The hottest Design Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Codex Accessory Design Contest is LIVE!

The Lunacian • 230 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🔮 Crypto Design
  1. You can create your own accessory design and submit it for a chance to win AXS prizes and have your design featured in The Codex.
  2. To enter, come up with an original idea, name your accessory, and fill out a Google Form by December 11th.
  3. Judges will look for unique designs that fit the Axie universe, and winners might see their designs turned into real items for the game.

⬜ Time-less Japanese notebooks

One Thing • 929 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. Japanese-made Stalogy notebooks are highly regarded for their quality, design, and cultural relevance.
  2. Stalogy notebooks offer a soothing planner experience with undated pages and functional details for easy use.
  3. The Stalogy approach to journaling encourages a sense of mindfulness and ease, allowing users to engage with their thoughts and tasks without pressure.

📷 Ring: boring can be good

First 1000 • 1631 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Boring designs can be effective in getting people to take action.
  2. Sometimes immersive or flashy designs can actually be distracting.
  3. In certain situations, simplicity or 'boring' designs can work better than elaborate ones.
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Robot Auras

Breaking Smart • 43 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Robot auras are a proposal for a machine-native visual affect language that communicates a robot’s internal state without trying to mimic human faces or emotions, making robot behavior more legible and expressive in a non‑biomorphic way.
  2. Mapping internal states to auras is straightforward for simple kinematic variables but modern robots have many stacked states (energy, sensors, learning, world models, planning, etc.), so aura design should triage and map the most useful dimensions into simple, learnable signals.
  3. Entangled auras could serve as a practical safety and coordination layer that complements rules‑based guardrails, allowing humans, animals, and other robots to learn and respond to visible signals, but this will need standards, AR/CAD tooling, and careful color/behavior choices.

A Few Things | January 22

Design Mom • 825 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. Oscar had a surprise American-style high school graduation ceremony in France.
  2. Recent news includes harassment of Uvalde parents, protests in Germany against the Far Right, and the decline of crime and inflation theories.
  3. Shopping recommendations include discounted fashion items and a new skincare product.

Kernel 6 Pitches Now Open!

Reboot • 29 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Kernel issue 6, themed “FEED,” is open for pitches — nonfiction due Feb 20 and creative submissions due Feb 28.
  2. They want sharp, specific work by and for technologists that explores feeding in many senses: data and news feeds, what people and machines consume, supply chains, food cultures, and feedback loops.
  3. All contributions are paid (rates increased), there are stipended roles for editors and illustrators, and they expect original, high-quality pieces rather than tired clichés or low-effort AI work.

A Few Things | January 29

Design Mom • 766 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. The author reflects on the growth and challenges of managing a creative conference over the years.
  2. Alt Summit faced setbacks due to the pandemic, prompting the author to rethink and rebuild the event.
  3. Opportunities for tickets and sponsorships at Alt Summit are highlighted, with an invitation to join the event.

Issue 08 – Bar Soap

Unbox Inbox • 852 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Design
  1. Bar soap can be a fun and thoughtful gift for people who appreciate design and aesthetics.
  2. Bar soap packaging can offer creative ways to engage customers with typography and design.
  3. Bar soap comes in a wide range of shapes, colors, and scents, making it a versatile and creative product to explore.

Odds and Ends (5)

David Friedman’s Substack • 188 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Some stores, like Fry's and Wegman's, are designed as artistic experiences to attract certain types of customers. They create a special atmosphere that makes shopping feel unique and enjoyable.
  2. California has a jungle primary system where all candidates compete against each other, which can give Republican voters a bigger voice since they can influence which Democrat makes it to the general election.
  3. Official advice on things like salt consumption or saturated fats has sometimes been wrong, reminding us to be skeptical of so-called 'truths' promoted by authorities, as they may not always be backed by solid evidence.

Make remotes great again

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Simple, physical remotes feel satisfying because they make actions obvious and immediate — point, press, and the thing responds.
  2. Modern smartphones and apps often hide complexity and demand attention, turning simple tasks into fiddly, opaque experiences.
  3. Dedicated, single-purpose controls would be calmer and more usable, and we’d benefit from more tangible, easy-to-understand interfaces.

ESP32-S3 ZX Spectrum - Update 22-06-2024

Single Board ESP32 ZX Spectrum • 159 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. The creator is grateful for the support shown for the ESP32-S3 ZX Spectrum project, with 432 people signing up for updates.
  2. Progress has been made in applying to platforms like Crowd Supply, developing prototypes with new features, and creating new artwork for the project.
  3. Key questions are addressed about the project, including display options, pricing, support for games, and potential selling platforms.

