Co.Design

20 years ago, the world as we know it was born

On the twentieth anniversary of Y2K, here’s what the people behind the era’s most influential products have to say about design in the third millennium.

Americans are moving less and less—and it could dramatically reshape society

The internet, the economy, and the housing market are driving a major decline in moving—a trend that may reshape communities over the coming decades.

This is the world’s most satisfying, or infuriating, clock

This indigenous design is being returned after a century away

The pottery, by New Mexico’s Tewa people, is part of the National Museum of the American Indian. Now, it’s being brought back to the region for the first time.

This airline is replacing millions of single-use cups with tasty edible ones

Air New Zealand’s new coffee cups are tastier than actual airplane food.

Skip pointless presents and give the gift of useful design

This year, designers created beautiful, problem-solving products for every room of the home. There’s something here for everyone on your list.

This $895 jacket is designed to help you sleep on long-haul flights

“We wanted zipping the Deep Sleep Cocoon up on a plane flight to be like hanging up a Do Not Disturb sign. Bright lights disappear. Everything gets quieter. And people leave you alone.”

50 designers reinvent the Christmas tree ornament

The designs are being auctioned off to benefit an organization that promotes underrepresented groups in creative fields.

Retailers are selling $60 cords for Apple’s wireless Airpods

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.