responsive and intuitive. The goal is to create an environment that invites exploration, interaction, and a sense of agency.

Tackling Motion Sickness

Ah, the infamous motion sickness! As designers, we want to ensure users enjoy VR experiences without feeling queasy. Pay attention to locomotion techniques to minimize discomfort. Finding the right balance, whether teleportation, smooth movements, or incremental shifts, is essential. Let's keep those stomachs settled and our users smiling.

In the world of VR, traditional user interfaces go out the window. We're now working with three-dimensional spaces that demand thoughtful UI design. Keep the visuals clear, readable, and seamlessly integrated into the virtual environment. Avoid obstructing the user's view, and strive for natural and instinctive interactions. Our UI should be a helpful guide, not a hindrance.

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Creating a Sense of Perspective

One of the most thrilling aspects of VR is the ability to experience scale and depth. As designers, let's embrace this power! Pay close attention to the size and placement of objects within the virtual world, ensuring they maintain a realistic sense of perspective. By nailing the proportions and spatial relationships, we transport users to a tangible and authentic world.

Performance: A Smooth Ride for All

To deliver seamless and responsive VR experiences, performance optimization is vital. We must be mindful of the hardware limitations of the target VR platform. Striking the right balance between visual fidelity and performance is a delicate dance. By optimizing our designs, we create a smoother ride for our users, preventing any glitches from ruining the magic.

Design is an iterative process, and VR design is no exception. Gather user feedback, conduct usability testing, and learn from the experience. Listen to what users say, identify pain points, and refine our interactions. Testing helps us craft better experiences, ensuring that we create VR environments that are delightful and inclusive for all.

Virtual reality design is an adventure of the mind and senses, where creativity meets technology.

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Imagine a fun-filled competition to become the world's biggest bathtub toy. Yep, that's a game for two! A decade after a massive rubber duck waddled through Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, the talented Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman returns with a bang. He's commemorating the event with a splash of creativity called Double Ducks. These awesome inflatable artworks are floating in the water, ready to be towed by tugboats and show off their sunny magnificence. And you know what? They make the stunning city skyline even more picturesque.

Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman

Hofman is renowned for his whimsical and colossal installations, and this project is all about celebrating friendship and pure happiness. These two ducks symbolize unity and togetherness, taking inspiration from the Chinese characters for "happiness" and "friends." In a statement, Hofman explains how COVID made us realize the true value of spending time together. He emphasizes the importance of creating real moments and memories in the present rather than dwelling on the past. So, let's enjoy the moment together with Double Ducks!

Hofman teamed up with the creative brand AllRightsReserved to make this fantastic project happen. They've not only brought these floating sculptures to life, but they've also peppered the city with numerous installations and interactive activities. Just imagine a giant yellow face peering from a half-moon-shaped window at Admiralty MTR station in the heart of the business district. That's just one of the eighteen incredible installations at train stations! And remember the twenty-four images of the playful pair adorning iconic locations like the Clock Tower, the Hong Kong Space Museum, and the historic Lan Kwai Fong neighborhood. It's like they're spreading joy everywhere they go!

To catch a glimpse of these floating marvels, head to Tamar Park or the Central and Western District Promenade. They're setting sail for the first time on June 10 and will cruise for approximately two weeks. And if you want to stay up to date with all things Double Ducks, check out their website and follow Hofman on Instagram. Trust me, the more, the merrier!

Augmented World Expo USA (AWE)

May 31 - June 2: Since 2010 over 5000 companies and 60,000 professionals have trusted AWE to connect, learn and grow their business in the XR ecosystem.

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Design Matters '23 Tokyo

June 2-3: A design conference

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How Design Live

June 5-7: Where inspiration, community, and creativity converge in a 3-day event that you can't afford to miss. HOW Design Live offers the creative inspiration to refuel your passion combined with the practical knowledge you need to achieve and advance in your career through incredible breakout sessions, keynotes, and workshops. Become part of a creative community that embraces every attendee, validates your work, and empowers you to do great things.

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WWDC23

June 5-9: Mark your calendars for an exhilarating week of technology and community. Be among the first to learn the latest about Apple platforms, technologies, and tools. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with Apple experts and other developers. All are online and at no cost.

Must see: The Apple Design Awards honor excellence in innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement in app and game design. Take a look at the nominees.

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Designing Delight: Crafting Immersive User Experiences

June 6: Come join us for an evening of conversation surrounding UX/UI Design and UX Research. In our new format, we will spend 30 minutes on networking, 30 minutes on our featured presentation, and 30 minutes on peer review/feedback. This month, Marianna Pinto, Co-Founder and Lead Product Designer at Pinto Studios will present on:

Designing Delight: Crafting Immersive User Experiences
Join us as we explore the power of user-centric design in creating immersive experiences that captivate and delight users, paving the way for enhanced user engagement and satisfaction.

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San Francisco Design Week

June 6-11: Plot Twist: Changing the way the story unfolds

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ODF2023 | The Future of Digital Design with Midnight Agency & Jon Francis

June 7: Hear from best-in-class creators, innovative community leaders, and empowering design studios during the Online Design Festival 2023.

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2023 UXR CONF

June 7-9: Another year, another UXRConf. Back for its sixth edition, our team is as excited as ever to bring you an upgraded, fully remote experience showcasing the best UX Research content you’ll find all year.

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AIGA Open Crit

June 14: Open Crit is a monthly workshop that allows designers to bring projects, discuss ideas, and share constructive feedback.

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Cannes Lion 70: International Festival of Creativity

June 19-23: The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has championed creative excellence since 1954, providing the definitive benchmark for creativity that drives progress, globally.

