Commentary

Maria Popova|Commentary

Rise of the Micro-Medici

On the value of microfunding creative ideas that stem from a single mind.

Alexandra Lange|Commentary

If These Walls Could Talk

On the ABC sitcom Modern Family, three different families are visually defined by their living rooms.

Robert Fabricant|Commentary

Design With Intent

Robert Fabricant of frog design discusses a sea change in the way designers engage with the world.

Maria Popova|Commentary

Death to Design Awards

Essay attacking design awards for stifling innovation

Johanna Blakley|Commentary

The Costs of Ownership: Why Copyright Protection Will Hurt the Fashion Industry

New copyright protection for fashion designs is only going to hurt an already struggling industry.

Peter Wolf|Commentary

Pet Projects

Essay on design as an underutilized force for the humane treatment of animals.

Alexandra Lange|Commentary

Why do Most Designer Toys Suck so Badly?

Though they exude an organized playfullness, designer toys are rarely as practical as they look.

Alexandra Lange|Commentary

Why Nicolai Ouroussoff Is Not Good Enough

Nicolai Ouroussoff might turn out to be the last architecture critic, which makes it even more imperative to say: He is not making a good case for keeping the breed.

Tony Whitfield|Commentary

Prepared for Haiti

Tony Whitfield meditates on the assistance designers should give in Haiti following the earthquake, and in future catastrophes.

Ivana McConnell|Commentary

Exclusionary Design: Asking a New Question

You can build it, but should you?

Brian LaRossa|Commentary

Undesigning Our Identity

It’s not outlandish to imagine that your career might end before you’re ready to retire.

Brian LaRossa|Commentary

Fail Fast, Hasten Slowly: Reconciling Print and Digital Product Development Cultures

Print and digital product development strategies are historically described as opposing forces, but they aren’t wholly at odds.