With Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eaterarriving in August, there's no better time than now to catch up on the series if you haven't already. To help entice you to jump in, Amazon currently has the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Volume 1 on sale for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

Hi, I've got hot reloading working for quite some time now, including serializing before and deserializing after so that the state remains the same. Sadly, this stopped working after I introduced shared entities.According to the manual:Shared script entities will not be recompiled if some module or existing object (i

Armor is your primary means of staying safe (and stylish!) in Assassins Creed Shadows.Youll expand both Naoes and Yasukes wardrobes as you play, through a mix of natural main story progression and exploration. Each armor piece can improve each characters health and other stats, while some also feature powerful passive perks. As such, its worth tracking down as much armor as you can.In this in-progress Assassins Creed Shadows guide, well detail every armor piece weve found so far and explain how to get them.Update (March 25): Weve added additional armor locations.Armor list in Assassins Creed ShadowsThere are two armor types in Assassins Creed Shadows: head armor and body armor. And each character Naoe or Yasuke has their own unique armor sets.Although you can find plenty of armor in randomized loot boxes, some armor pieces are linked to specific locations. This is the case for all armor of legendary rarity, which is usually found within large castles, but also for some epic and even uncommon armor pieces. Those armor pieces tend to have additional perks beyond their base stats.Each armor piece will boost Naoes or Yasukes health and critical hit damage. These stat boosts scale with the armor pieces level, and new armor that you find scales alongside your level.Also, once youve unlocked a piece of armor, you permanently unlock it as an option for visual customization. No need to hold onto it you can sell for mon or dismantle for resources with abandon.In the table below, see an overview of all armor in Assassins Creed Shadows weve found so far. Note that some armor (typically of higher rarity levels) is a reward from a fixed location or mission. In those cases, weve noted the province you get it in. In other cases, where armor drops as randomized loot, weve simply marked the province as N/A.Item nameArmor typeCharacterProvincePerksAdoaisho Snake HoodHeadNaoeN/AN/AAodaisho Snake RobesBodyNaoeN/AN/AArmor of the SamuraiBodyYasukeN/AN/ADefense Master ClothingBodyYasukeHarimaRestore 10% health on the next hit after a parry.Defense Master HeadwrapHeadYasukeHarimaInstantly charge posture attacks by alternating attack types.Defense Warrior HeadwrapHeadYasukeN/AN/ADisguised Servant HatHeadNaoeN/AN/AElegant Samurai OutfitBodyYasukeYamatoOffers +20% posture damage per adrenaline chunk filled.First Mates GearBodyYasukeN/AN/AGhost-Walker RobesBodyNaoeN/AN/AHelmet of the SamuraiHeadYasukeN/AN/AHibikis GearBodyNaoeYamashiroRestore 3% health on critical hits.Last Dance of the Onryo MaskHeadNaoeWakasaRestore 5% health on the next hit after using abilities.Legendary Onna-Musha HeadbandHeadNaoeYamatoVault over enemies while sprinting.Legendary Onna-Musha KosodeBodyNaoeYamatoKnock down enemies by sliding into them.Mamushi Snake HoodHeadNaoeOmiGrants 33% less cooldown on ally abilities.Mamushi Snake RobesBodyNaoeOmiDead bodies release a poison cloud when investigated.Master Archer HeadbandHeadYasukeWakasaSlow down time on headshots every 8 seconds.Master Archer OutfitBodyYasukeWakasaOffers +200% damage with ranged weapons while out of combat.Naoes RobesBodyNaoeN/AN/APeasant ClothesBodyNaoeIzumi SettsuAttacks have a 3% chance to remove 1 health segment on hit.Peasant HatHeadNaoeIzumi SettsuGrants +100% adrenaline chunk upon entering combat.Protector Onna-Musha HeadbandHeadNaoeN/AN/AProtector Onna-Musha KosodeBodyNaoeN/AN/AProtectors ArmorBodyYasukeYamashiroCan parry unblockable attacks.Protectors HelmetHeadYasukeYamashiroDeal 50% damage to the attacker on parry.Ragged Peasant ClothesBodyNaoeN/AN/ARagged Peasant HatHeadNaoeN/AN/ASamurai Daimyo Armor of LegendBodyYasukeHarimaOffers +75% damage but limits health to 25%.Ship Captains GearBodyYasukeOmiGrants a 50% chance to negate projectiles.Shrouded Shinobi HoodHeadNaoeIzumi SettsuN/AShrouded Shinobi RobesBodyNaoeIzumi Settsu +20% damage at nightSilent Shinobi HoodHeadNaoeN/ARemoves +1 health segment on assassinations at nightSilent Shinobi