📰 3 THINGS TO CHECK OUT
- UX designer Erik Messaki presents a practical, field-tested framework for designing landing pages that drive conversions.
- By illustrating each stage of the AIDA model—Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action—with real-world examples, the article bridges theory and practice, offering designers clear, actionable insights for crafting high-converting UX experiences.
- “There’s no perfect, universal landing page structure. However, there is a sensible and proven scheme based on the AIDA sales concept. Using it correctly significantly increases your chances of creating a high-conversion landing page.”
- Emma Webster, content strategist at Figma, explores how Duolingo’s team reimagines product development through a prototype-first, collaborative workflow, abandoning traditional handoffs between design and engineering.
- Their tight collaboration loop enables speedy decision‑making, deliberate simplification of features, and rigorous polish, allowing the team to ship minimal viable products with high user experience value.
- “Through open communication, shared ownership, and transparency, the Duolingo team has built a strong foundation of mutual respect and reliability. Ultimately, it’s this trust that allows them to move quickly, make decisions together, and ship with confidence."
Case Study: The Playbook for Onboarding AI Features
- UX consultant Peter Ramsey explores how even well-designed AI features—especially those hinged on creative user input—often fail when users don’t learn how to work with them effectively, leading to low retention or exploration.
- Ramsey emphasizes that onboarding shouldn’t stop once a user performs a single action; continuous guidance is needed so users truly grasp all the feature’s capabilities.
- “Teams are shipping powerful features, but failing to show anyone how to actually use them. Many won't even remember that these features exist.”
💜 PORTFOLIO INSPIRATION
Becca Cook, a UX Academy graduate, employs nostalgic style to the UI for her unique app UpKeep, which gamifies the process of moving into a first home for users. By making the challenges of to-do lists and DIY projects feel fun, she creates an inviting and engaging user experience overall. With her responsive redesign for Ollie’s Market and Deli, she focuses on user research to understand users needs and behaviors when navigating the site. The end result allows for more engagement not just with the platform, but leads to a feeling of improved trust and connection important to those who prioritize shopping at a small business.
Got a portfolio you love that you’d like to share with our audience? Email your suggestions to hello@designlab.com.
💡 INTERESTING STUFF...
- ChatGPT 5 is Here
- Rundown of Recent Figma Updates
- Town Transforms Into An Art Gallery
- Can I Restart My Career at This Age?
Design is not for philosophy, it's for life. — Issey Miyake, designer
🧪 FROM THE LAB
🏕️ Don’t Miss Out On AI Summer Camp
Our AI Summer Camp launches in just a couple weeks on Tuesday, August 19th. Join us for this four-day program (August 19-22) of dynamic, interactive live sessions. AI Summer Camp is for experienced designers, PMs, and developers who want to stop spinning their wheels and start building and shipping—fast. You’ll get hands-on with tools like Magic Patterns, Cursor, and Vercel, and learn how to go from prompt to polished prototype with clarity and confidence.
Want to learn more? Join our live info session on Wednesday, August 13th at 1pm ET—we’ll discuss the program format, session lineup, and more. Register here to attend live or receive a recording.
🚨 Priority Pricing Ends Soon for UI Mastery Certification
Our UI Mastery Certification program is an immersive, 8‑week studio-style program designed for experienced designers ready to sharpen their visual judgment, polish, and overall UI design fluency. With less than ten seats remaining and our priority enrollment discount ($250 off) ending in just one week, now is the time to apply. Submit your application for our upcoming September 12th cohort today!
Want to learn more? Schedule some time to chat with our Admissions team. We can talk you through curriculum, mentorship, payment options, and answer any questions you have ahead of enrolling in the program.
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