Check out all the recommended books, films, and more.

After decades of design neglect, the next wave of solar gear finally gets a blast of style.

After decades of design neglect, the next wave of solar gear finally gets a blast of style.

Uncivilized behavior is on the rise in our culture and it might be all design's fault.

Companies often come to us wanting to understand the secret to becoming "design-driven." Here it is.

Now that I have your attention with that bit of blasphemy in the title, let me explain.

Grilling season is nigh upon us, which means it's a sad time in New York. Like many big cities with high rents and hyper-vigilant fire codes, balconies where a burger-craving apartment dweller could set up a little grill are in short supply. At least in my neighborhood.

Recently, at a conference reception (think wine and cubes of cheese), a well-known and influential member of the academic community said to me: "Design strategy is far too important to be left to designers." What a pile of crap, I think. I am pissed, but in a moment of cowardice, I sip my wine, chew my pepper jack, and slink off to lighter conversation. If only I were able to channel Clint Eastwood at will.