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Config 2023: Figma's Annual Conference

June 21-22: This year's agenda: Join us for talks, takes, and training from the brightest minds and makers in product design and development. This year we have something for everyone on your product team.

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As designers, we constantly seek innovative ways to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. One technology that has revolutionized this interaction is augmented reality (AR). So, let's embark on a journey to explore how augmented reality works! In this blog post, we will delve into the captivating realm of AR, unraveling its inner workings and shedding light on its transformative potential.

Big Augmented Picture: How Augmented Reality Works

A Glimpse into the World of Augmented Reality: Augmented reality is a technology that overlays virtual content in the real world, seamlessly blending digital elements with our physical environment. It has gained significant traction in recent years, transforming various industries, from gaming and entertainment to education and healthcare.

Understanding the Foundations: Tracking and Recognition: At the heart of how augmented reality works lies the process of tracking and recognition. AR systems use computer vision algorithms and sensors to identify and track real-world objects or markers, allowing precise alignment of virtual content with the physical environment. This synchronization is crucial for creating an immersive and believable AR experience.

Rendering and Display

Bridging the Gap: Rendering and Display: Once the tracking and recognition stage is complete, the next step in the AR pipeline involves rendering and display. Virtual objects or information are generated and positioned in real time based on the user's perspective and the environment's spatial context. This integration requires powerful processing capabilities and sophisticated algorithms to ensure smooth and accurate alignment of virtual elements within the real world.

User Interface and Experience

Interaction and User Experience: Augmented reality not only enables the visualization of virtual content but also offers interactive experiences. Users can interact with AR applications through gestures, voice commands, or touch inputs. These interactions enhance the sense of immersion and empower users to engage with digital elements naturally and intuitively, blurring the boundaries between the real and virtual realms.

Use Cases

The Promising Applications of Augmented Reality: With a firm understanding of how augmented reality works, we can now appreciate its vast potential across numerous fields. From enhancing customer experiences in retail to revolutionizing training simulations in industries like aviation and engineering, AR is reshaping our perception of what is possible. Its ability to overlay information onto our immediate surroundings opens up endless opportunities for creativity and innovation.

In conclusion, understanding how augmented reality works allows us to unlock its full potential and harness its transformative power. By seamlessly blending digital content with our physical reality, AR expands the boundaries of human experience and offers endless possibilities for designers and developers alike. So, let's embrace this magical technology and embark on a journey of innovation where the virtual and real worlds intertwine in harmony.

Remember, the more we explore and push the boundaries of augmented reality, the closer we get to creating extraordinary experiences that were once merely the stuff of dreams. So, let's dive into the realm of AR and unleash our creativity!

In today's hyper-digital world, designing a visually beautiful and user-friendly interface (UI) is crucial for the success of any application or website. A well-crafted UI captures users' attention and enhances their overall experience, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction. To achieve these goals, designers rely on a set of principles that guide them in creating interfaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and intuitive. This post will explore some essential UI design principles that can help you craft outstanding user experiences.

A collection of essential UI design principles

1. Simplicity

The principle of simplicity lies at the heart of effective UI design and should be the first of a few UI design principles to include. A cluttered and complex interface can overwhelm users and impede their ability to accomplish tasks efficiently. By embracing simplicity, you can streamline the user experience, making it easy for individuals to navigate, understand, and interact with your product. Remove unnecessary elements, minimize visual noise, and focus on clear and concise communication to create an intuitive and straightforward interface.

2. Consistency

Consistency is paramount in establishing familiarity and building trust with users. Consistency promotes usability, reduces cognitive load, and enables users to learn and understand your interface quickly. Adhering to consistent design patterns, layouts, and interactions ensures a predictable user experience across different screens and functionalities. Create a unified visual language, maintain consistent branding elements, and employ standard UI conventions to provide a cohesive and seamless experience.

3. Visual Hierarchy

A well-defined visual hierarchy guides users' attention, allowing them to focus on the most important elements and content. Through careful use of color, size, contrast, and spacing, you can create a hierarchy that directs users' eyes toward critical information or desired actions. Employing a clear visual hierarchy enhances usability, improves scannability, and ensures that users can quickly grasp the structure and significance of your interface. This is essential to include in your UI design principles.

4. Feedback and Responsiveness

Providing timely and meaningful feedback to user interactions is crucial for maintaining a sense of control and confidence. Users need reassurance that their actions are acknowledged and that the system responds appropriately. Visual cues, such as highlighting buttons on hover or providing loading indicators, help users understand the state of the interface. Additionally, smooth and responsive transitions and animations can enhance the overall user experience and create a sense of fluidity and interactivity.

5. Accessibility

Designing with accessibility in mind ensures that people with diverse abilities and disabilities can use your interface. By accommodating a wider range of users, you make your interface more inclusive and improve the overall user experience for everyone. Consideration for color contrast, proper text sizing, keyboard navigation, and alternative text for images are just a few examples of accessibility-oriented design choices.

6. User-Centricity

UI design should always prioritize the needs, goals, and mental models of the target users. Understanding user personas, conducting usability testing, and gathering user feedback is essential for creating interfaces that align with user expectations and requirements. By putting the user at the center of the design process, you can make intuitive interfaces that anticipate user needs, minimize friction, and provide delightful experiences.

Conclusion

The above UI design principles serve as a solid foundation for crafting outstanding user experiences through UI design. By embracing simplicity, consistency, visual hierarchy, feedback, responsiveness, accessibility, and user-centricity, designers can create interfaces that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly. By prioritizing the user's needs and providing a seamless and delightful experience, you can elevate your product or website above the competition and leave a lasting impression on your users. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create interfaces that empower users and make their interactions with your product pleasurable.