The Feed & The Thread - January 18, 2026

This episode covers the rise of Authentic Experience (AuX) and how emotional design is becoming a key product differentiator. It also explores why Instagram's ad breaks feel worse than regular ads. Community highlights include discussions on mobile-first web design checklists, form field accessibility, and replacing paid subscriptions with free browser utilities. Plus, details on UX Camp Winter happening February 21st.

In This Episode

• The emerging concept of Authentic Experience (AuX) and designing intelligence over interfaces
• Emotional design and why feelings are becoming key features in UX
• Why Instagram's ad breaks feel worse than regular ads
• Community discussions on mobile-first design, form field accessibility, and productivity tools

Articles Mentioned

• "The dawn of Authentic Experience (AuX)" by Darren Yeo (UX Design.cc)
• "Feelings are the new features" by Vadym Grin (UX Design.cc)
• "Why Instagram's ad breaks feel worse than ads" by Fabrizia Ausiello (UX Design.cc)
• Also mentioned: New pieces from Nielsen Norman Group, CSS-Tricks, and UX Planet

Community Discussions

• r/Design - Building a vector graphics viewer for mobile
• r/UserExperience - Replacing paid subscriptions with free browser utilities (2025 stack)
• r/web_design - No-excuses checklist for modern small business web design in 2026
• r/Design - Form field types and email field accessibility

Announcement Chicago Camps is hosting UX Camp Winter on Saturday, February 21st. Get tickets at chicagocamps.org.