Product & Design Pulse v22

AI Scrutiny, Meta's Backtracking, and Figma's Design Outlook

Welcome to this week’s edition of Product & Design Pulse, where we explore the latest in tech, product, design, and innovation! This week, we explore Apple’s AI news alert controversy and OpenAI’s ambitious pivot toward superintelligence. Learn from a SaaS founder’s journey to building a $2 billion company and dive into Figma’s principles for the next era of design. We also cover Meta’s controversial decision to disband its diversity team, CES 2025 highlights, and product updates like Instagram’s AI-generated images and Apple’s rumored "Invites" app. There are some valuable resources on accessibility and a fun digital fidget app to keep you busy.

Before we dive in, here are some resources for those impacted by the LA wildfires

Last week…

  1. Apple urged to withdraw AI news alerts - BBC

    Apple is under scrutiny for its AI-powered news summary feature, which has been accused of generating inaccurate and fabricated news alerts. Critics, including journalists and organizations like the National Union of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, argue the technology is unfit for release and poses significant misinformation risks. Apple has acknowledged the issue and pledged to clarify that summaries are AI-generated, but calls for the product’s withdrawal persist as concerns about public trust in news grow.

  2. OpenAI Turns to Superintelligence - TechCrunch

    OpenAI shifts its focus to developing superintelligence, aiming for systems that surpass human cognitive abilities. The article discusses the potential benefits and ethical challenges of such advancements. OpenAI emphasizes safety and collaboration to mitigate risks.

  3. Building a $2 Billion SaaS Company - Y Combinator

    A two-time founder shares lessons learned from building a $2 billion SaaS company, emphasizing customer focus and operational excellence. The article outlines key strategies, including iterative development and scalable growth models. Practical insights are provided for aspiring entrepreneurs.

  4. Meta Disbands Diversity and Inclusion Team - The Verge

    Meta’s decision to disband its diversity and inclusion team raises concerns about its commitment to DEI initiatives. Critics argue the move undermines progress in creating equitable workplaces. The company faces backlash amid ongoing scrutiny of its corporate culture.

  5. Six Memos for the Next Era of Design - Figma Blog

    Figma shares six guiding principles for the future of design, focusing on collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. The memos emphasize the evolving role of design in addressing complex global challenges. It’s a vision for design that balances creativity with responsibility.

  6. Studio Dumbar at Nicer Tuesdays - It’s Nice That

    Studio Dumbar presented at Nicer Tuesdays, showcasing innovative design projects that blend bold creativity with functional communication. The studio emphasized the importance of collaboration and adaptability in modern design. Their work serves as inspiration for leveraging design to engage and inform.

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