RobesBodyNaoeN/AN/ASumires GearBodyNaoeOmiRestore 6% health with posture attack.Sumires HoodHeadNaoeYamatoGrants +15% critical chance with consecutive enemy kills.Swift Shinobi HoodHeadNaoeIgaSlow down time when detected.Swift Shinobi RobesBodyNaoeIgaRemoves +2 health segments on air assassinate.Tamakichis GearBodyNaoeWakasaGrants +25% damage reduction from ranged hits.Tamakichis HoodHeadNaoeIzumi SettsuGrants a 15% chance to refill a ration after armor break.Tools Apprentice MaskHeadNaoeN/AN/ATools Master GearBodyNaoeIzumi SettsuThrow a kunai at the closest enemy after an assassination.Tools Master MaskHeadNaoeIzumi SettsuShuriken no longer break on hard impact.Tools Specialist GearBodyNaoeN/AN/ATools Specialist MaskHeadNaoeN/AN/AWarrior Onna-Musha HeadbandHeadNaoeN/AN/AWorn Peasant ClothesBodyNaoeN/AN/AYu-no-shins GearBodyNaoeIgaGrants +40% posture damage on next hit after using a ration.Yurei-Walker HoodHeadNaoeYamashiroRemoves +2 health segments on assassinations in shadows.Yurei-Walker RobesBodyNaoeYamashiroEnemies are less efficient at detecting sound.Below, well show you where to find and how to get all fixed armor drops in Assassins Creed Shadows, broken up by province and generally in the order in which you go through these provinces in the main story.Note that this guide is in-progress, and well update it as we find more armor pieces in Assassins Creed Shadows.How to get legendary armor in Assassins Creed ShadowsBeware that most legendary armor is hidden away in castles defended by Samurai Daisho. The armor is always stashed in a legendary chest, but this chest wont open until you defeat the required number of Samurai Daisho (between one and five per castle). Youll earn mastery points as you defeat them, though.Look at the picture above to see what a Samurai Daisho looks like theyre usually the toughest guys around, so be prepared for an intense fight! (Alternatively, you can turn on the guaranteed assassinations setting and sneak up on them as Naoe.)Izumi Settsu armor locationsHeres an overview of all armor locations in Izumi Settsu. This is where youre really let loose into the open world of Assassins Creed Shadows, so this region is the perfect place to loot your first legendary armor.Shrouded Shinobi RobesCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): +20% damage at nightThese robes are a reward for the Fatherless Monk quest, which takes place in the Gansenji Temple, south of Sakai. This is an Onryo quest, the first of the Wada Koretake objectives.Shrouded Shinobi HoodCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): +1 health segment removed on assassinations at nightThis uncommon headgear piece is a reward for the Killing Field quest. Defeat the executioner in Nanatsumatsu, a small camp just west of Amagasaki Castle.Peasant ClothesCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Attacks have a 3% chance to remove 1 health segment on hit.This legendary armor is inside the large chest at the top of Osaka Castle its the highest floor of the highest tower, just below the viewpoint. You must defeat three Samurai Daisho in Osaka Castle to unlock the legendary chest containing the legendary Peasant Clothes.Peasant HatCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Grants +100% adrenaline chunk upon entering combat.Go to Takatsuki Castle in the northern part of Izumi Settsu. After defeating three Samurai Daisho, look for the legendary chest on the second-highest floor of the tallest building. Its in the northeastern corner of the castle, below the viewpoint.Tools Master GearCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Throw a kunai at the closest enemy after an assassination.This legendary armor is located at Katano Castle. First, defeat two Samurai Daisho, then enter the largest building in the southwestern corner, directly below the viewpoint. Go to the second floor (one level above ground floor) and open the large chest in the decorated room.Tools Master MaskCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Shuriken no longer break on hard impact.This legendary armor is located in Amagasaki Castle, which is northwest of Osaka. The armor chest is on the top floor of the highest tower. You will find this tower in the northeastern corner of the middle section of the castle (cross the water twice). You must defeat five Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest.Tamakichis HoodCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Grants a 15% chance to refill a ration after armor break.This epic headgear piece is quite well-hidden. Go to the Senri Hills north of