This Week In Design: March 2nd Week

India will create AI middle managers

As AI-powered surveillance and algorithmic management tools gain traction in India, the relationship between employers and employees is undergoing a fundamental shift. The recent controversy surrounding Optifye.ai, a YC-backed startup, highlights the growing adoption of AI-driven productivity tracking—where AI essentially functions as a middle manager, monitoring workers and optimizing efficiency. While such technologies promise operational benefits, they also raise ethical concerns about surveillance, privacy, and the evolving nature of workplace loyalty. Small business owners, traditionally reliant on human supervisors, are now turning to AI to fill this gap, reshaping how businesses manage labor. This shift, while inevitable, forces us to confront larger questions about governance, trust, and the fine line between efficiency and intrusion.

Full article here

The power of empty states — how Slack drives user activation

Empty states—those seemingly blank moments in a UI—play a crucial role in user experience by guiding, reassuring, and engaging users. Slack excels in using empty states strategically, turning them into opportunities for onboarding, engagement, and delight. Whether it’s playful search bar prompts, subtle first-use guidance, celebratory task completions, or transparent error messages, Slack transforms these moments into engaging micro-interactions. By adding personality, reducing friction, and providing clear next steps, Slack ensures that users never feel lost, creating a seamless and motivating experience that enhances activation and product adoption.

Full read here

Here’s what the newest iPhone Air leaks say about its design

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be its thinnest phone yet, with leaks suggesting a sleek 5.5mm design—even thinner than the iPhone 6. According to recent reports, the device may feature a 6.9-inch display, similar in size to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and introduce a Google Pixel-like camera bar on the back. Leaked mockups also confirm familiar design elements, such as Face ID, Dynamic Island, and a USB-C port. While these renders give a strong hint at what’s coming, the official reveal won’t happen until Apple’s expected September launch event.

Find out here

Emerging UI/UX Patterns in Generative AI: A Visual Guide

As Generative AI rapidly evolves, so do the UI/UX patterns that shape user interactions with it. This article by Whitespectre’s UI/UX Lead, Andy Simpson, explores the emerging design trends defining AI experiences—from iconography (sparkles, orbs, and friendly robots) to color choices (purple’s dominance), animation styles (AI’s “thinking” effects), labeling strategies, and the prominence of AI features. As companies race to integrate AI, designers must balance visibility, usability, and brand identity. The piece offers a visual deep dive into how AI is being positioned today and raises key questions about its long-term role in interface design.

Full read here