Product & Design Pulse v21

Trends for 2025, AI, and Policy

Welcome to this week’s edition of Product & Design Pulse, where we explore the latest in tech, product, design, and innovation! In this issue, we delve into OpenAI’s missed promises on ethical AI tools, Meta’s leadership shakeup, and the emerging role of cognitive offloading in UX design. We also spotlight the design trends fading in 2025, the rise of personalized software, and the emotional intelligence reshaping AI interfaces. We’ve got a few product highlights and some fun easter eggs!

Last week…

  1. OpenAI Failed to Deliver the Opt-Out Tool It Promised by 2025 - TechCrunch

    TechCrunch reports on OpenAI’s failure to meet its 2025 deadline for releasing a promised opt-out tool for data usage in AI training. The delay has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, sparking criticism from privacy advocates. This article highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with ethical data practices.

  2. Meta Will Appoint Joel Kaplan to Lead Global Policy Team, Replacing Nick Clegg - Semafor

    Meta is restructuring its leadership team by appointing Joel Kaplan to lead its global policy operations, succeeding Nick Clegg. The move comes as Meta navigates complex regulatory landscapes and public scrutiny worldwide. This leadership change signals a potential shift in how Meta approaches its global policy challenges.

  3. AI and Cognitive Offloading: Sharing the Thinking Process with Machines - UX Collective

    This article explores the concept of cognitive offloading, where AI assists users in decision-making and problem-solving. It highlights the design considerations for creating systems that enhance human capability without eroding critical thinking. The piece offers a nuanced perspective on how AI and UX design can collaborate to improve productivity and creativity.

  4. Design Trends Out in 2025 - Fast Company

    Fast Company identifies design trends that are falling out of favor in 2025, including social media driven design and generic minimalism. The article emphasizes the industry’s shift toward designs that prioritize individuality, sustainability, and cultural relevance. It’s a snapshot of how design evolves to reflect changing user values and technological advancements.

  5. The Personal Software Revolution - Product Hunt

    Product Hunt examines the rise of personalized software, driven by advancements in AI and modular design tools. The article highlights how users are increasingly empowered to create customized solutions that meet their unique needs. This revolution signals a shift in software development toward greater user agency and creativity.

  6. The Role of Emotional Design in AI Systems

    This video explores how emotional design can humanize AI systems, fostering trust and deeper connections with users. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in AI interfaces, showcasing examples where design enhances functionality and emotional engagement. The discussion offers actionable insights for integrating emotional intelligence into AI-driven products.

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📱 Product & Feature Highlights

🧠 For the Nerds

👀 Fun & Interesting Things