Amagasaki and Osaka, and find the Path of Valor Hidden Trail. The start of the Hidden Trail is next to the viewpoint in this area, marked with two yellow flags. Complete the full run and you will find the chest with Tamakichis Hood at the end. Beware that its quite long, but you wont easily lose your way if you follow the yellow markings.Yamashiro armor locationsHeres an overview of all armor locations in the Yamashiro region, north of Izumi Settsu and home to Kyoto. You can find one legendary outfit for each protagonist here.Yurei-Walker RobesCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Enemies are less efficient at detecting sound.This part of the Yurei-Walker armor set is inside Shoryuji Castle, in the southwestern part of Yamashiro (just north of Yamazaki Castle). Its hidden in the legendary chest on the second-highest floor of the tallest building, which youll find at the center of the fortress. Beware that its guarded by two enemies, and dont forget to defeat three Samurai Daisho to unlock it.Yurei-Walker HoodCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Removes +2 health segments on assassinations in shadows.This legendary headgear is located at Yamazaki Castle, in the southwestern part of Yamashiro. Its inside the legendary chest on the second-highest floor of the tallest building (below the viewpoint), which stands in the southwestern part of the castle. You must defeat five Samurai Daisho to unlock the chest.Protectors ArmorCharacter: YasukeType: BodyPerk(s): Can parry unblockable attacks.This golden body armor is found in Nijo Palace, in the middle of Kyoto look for the large square fortress surrounded by water. Defeat two Samurai Daisho, then find the tallest building in the southernmost part of Nijo Palace and go to the highest floor. The legendary chest will be waiting there.Protectors HelmetCharacter: YasukeType: HeadPerk(s): Deal 50% damage to the attacker on parry.This legendary helmet is located in Hanazono Castle, a fortress in the northeastern part of Yamashiro. This time, the chest isnt located directly below the viewpoint; defeat two Samurai Daisho, then go to the highest floor of the large, half-destroyed building in the east, where youll find the chest. Look closely at the picture with the arrow; its taken from the direction of the teleport viewpoint.Hibikis GearCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Restore 3% health on critical hits.To obtain this epic armor, visit the mountainous area in the southwestern corner of Yamashiro, south of Kyoto and west of Ogura Pond. Follow the road to the heart of the Eagles Nest, where you will discover the Path of the Brave Hidden Trail. Complete the full course (follow the yellow markings, starting with the yellow flags) and you will find the chest with the epic armor at the end.Omi armor locationsThese are all the legendary armor pieces weve found in Omi, the northwestern region characterized by its sizable Lake Biwa.Ship Captains GearCharacter: YasukeType: BodyPerk(s): Grants a 50% chance to negate projectiles.This legendary armor piece for Yasuke can be found in Sakamoto Castle, on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa. You must defeat three Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary gear chest in the tallest tower (below the viewpoint, about halfway up). To find them, search the western part, the armory.Mamushi Snake RobesCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Dead bodies release a poison cloud when investigated.This legendary shinobi gear is waiting for you in Nagahama Castle, on the northeastern shore of Lake Biwa. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, which is located in the tallest tower (below the viewpoint), about halfway up.Mamushi Snake HoodCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Grants 33% less cooldown on ally abilities.Find this legendary hood in Omizo Castle, on the western shore of Lake Biwa (further north than Sakamoto). You must defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest. Beware that the chest is not in the tallest building but on the ground, west of the tower. Its still within the castles inner square.Sumires GearCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Restore 6% health with posture attack.To obtain this epic headgear, you must complete the Path of the Blade Hidden Trail. Youll find this course along the river in Suzuka Foothills, northeast of Azuchi. The start of the obstacle course is marked with a lantern, a yellow flag, and yellow paint. Keep following the yellow markings to reach the finish and find the