Flattening language, neo-brutalism, unfulfilling UX jobs

Weekly curated resources for designers — thinkers and makers.

“I’ve also noticed a different kind of discomfort. One that isn’t really about writing quality at all, but about access. For a long time, good writing has been more than skill; it’s been a form of gatekeeping. Those who could speak and write fluently in the accepted language of power (clear, polished, professional) were granted credibility. Many others, despite insightful or sharp thinking, were often filtered out.”

AI is flattening language and redistributing power →
By Youjin Nam

5 links a day to keep your design demons away →
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Editor picks

The UX Collective is an independent design publication that elevates unheard design voices and helps designers think more critically about their work.

Split flap: an ode to the train stations →

Make me think

  • AI has flipped software development →
    “For years, it’s been faster to create mockups and prototypes of software than to ship it to production. As a result, software design teams could stay “ahead” of engineering. Now AI coding agents make development 10x faster, flipping the traditional software development process on its head.”
  • The product design talent crisis →
    “In short, managers kick off a feedback loop by trying to close the gap between their team’s current and desired performance. They have two options: 1) Drive short-term improvements by asking more from senior designers, increasing rewards for top performers, and creating upward pressure through reviews, or 2) Build long-term capability by investing in training, coaching, and career development for junior designers.”
  • The hype is the product →
    “Large publicly traded tech companies seem to no longer consider their customers — that is, people and organizations who actually buy their products or pay for access to their services — their core focus. The focus has instead turned towards the stock price.”

Little gems this week

It’s incredible how many bad user experiences are still out there in 2025 →
By Maximilian Speicher

Neo-brutalism: breaking rules, loudly
By Takuma Kakehi

The evolution of playing cards →
By Neel Dozome

Tools and resources

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Flattening language, neo-brutalism, unfulfilling UX jobs was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

 

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