More links for July. Enjoy!
Niche product design
An interesting look at the rich and authentic design that exists within small niches, and how growth jeopardises this through the need to reach more people and thus become more general (and boring).
Why The Smartest People I Know Set Constraints, Not Goals
I've quite enjoyed Joan Westenberg's new blog/essays/platform thing. Lots of bite-sized but meaty topics to think about. This video talks about how setting constraints can actually be more liberating, and more fruitful, than setting a goal. A variation of "Hell is an open brief." (can't remember/find the actual quote).
Slow looking is your ticket to deeper insights, better writing and quieter skies
Look at your fish.
Pen and paper are superior to your AI bullshit.
I love a good tirade. While I agree with Maaike on most things in here, I really want to reinforce how pen and paper is superior to many things we often use a computer for now. Yes, that especially goes for sketching and concept development.
Tracking things is awesome. If you analyze it afterwards.
This person's commitment to tracking their life is next level. Which is fine if you actually go back and look at it, and gain some kind of insight. Contrary to this, I've actually dumped my Strava and my Garmin watch and don't track my rides at all any more. I'm much happier just going out and riding, and not worrying about recording it all. There's enough of that going on around us as it is.
The rise of Whatever
A fantastic article about how hype drives the stock market, and why what the hype is about is actually irrelevant. My favourite quote: ""Content" is what marketers call the stuff that goes around the ads.".
The Art of Hanakami, or Flower-Petal Folding
Flower petal origami.
Why a Maximum Viable Promise Beats an MVP
Another great piece from Joan Westenberg. Unfortunately it's behind an signup-wall, even though the article is free to read apparently. How the power of story-telling propels a project forward. Worth reading for anyone in or considering a startup.
Common JST Connector Types
An EE mate of mine sent me this when I asked him to help me identify a JST connector. Anything you could want to know about different JST connectors and their uses.
Frame of preference
A history of Mac settings panels. With emulators!
The Everywhere Chair
Why the Tolix Chaise A is just about everywhere. The deepest dive you've ever seen on a single chair design. Worth a read if you love, well, chairs.