legendary chest.Iga armor locationsHeres an overview of all legendary armor and unique armor locations in Iga, the region where you play through Naoes flashbacks via Kuji-kiri meditation spots. Youll find this relatively small province on the east side of the Assassins Creed Shadows map.Swift Shinobi RobesCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Removes +2 health segments on air assassinate.This shinobi body armor is hidden inside Hijiyama Fort, in the northwestern part of Iga. Be sure to defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, and then find the chest in the lower building in front of the tower with the viewpoint.Swift Shinobi HoodCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Slow down time when detected.This legendary hood is found in Kunimiyama Fort, the eastern part of Ichinomiya. This time, you only need to defeat one Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest. Beware, however, that navigating this fortress is half the challenge; there are only a few ways to get inside, and if you fall down from a wall or bridge, youll have to sneak in again. Theres a wooden platform you can use on the east side of the fort. The legendary chest is in the wooden watchtower in the north, ground floor.Yu-no-shins GearCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Grants +40% posture damage on next hit after using a ration.You must complete the Path of Shadows Hidden Trail to obtain this epic shinobi armor. The challenge starts in southern Iga follow the path alongside the river to find it. During the challenge, follow the yellow marks (flags and paint) to reach the finish line, where a chest with your brand-new armor awaits.Harima armor locationsThese are all the legendary armor pieces found in Harima, the western region bordering on Izumi Settsu. There are many castles in this region, but not all of them offer unique armor. Heres where to find the ones that do.Samurai Daimyo Armor of LegendCharacter: YasukeType: BodyPerk(s): Offers +75% damage but limits health to 25%.This legendary samurai armor is locked away inside Kanki Castle, at the heart of Harima. You must defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, and then find this chest in a damaged building on the west side of the castle grounds. Theres no main building or viewpoint in Kanki Castle, but look for the tallest tree (one of them is noticeably taller than the others) and then the building directly next to it, with the crumbled wall. The legendary chest is inside.Defense Master ClothingCharacter: YasukeType: BodyPerk(s): Restore 10% health on the next hit after a parry.This part of Yasukes legendary armor collection can be found in Himeji Castle, in the southwestern part of Harima. Beware that youll have to defeat five Samurai Daisho in this large and heavily guarded place. One of them will be waiting on the top floor of the largest building (below the viewpoint). The legendary chest with the gear is located in the same building, but a few floors below.Defense Master HeadwrapCharacter: YasukeType: HeadPerk(s): Instantly charge posture attacks by alternating attack types.To obtain this legendary samurai headgear, you must infiltrate Miki Castle in the eastern part of Harima. Defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest, which youll find in the castles inner square. Enter the ordinary-looking building exactly below the castles map icon.Yamato armor locationsBetween the regions of Izumi Settsu and Iga, youll find a far more dangerous province called Yamato. Heres an overview of all legendary and unique armor locations in this province.Legendary Onna-Musha KosodeCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Knock down enemies by sliding into them.This legendary shinobi armor is kept inside Uda Matsuyama Castle, northeastern Yamato. The legendary chest with the loot is on the ground floor of the tallest tower, below the viewpoint. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock this chest.Legendary Onna-Musha HeadbandCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Vault over enemies while sprinting.To obtain this legendary shinobi headgear, pay a visit to Koriyama Castle, in northwestern Yamato. The legendary chest with the loot is on the top floor of the tallest building, below the viewpoint. