Features

We delve into the design industry with longer reads, exclusive interviews, opinion pieces and reviews.

In-house teams: how Nothing is hoping to build an ecosystem to rival Apple

Nothing’s design director Adam Bates discusses the company’s ambitions, managing teams across China and Sweden.

How designers are helping gardening brands grow new audiences

As gardening booms in popularity with a new generation, design studios are tapping into interior trends and heritage to reach new enthusiasts.

Designing virtual fashion models: the good, bad and (intentionally) “ugly”

As fashion brands embrace virtual models and influencers, Checkland Kindleysides principal creative Becky Phillips considers the opportunities and pitfalls of the technology.

Design inspiration: our favourite projects from June

From a series of hip-hop stamps to recycled mezcal packaging, take a look at recent highlights from the world of design.

Glastonbury’s Shangri-La designed to show that “people power is possible”

Using VR technology and found materials, this year’s Shangri-La hopes to highlight the power of community, explains creative director Kaye Dunnings.

“It was a strange moment in time”: Wolff Olins on London 2012 ten years later

Wolff Olins global CEO Sairah Ashman discusses the design process, backlash and legacy of the London 2012 Olympics brand on its tenth anniversary.

Design inspiration: our favourite projects from May

Minigolf, Mogwai, and magazines dedicated to letters are some of the past month’s design stand-outs.

How the Pride flag was designed

Now ubiquitous, the rainbow flag once looked quite different – though it’s always had the ambitions of the LGBT community at its heart.

How is the cost of living crisis impacting designers?

As inflation soars, we speak to designers about how current living conditions are affecting their work and practice.

“Genuine, unfeigned spontaneity”: exploring Jean Jullien’s portfolio

In this excerpt from Jean Jullien’s debut monograph, Raphaël Cruyt explores the illustrator’s “rough-and-ready” drawing and satirical edge.

Remembering Colin Forbes: graphic designer and Pentagram co-founder

We look back on the life of British designer Colin Forbes, who worked on branding for D&AD and Nissan and helped to establish Pentagram.

Picks of the month: design events to catch in June

Among our highlights for the month are Birmingham Design Festival and Salone del Mobile, and a talk about magazine design.

Interiors inspiration: Design Week’s recent stand-outs from the hospitality sector

From an orbital-inspired bar to a restaurant-club hybrid space, these hospitality projects have caught our attention lately.

How the Elizabeth line was designed

The inside track of everything you need to know about the new railway, from temperature-controlled train carriages to a regal visual identity.

Could musical instruments be reimagined to make them more accessible?

Design Partners researcher Anusia Grennell shares insight into the world of musical instrument design and tips on establishing a more inclusive approach.

Picks of the month: design events to catch in May

Both London Craft Week and Clerkenwell Design Week kick off this month, while a design podcast returns with a space focus.

Design inspiration: our favourite projects from April

Some recent stand-outs from the design world include identity work for the V&A’s menswear exhibition and a showcase of female type designers.

Behind the veil: Tom Lloyd on why VR tech needs a rethink

Pearson Lloyd’s Tom Lloyd considers why the metaverse is offputting for many and how the barriers to entry might be lowered.

Are too many apps for children “dangerous by design?”

Big Motive content designer Rachel Orr looks at where the dangers are and shares tips for designers on how to design digital services which help protect children.