#product-design

#product-design

For decades, walking frames have been a case study in stagnation. They've remained almost unchanged since their invention, functional, yes, but limited in how they adapt to real-world conditions. Traditional frames can be awkward to maneuver on slopes, unstable on rough terrain, and visually uninspiring. More importantly, they often carry a stigma, subtly signaling frailty rather than empowerment. US-based startup Mobilate saw this as a glaring opportunity.

Frameworks like Design Thinking, Jobs-to-be-Done, and the Double Diamond are pitched as means to structure creativity, but they often reduce process to mere theater.

The FIABA tables reflect flowing curves and meticulous detailing, inspired by the name of a bird, showcasing the brand's unique design philosophy.

Design patterns have evolved over time. They've been tested, refined, adopted, and improved - across platforms, products, and industries. And more importantly, users are familiar with them.

Project Scribe by Urban Circles introduces a thermal printer designed to print tangible 'receipts' of thoughts, memories, and daily achievements, encouraging mindfulness.

"Curiosity isn't just a personality trait for many designers: it's a strategic tool great design leaders use to cut through uncertainty."

The Soft Foam Bandage 2-in-1 Dispenser is a thoughtful solution for providing immediate first aid care for individuals without assistance, emphasizing self-sufficiency and dignity.

The Porter Frame series was quietly discontinued by Yoshida & Co. due to its embodiment of a design approach becoming increasingly rare: the courage to say no.

The Novara Cantilever Umbrella features a front-mounted handle that allows users to lift up easily, eliminating awkward side-reaches and complicated adjustments. This innovative design revolutionizes outdoor shade.

Innovation doesn't live in laboratories or concept boards; it lives in the products we touch, use, and rely on every single day. This transformation is precisely what the Red Dot Award: Product Design celebrates with unmatched prestige.

The C5 has a unique construction and a futuristic aesthetic. It has one of the thinnest screens at a mere 0.25 inches thick. My colleague and I were wary of handling the edges because they seemed delicate. LG's engineers were shooting for "more screen, less panel" in this year's design, successfully making it almost four times thinner than trendy Frame TVs.

The recruitment process for a general product designer role at a tech company includes multiple steps: a recruiter screening call, offline case study review, portfolio presentation, a take-home assignment, a whiteboard challenge, and cultural fit interviews, which can feel extreme.

The colorful plastic enclosure of the G3 iMac, the articulating arm of the G4 and the translucent shell of the G5 each offered a unique intrinsic beauty that was lost when a new design was introduced.

"I wanted to help people who have a spectrum of personal mental health problems."

Today's recycling infrastructure is closely aligned with the waste management system, revealing the need for significant changes to enhance product reuse and recycling processes.

"I was like, 'I'm going to commit to the bit.'"

Empty states, though only seen by a small percentage of users, play a crucial role in enhancing usability and reinforcing a brand's character.

Sometimes, loyalty is simply a result of good old product-market fit. The product does exactly what you need, in a way that's predictable and reliable. You didn't stick around for the cool features or the fancy animations. You stayed because it got the job done.