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock this chest.Sumires HoodCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Grants +15% critical chance with consecutive enemy kills.First, find the Path of Secrets obstacle course in eastern Yamato, near Katsuragi. Complete the course (follow the yellow markings) to find the legendary chest containing the armor.Elegant Samurai OutfitCharacter: YasukeType: BodyPerk(s): Offers +20% posture damage per adrenaline chunk filled.This fancy samurai outfit is very easy to miss as its hidden in the Megalithic Vault, a tomb in northern Yamato. Clear the tomb using Yasuke (Naoe cant move the wooden crates) and youll find the legendary chest with the armor at the end.Wakasa armor locationsThe northern province of Wakasa is not only blessed with an epic coastline, but also epic armor. Heres an overview of all legendary and unique armor locations in Wakasa.Master Archer OutfitCharacter: YasukeType: BodyPerk(s): Offers +200% damage with ranged weapons while out of combat.This legendary samurai fit is waiting for you in Tsuruga Castle, in the northern part of Wakasa. Youve got to defeat two Samurai Daisho to unlock a chest containing the armor. The chest is in the northern corner of the castle, inside an ordinary-looking building on the square with all the bamboo.Master Archer HeadbandCharacter: YasukeType: HeadPerk(s): Slow down time on headshots every 8 seconds.This legendary headband can be looted from Kanegasaki Castle, in the northernmost part of Wakasa. You must defeat four Samurai Daisho to unlock the legendary chest and grab the armor. Beware that this castle is much larger than it looks; explore all three areas (connected by bridges) to find enough Samurai Daisho. The chest with the armor is in the middle part, below the castle icon on the map. Enter the small building between the two watchtowers to find it.Tamakichis GearCharacter: NaoeType: BodyPerk(s): Grants +25% damage reduction from ranged hits.If youd like to get this epic armor, you must complete the Path of Wisdom obstacle course in the northern part of Wakasa, west of Mount Uchinakao. Follow the yellow markings (flags and paint) to complete the course. The legendary chest containing the armor will be waiting at the finish line.Last Dance of the Onryo MaskCharacter: NaoeType: HeadPerk(s): Restore 5% health on the next hit after using abilities.This legendary headgear is difficult to find, as its hidden inside a cave. See the city of Obama in Wakasa? If you follow the road south along the coastline, you will find the Yaobikuni Cave on your left hand (it will be marked on your map when youre close enough). Defeat the enemy inside the cave and loot the chest to obtain the mask.Check back soon for more armor locations in Assassins Creed Shadows.In the meantime, for more Assassins Creed Shadows guides, see our running lists of Lost Pages and Kuji-kiri locations. Or see our full Assassins Creed Shadows walkthrough, and our guides on how to get all companions and romance options.

Tranq bombs are a hunting item in Monster Hunter Wilds that allow you to capture monsters instead of killing them.Monster Hunter Wilds gives hunters the option to capture monsters without killing them. For certain quests, like New Ecosystems, the game requires you to catch a monster instead of slaying it. To learn how to use tranq bombs to trap a monster, check out our full guide on how to capture monsters. This guide will go over how to get tranq bombs in Monster Hunter Wilds.How to get tranq bombs in Monster Hunter WildsThe best way to get tranq bombs in Monster Hunter Wilds is to craft them, which is available right from the start of the game. Because of this, all you need to do is get the right items to craft it. The recipe to make one tranq bomb requires one sleep herb and one parashroom.We found sleep herb and parashroom in both Windward Plains and the Scarlet Forest. You can find each of these ingredients by scanning your map when in either region. The sleep herbs are marked with a plant-like icon thats light blue and parashrooms are marked by a yellow mushroom icon. You can see examples of the icons below. Once you have the needed items, here is how you craft tranq bombs: Open the pause screen and select the Crafting List option under the Items & Equipment page. Tab over to the page labeled Traps/Offense and scroll through the list of craftable items until you see Tranq Bomb. (It is labeled item number 46 and was on the third page of items in our menu.) Scroll down and select the tranq bomb option. Confirm you want to craft the bombs and youll have your items!OurMonster Hunter Wildsguides can outline your progress with ourmain story walkthroughandmonster listahead of reachingHigh Rank, help you settle on an armament with ourweapons listandbest weaponsexplainers, and show you how to getores,bones, andmonster tails.

