Co.Design

Ikea reveals the secret to happiness, and it’s not furniture

This is the true story of two strangers, picked to live in a tiny Danish apartment and forced to talk about bookshelves.

We study the UX industry. Here’s what will change in 2020

Most of us have participated in at least one “2020 vision” project at work. Now that 2020 is finally here, it’s time to bring our so-called visions into fruition.

Pantone’s 2020 color of the year is the new black

19-4052. Classic blue.

The first crystal-clear eraser will delight young and old designers alike

The best designer-made holiday cards to send before it’s too late

From handmade craft to architectural brute, these cards are sure to delight the designer in your life.

This gas station was just another abandoned building. Now it’s eye-popping op art

Artist Camille Walala’s influences for the project range from the Southern Ndebele Tribe Women of South Africa to Italy’s Memphis Movement.

Ford and McDonald’s are building car parts together. Wait, what?

Spoiler: It’s not for the cupholder.

Apple’s first music award is perfectly Apple

This polished silicon wafer is a gold record for the 21st century.

This quirky, tilting lamp is built like the human knee

It’s wood. But it bends.

The secret history of women in America, told through their belongings

“Like the second wave feminists who popularized the expression, we believe the personal is political,” writes the historian behind a new book from the Smithsonian.

The Christmas tree industry may be in trouble

The recession, climate change, aging farmers, and changing consumer preferences are all conspiring to transform this niche business. However, there are opportunities for younger farmers to enter the market.

Is your salary high or low for your industry? This gorgeous chart will show you

From art director to architect, this infographic helps shed light on the salaries of more than 800 jobs.

Hate plastic? This holiday gift guide is for you—and your kids

These time-tested presents—that kids will love, and use forever—are also a gift to the planet.

This free tool maps propaganda and misinformation as it goes viral

Meet BotSlayer, an open software that lets anyone identify and stop fake accounts, automated propaganda, and downright lies.

Balenciaga’s first couch is stuffed with old Balenciaga

Now that Ikea has colonized Earth, it’s going after Mars

Ikea sent a designer to live in a research station that mimics a Mars habitat to learn about designing for small spaces. Now, she’s redesigned the station itself.

No one needs another gadget. Try these low-tech, feel-good gifts instead

Let’s be honest: Some of these can be from-me-to-me gifts—no one’s judging.

Forget the tech bubble. Craft coffee is the next boom industry

Coffee startups are racing to expand in a market that will be worth $85 billion by 2025, from creating algorithms to match you with new roasts to redesigning instant coffee.

T-Mobile is suing a company for using magenta. Can it really ‘own’ a color?

From Tiffany blue to UPS brown, the telecom company isn’t alone in trying to protect a particular color as part of its trademark.