A reduction in complexity is a reduction in humanity

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 279 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Reducing complexity in data visualization can lead to oversimplifying important human stories. It's essential to remember that simplification can erase important details that affect people's lives.
  2. The history of data visualization is linked to darker aspects of society, like slavery and eugenics. Recognizing this helps us understand the impact of our tools and the stories we choose to tell.
  3. Visualization can be a powerful tool to reveal new insights when used correctly. By learning from the past, we can aim to avoid repeating mistakes and address inequalities.

The Anti-Airbnb-Space

Culture Study • 5104 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. The concept of 'airspace' refers to a trendy design style popular in the past but now considered outdated and replaced by more unique and diverse aesthetics.
  2. The rise of Airbnb has led to a shift in the hospitality industry towards standardized, 'cool' interiors, sometimes at the expense of personal touch and uniqueness in spaces.
  3. Creating a truly comfortable and inviting space goes beyond trendy decor and requires a personal touch that reflects individuality and a sense of being lived in.

Productive procrastination

Austin Kleon • 2957 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Productive procrastination can help you get things done while also allowing you to avoid tasks you might not want to do right away. It's about using your distractions to make progress on other things.
  2. Book design is important and can greatly impact how people perceive a book. Great designs, like those of Carin Goldberg, can become iconic in the literary world.
  3. Enjoying the little moments, like sitting around a fire, can help you focus better and recharge creatively. It's okay to take time for yourself in a busy world.

The Persistence Of A 14th-C. UX

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. A 14th-century book called a girdle book was designed to be carried and read easily, even though it was heavy and unusual for its time. This shows how humans have always needed practical ways to enjoy reading.
  2. The book was made for spiritual reading, likely by a monk, showing how closely books were tied to religious practices back then. Even without fancy pictures, it was meant for deep study.
  3. Despite its age, this old book’s design is still effective and user-friendly today. It illustrates how good ideas in design can last for centuries.

Learning in the Forest

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2032 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Learning should come before production. It's important to focus on what team members need to learn, even if it slows down work at first.
  2. Juniors are still learning, so we shouldn't rush them. It's better to allow them to choose tasks that will help them grow, and to support their learning through pairing with seniors.
  3. Investing time in learning pays off. Gaining skills and knowledge today will help create better projects and more capable engineers in the future.

A Nigerian Tale on the World Stage

Animation Obsessive • 4574 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. The animated film 'Moremi' tells a sci-fi version of the Nigerian Moremi Ajasoro tales, using a unique mix of 2D and 3D animation.
  2. Director Shofela Coker and art director Wian van Bergen collaborated to maintain a visually rich aesthetic, blending Nigerian motifs and traditional painting techniques into the film.
  3. The film's unique visual style was achieved through a custom compositing workflow, blending 3D characters with 2D backgrounds seamlessly, along with incorporating striking neon 2D special effects.

10 menswear brands we're watching in 2024

sprezza • 727 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Design
  1. The list showcases 10 menswear brands to watch in 2024, including established and up-and-coming names.
  2. The brands on the list offer high-quality products, unique storytelling, and top-tier creativity.
  3. Each brand brings something special, like Scandinavian classics, reinterpretation of traditional silhouettes, and innovative designs.

“Best” Practices Ain’t...

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1833 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Not all problems are the same, so don't always rely on 'best practices.' Different types of problems need different approaches.
  2. Using 'best practice' as a catchphrase can be misleading. It can hide someone's lack of confidence or let others avoid taking responsibility.
  3. For simple problems, sure, use 'best practices.' But for more complex issues, think critically and come up with your own solutions instead.

Eight More 8-Bit Era Microprocessors

The Chip Letter • 4368 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Designs that were not commercially successful can still be interesting and hold value for learning.
  2. Intel's 8085 microprocessor, while not a bad design, was overshadowed by Zilog's Z80 due to lack of major improvements.
  3. Signetics 2650 microprocessor faced limitations such as delayed time to market and segmented memory, showing the importance of timely releases and memory efficiency.

Preface to Tidy Together

Software Design: Tidy First? • 552 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Design
  1. Software teams often have different goals and views, which can create challenges in working together. It's important to find ways to connect and collaborate despite these differences.
  2. As a programmer, taking time to tidy up your code can make your work easier in the long run. Small acts of care can lead to better outcomes when working on projects.
  3. Investing in design moments and making an effort to improve your code helps not just you but the whole team. Good practices can enhance teamwork and overall project success.

