David Lidsky's Blog, page 136

Is this the end of Figma prototypes?

There’s been a big shift in using AI to shape and share ideas—and design.

Figma prototypes have been the go-to for years. For digital product designers crafting clickable mockups of apps, this powerhouse design platform hasn’t just gained popularity—it’s become the indispensable tool of choice. 

How human connection drives innovation in the age of AI

An unexpected business imperative, relationship building has many positive implications.

The world of work is being dominated by the transformative power of artificial intelligence. We see it reshaping processes, driving efficiencies, and promising new levels of productivity across every business. And while AI’s technical capabilities are undeniable, we must also recognize the enduring—and even amplified—importance of uniquely human skills, particularly our ability to connect with one another. In this age of algorithms, fostering genuine human connection is not a soft skill; it’s becoming a core driver of innovation and progress. 

Trump’s drug pricing order puts Roche’s $50 billion U.S. investment plans at risk

Roche is among several drugmakers to announce large-scale U.S. investments in response to the president’s push to onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing.

President Donald Trump’s executive order on drug pricing threatens Roche’s planned $50 billion investment in the United States, the company said on Wednesday.

Walmart’s earnings could offer clues about how retail is weathering the tariff storm

Investors will watch for any adjustment to Walmart’s outlook and whether it absorbs any tariff-related costs or passes them on to customers.

Results from Walmart, a bellwether for the U.S. retail industry, will offer proof on Thursday why the Arkansas behemoth is best placed to navigate the uncertainty from the Trump administration’s tariffs.

California is facing a $12 billion budget deficit

California Gov. Gavin Newsom blamed President Trump’s economic policies for causing uncertainty that’s hindering the state.

California is staring down a $12 billion budget deficit, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday.

Trump’s Middle East trip comes amid growing conflict-of-interest concerns in the region

His family business aside, President Trump wasn’t shy about saying he’d shape the itinerary of his first extended overseas trip on quid pro quo.

It’s not just the “gesture” of a $400 million luxury plane that President Donald Trump says he’s smart to accept from Qatar. Or that he effectively auctioned off the first destination on his first major foreign trip, heading to Saudi Arabia because the kingdom was ready to make big investments in U.S. companies.

Wingstop and Raising Cane’s top list of fast-growing restaurant chains as diners turn to chicken and celebrities

America’s largest restaurant brands aren’t necessarily seeing the most growth right now. Here are the latest rankings from market research firm Circana.

America’s love of chicken might only be matched by its love of celebrities. Now, this unexpected combination is turning out to be key for restaurant chains hoping to win over loyal customers.

Elon Musk’s Grok AI is replying to tweets with claims about ‘white genocide’ in South Africa

The chatbot offered off-topic responses about race relations in South Africa, even when users asked unrelated questions.

X users who interacted with the chatbot Grok on Wednesday were confronted with replies about the legitimacy of white genocide in South Africa—often regardless of context.

Overdose deaths fell 27% in 2024—the largest one-year decline ever

All but two states saw declines in drug overdoses last year, with Nevada and South Dakota experiencing small increases.

There were 30,000 fewer U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2024 than the year before—the largest one-year decline ever recorded.

How to use AI for good

There’s a need to blunt the underside of AI’s double-edged sword

Social media was mankind’s first run-in with AI, and we failed that test horribly, according to tech ethicist Tristan Harris, whom The Atlantic called “the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience.” A recent survey found nearly half of Gen Z respondents wished social media had never been invented. Yet, 60% still spend at least four hours daily on these platforms.