Theres no view from nowhere: embracing our humanity as design expertise.Last week, I listened to Keke Palmers podcast episode called Couples Therapy, Narcissism, and Open Relationships with Dr. Orna Guralnik. When Dr. Orna went off about the evolution of psychotherapy, I couldnt help but say to myself, this is what designneeds.Keke Palmer with Dr. OrnaGuralnikWhile Im a firm believer in therapy, Im even more passionate about connecting themes from diverse disciplineslike therapyto design thinking. My thesis last year was entitled Maybe Were Creative: What I Learned about Co-creation in Design by Dancing with My Dad. When Im designing, which is almost always, I bring my perspectives from business, social service work, community arts, and other lived experiences, like dance, into my practice. These perspectives dont just inform my work; they expandit.Experiences that shape who I am adesignerFeeling the connections between the experiences that shape how I practice design comes as naturally as breathing to me. This is also why existing in the domain can sometimes feel incredibly frustrating.In Design Journeys Through Complex Systems, Peter Jones and Kristel Van Ael (2022)write,Designers, social innovators, and business leaders are now called to address transformational challenges for which we have no relevant academic or practice training these challenges are fascinating, but not quite welcome.The challenges were facing have only become more complex since 2022. However, Id argue that we have always had relevant training; we just arent taught to look inward to find it, at least not in traditional institutional spaces.Relevant training is everywhere. Yet, Im often met with resistance when I suggest designers integrate knowledge from outside traditional design methodologies, specifically our lived experiences. I wonder if this resistance might come from the fear of losing our expert status, of being taken off of our design pedestals, when we decentralize expertise in this way. Scholar Sasha Costanza-Chock, author of Design Justice: Community-Led Practices to Build the Worlds We Need, also argues that dominant design practices reinforce existing hierarchies of knowledge and advocates for the redistribution of power in herwork.Image by Tamra Carhart capturing a Design Justice workshop co-led by Costanza-Chock.My approach is aligned with work in design justice and participatory design, focusing on collaborative meaning-making. By embracing this approach, we move beyond extractive design practices and towards co-creation, where a range of knowledge can be shared and valued rather than singularly imposed. All of this might sound similar to the verbiage around human-centred design, but the gap Im witnessing isnt in verbiage, its in practice and applicagtion. Designers are really good at talking about inclusive theories but in application and follow-through we, as a discipline, still uphold traditional, extractive, designer-as-expert foundations underneath the tools weuse.Similarly, Lilly Irani, in her critique of human-centred design, notes that though there is an increasing emphasis on empathy in design practice, human-centred design still privileges the designer as the central problem solver and the participants are assigned roles such as consumers. A human-centred appraoch is insufficient when the basis of the approach has not been reorganized and power re-distributed. Whether in consulting or teaching, despite efforts towards participatory research and co-design, ultimately, designers tend to defer to expert tools almost exclusively to solve complex problems, desiring clear-cut answersanswers they can trust. Furthermore, lately, trust has been increasingly placed in AI. But the question remains: what are we sacrificing when we outsource our inquiries to systems that, by design, distance us from ourselves?Trust, design, and the search foranswersLatanya Sweeny for On Being with KristaTippettIn the On Being episode On Shaping Technology to Human Purpose, Latanya Sweeney, founder of Harvards Public Interest Tech Lab,asks:Our need for a north star around truth is just fundamental to democracy. We cant really survive if all of us come to a table with completely different belief systems and [are] not even able to find a common fact that we agree onhow do we build trust atscale?Individual desires for universal truths and the reality of our mixed lived experiences will constantly be at odds and challenge designers everywhere. We often assume trust should be placed in external systemsresearch methods, industry best practices, and AI-generated insights to simplify and neatly categorize those mixed lived experiences. However, Ive noticed that using current research methods and tools facilitates an erasure of complexity more than a simplification or generalization attempting to capture complexity. But I find collectively, designer or otherwise, our most harmful behaviour isnt our desire for simplicity; its the assumption that someone else, somewhere elsesome expertholds the answers we seek rather than ourselves or the people we designwith.When we rely on unquestioned authorities, we risk diminishing not only our agency as designers and as human beings but also our multi-faceted existence. Im tired of hearing about the world becoming more polarized when the reality is that, specifically, rhetoric