So I guess we’re doing a newsletter. Let’s see if this feels like something.

I’m planning to drop in quick notes as they come. Little sparks, links, ideas. When it feels full enough, I’ll send it out. Mostly this is just a place to put things again.

Design Things

• Now that iOS’ Liquid Glass has been out for a bit , it’s fun watching all the riffs people are doing with it. Like this really nice take by Linear. Also if you still can’t stand it, you will be able to turn it down soon. I still like it, but I’m curious about the toned-down version.

• Figma finally has a real Slots feature (in early access). Cue design system people everywhere stressing about the updates they have to make. You can sign up here to try it out. I don’t have access yet but based on how many workarounds I’ve made over the years for this not existing, I’m bigly excited to use it. For components like Dialogs and Cards, this has the potential to be one of those “how did we work without this?” features.

Listening Corner

• Where did Geese come from? (I’m definitely losing my edge.) Taxes is such a good song! When the jangly guitar lands midway through, it feels like a tiny ear hug.

• Tame Impala has a new album, Deadbeat,and it didn’t land for me like previous albums did. There are a few singles are solid though, like Loser and End of Summer.

• Whitney just released Small Talk and I’m digging into it more. No one else sounds like them, and I love that the singer is also the drummer. The drum pattern in the chorus of the title track sounds really fun to play while singing.

Life Stuff

• We went to Disneyland this week for an early Owen-turns-4 celebration. It’s the first time I’ve been for probably 20 years. It was awesome! I’m surprised at how fun that place is as an adult and the Star Wars area was absurdly detailed. It really sold the fantasy.

• I don’t have as much time as I used to for playing Dungeons & Dragons but I’ve been watching Critical Role’s new fourth campaign on Youtube. The cast is fully committed to their characters and the world they’re building feels rich and detailed. It’s like watching an improvised table-read of a fantasy epic. It’s a perfect spot to jump in if that even vaguely sounds interesting.

Okay, that’s a good place to stop for the first one. I don’t plan to have a real schedule with this. I’ll send things when they make sense. Mostly I just wanted a place to think out loud again.