What the NHS can learn from Dave

Odds and Ends of History • 670 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Branding is important for organizations like the NHS. They need to decide between having a unique identity or one that fits into a larger network.
  2. TV channels often change their look, showing a balance between standing out and fitting in. The BBC and Sky have both done this in their rebranding efforts.
  3. Consistency in branding helps people recognize and connect with a service or product, but sometimes change is needed to stay fresh and relevant.

What Is a Brand?

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 119 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
💼 Business Design
  1. A brand is more than just a logo or a website; it's how a company is perceived by customers. It includes everything about the company, inside and out.
  2. Building a brand involves creating trust and relationships with people. It's about how customers feel when they interact with your business.
  3. Your brand is shaped by how others see you over time. It's important to stand out and leave a memorable impression, as that perception affects your success.

Caterpillar to Butterfly

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1237 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Design
  1. As organizations grow, the need for specialist skills becomes more important. It's not enough to have hobbyists; experts are needed to handle complex tasks.
  2. When specialist teams form, their priorities might clash with client teams' needs. Client teams often want quick fixes, while specialists aim for quality work.
  3. To handle increased requests, organizations should empower client teams to solve their own issues. This self-service approach helps manage workloads and creates better efficiency.

The fabric Nightclub Book Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. The fabric nightclub in London is unique because it has maintained a strong focus on music and guest experience for many years. Many nightclubs chase nightlife trends and greed, but fabric stays true to its roots.
  2. The book about the nightclub captures its rich history and the passion of its community, including famous DJs and emerging artists. It highlights how important these connections are to the club's identity.
  3. Hospitality is essential for a great night out. At fabric, every detail, from security to coat checks, is handled carefully to create a welcoming experience where guests feel safe and taken care of.

Sir Elton, Props from The Crown and the Emperor's Crab

Dearest • 530 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Design
  1. A 1855 gold, enamel, and hardstone vase depicting a Greek mythological story is up for auction at Sotheby's for $1.8-2.5 million
  2. An antique 16th-century Paduan crab desk ornament with intriguing imperial Habsburg provenance is being sold at Sotheby's for $25,000-35,000
  3. The collection of Sir Elton John, including unique items like rocket cufflinks and a wish-granting sand-fairy lighter, will be auctioned off at Christie's with diverse pieces from jewelry to photography

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #175

Creative Destruction • 34 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. The future feels closed and nostalgia rises because dominant narratives narrow what futures we can imagine, so we need to spot and widen the cracks that let new visions emerge.
  2. Game-theory and optimization logic drive many systems and tools today, crowding out cooperation and authenticity. That pressure also creates “reverse centaurs” where humans become appendages to machines instead of being truly augmented.
  3. Better paths exist: slow down consumption and shift from consuming to expressing, rebuild shared stories that organize attention and design, and use AI selectively for closed problems while keeping humans in creative, open-ended roles.

what we talk about when we talk about taste

bookbear express • 1739 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Taste is a personal expression, influenced by our unique experiences and thoughts. It's important to focus on what feels true to us rather than just following trends.
  2. To develop a genuine sense of style or taste, we need to look inward. Buying what's popular or expensive doesn't always lead to true self-expression.
  3. Creativity often comes from valuing low-status or less popular ideas. Being an artist means focusing on what you love, even if it's different from what others appreciate.

What was Blackbird Spyplane?

Blackbird Spyplane • 2038 implied HN points • 09 May 23
🎭️ Culture Design
  1. Blackbird Spyplane turned 3 years old this week and celebrated with its enlightened readers.
  2. The newsletter focused on spotting cool things, maintaining a strong moral compass, and avoiding consumerism.
  3. Blackbird Spyplane provided cultural insights, engaged with famous individuals, and promoted positivity.

Jawn Ramachandra

Blackbird Spyplane • 599 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Design
  1. Blackbird Spyplane offers various fashion and lifestyle recommendations through their posts.
  2. They have a selection of unique, single-craftsman made clothing items and accessories available for purchase.
  3. The website also features an electronic music playlist curated by Studio Nicholson.

The shirt of the year

Blackbird Spyplane • 1598 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🪞 Fashion & Beauty Design
  1. The shirt of the year is a roomy, vertical-stripe button-up that is currently on trend and in high demand.
  2. Keith Henry, a self-taught designer, creates clothes entirely by himself under the name Henry's, known for high-craft jumbo jeans and small-run pieces.
  3. Keith Henry sells his clothes through limited drops, values creative control, and finds inspiration in old army clothing to create unique, well-crafted designs.