

428: ‘Michigan-Starred Fine Dining’, With Louie Mantia
39 snips Jul 31, 2025
Louie Mantia, a talented UI designer and icon artist, shares his insights on the current state of Apple’s UI design and the intriguing concept of Liquid Glass. He discusses the evolution of macOS’s user interface, highlighting the balance between nostalgia and modern aesthetics. The conversation takes a light-hearted turn as they debate the intricacies of sandwiches and hoagies, revealing regional culinary differences. Mantia also critiques the impact of Apple’s design choices on user experience and the challenges faced in maintaining effective UI principles.
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Philadelphia Hoagie vs Cheesesteak
- John Gruber and Louie Mantia debate Philadelphia hoagies vs cheesesteaks as regional legendary sandwiches.
- They discuss sandwich components including meats, cheeses, and condiments like oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise.
Dark Mode Saved John’s Vision
- John Gruber shares his early cataract diagnosis and surgeries in his 40s.
- He describes how dark mode became an essential accessibility feature for his vision during cataract.
Distinct Visual Styles Aid Recognition
- Earlier Mac apps had visually distinct styles helping users tell apps apart at a glance.
- Contemporary UI design blurs app distinctions causing cognitive dissonance about app identity.