Product & Design Pulse v15

July 2024

This month is heavy on Olympics, AI (as always), and the massive CrowdStrike issue. Happy Disability Pride Month! ♿️

This Month…

  1. 🇫🇷🔍 Sport Explainers - Paris 2024

    This YouTube playlist dives into detailed explainers of various sports featured in the Paris 2024 Olympics, offering a fresh perspective on each discipline. The videos blend engaging visuals and concise commentary to educate and excite viewers. It’s a perfect resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Olympic events.

  2. A “Football Team” of Illustrators Has Created a Series of Explainers for Paralympic Sports - It’sNice That

    A collective of illustrators and animators has crafted a vibrant series of explainer videos to showcase Paralympic sports. The project combines dynamic visuals with accessible storytelling to engage and educate a global audience. It celebrates the power of design in making complex information inclusive and exciting.

  3. Paris 2024 Olympic Pictograms

    The Paris 2024 Olympic pictograms offer a fresh take on representing sports through bold, geometric designs. Each icon combines functionality and artistry, capturing the essence of athletic disciplines while enhancing navigability for spectators. It’s a modern interpretation of a key Olympic tradition, blending heritage with innovation.

  4. The Look of the Games - Paris 2024

    The Paris 2024 visual identity reflects the city’s elegance and vibrancy, incorporating art deco-inspired designs with modern flair. This cohesive aesthetic spans venues, branding, and media, uniting tradition with contemporary creativity. It’s a testament to how design can elevate the cultural and visual impact of the Games.

  5. Adam Mosseri on the First Year of Threads - Platformer

    Adam Mosseri reflects on the first year of Threads, discussing its journey to 175 million users and the challenges of scaling a new platform. The interview highlights key insights into user engagement, product improvements, and the evolving role of Threads in Meta's ecosystem. It’s a candid look at the lessons learned from launching a social media app in a competitive landscape.

  6. How Figma Built the Identity for Its Mammoth Design Conference, Config - It’s Nice That

    Figma reveals the creative process behind the bold and vibrant identity for Config, its flagship design conference. The branding balances inclusivity and energy, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the Figma community. It’s an inspiring look at how a design-first approach can create a memorable and cohesive event experience.

  7. How One Bad CrowdStrike Update Crashed the World’s Computers - WIRED

    A flawed CrowdStrike security update caused widespread system crashes, exposing vulnerabilities in global IT infrastructure. The article examines how a single misstep disrupted businesses and underscores the complexities of deploying large-scale updates. It’s a cautionary tale about the balance between innovation and reliability in cybersecurity.

  8. Crashes and Competition - Stratechery

    Stratechery explores the competitive dynamics of the tech industry, using high-profile crashes and outages as a lens. The article delves into how companies navigate risks, build resilience, and maintain user trust in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. It offers a compelling analysis of the interplay between growth, innovation, and operational stability.

  9. Notable Quotable: Conversations about Disability Design (Art Works Podcast) - NationalEndowment for the Arts

    This podcast episode spotlights the intersection of disability and design, featuring insights from artists and advocates. The discussion explores how inclusive design can challenge stereotypes, foster accessibility, and inspire creativity. It’s an enlightening conversation about the transformative power of designing for diverse experiences.

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