and media are increasingly polarizing. Humans have and will remain complex within polarized political and economic systems that simply dont capture our lived realities. The tension between us and these systems is increasing, but we are by no means polarized by nature. Designing with tools that dont capture this multi-facetedness only increases thistension.Designer-as-human: moving beyond objectivityDesign thinking is often framed as a problem-solving process guiding practitioners toward optimal solutions to complex problems. But foundationally, how do our tools define the complex issue, and what are optimal solutions? Even in participatory sessions, whose knowledge is privileged? Furthermore, does the end solution adequately capture the participation?Rather than positioning the designer as a neutral expert, I argue for Designer-as-Humanan approach that embraces subjectivity, uncertainty, and relational knowledge. This shifts the focus from mastering frameworks to cultivating self-reflection and trust in ourselves, our collaborators, and the communities we designwith.Dr. Orna describes her therapeutic approach as relational and interpersonalthe therapist is not an all-knowing authority but an active participant in the room. Similarly, designers are never separate actors in the design process. Yet, in professional practice, we act as if we can remove ourselves and act as third-party facilitatorsleaving the organizations we touch without a trace other than a brief, as if expertise requires distance and objectivity.Work in progress journey map comparing traditional human centred design and designer-as-human designI ask, what if acknowledging our own humanity sharpened our expertise rather than discredited it?Lived Experience Cartography: A tool for relational designI do believe in healthy boundaries in professional settings, but I do not think that complete dissociation is necessary or possible for design to take place. Furthermore, attempting to compartmentalize ourselves weakens our designs and the future of design thinking practice.Years ago, when I was working in a non-profit, I learned that one in three people will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime. Historically, I thought that I had to be working at a non-profit to be of service to humans. But I remember this statistic being a light-bulb moment for me. If one in three people have these experiences, then every workplace with more than three people working needs some sort of trauma-informed care. Complex lived experiences rooted in our humanity are the reality of our workplaces, educational environments, and communities, and by denying the existence of their overlap in ourselves and our designs, we are missing vital pieces of how to build truly life-centred, adaptive, flexible, and caringsystems.Choreographer Twyla Tharp (2006) in The Creative Habit writes that anything a person creates will reflect ten items: ambition, body, goals, passions, memories, prejudices, distractions, fears, ideas, and needs. These ten items shape a persons life by how theyve learned to channel their experiences into them. Tharp says when she walks into a room, she is alone, but with these tenthings.Work-in-progress developing Lived Experience Cartography using inspiration fromTharpI saw parallels between these ten items and the evolution of my thesis research. I used the spirit of Tharps interpretation of expression as inspiration for coding 14 in-depth participant interviews and the three-month autoethnographic reflective dance study and reflection practice with my dad. Some of Tharps items fit into larger themes from the interviews, and conversely, some of the interview themes fit into Tharps items. The result was a visual, conceptual framework: Lived Experience Cartography.This preliminary framework is more than just a checklist. Its built to be nuanced and ever-changing to help individuals and teams reflect, visualize their experiences, and engage more deeply with others. It slows down conventional design processes, making space for relational engagement and acknowledging diverse lived realities. This framework is currently being tested in a workshop setting to develop an iteration of an interactive prototype.Preliminary framework of Lived Experience CartographyAt the core of this model are collective Ideas, Needs, and Fearsaspects of self that are most immediately visible in collective settings. Surrounding them is an outer layer of individual lived experiences, including memory, identity, translation, future, collaboration, environment, and measure. These shape how we see and participate in the world. As lived experiences change, so does how we relate to each section. The model contents will constantly be changing in relationship to the rest of its parts, and instead of being static and controllable, its movement is what were made awareof.Two key reflection questions guide theprocess:Outer layer: How do my experiences shape how Isee?Inner layer: Are any of my experiences present in our collective expression?As you can see from the model, the idea is to keep individual lived experiences in tact and referencable so that designers can trace back whether what is collectively expressed captures the rich outer layer. Rather than extracting insights from participants, this tool encourages reciprocal meaning-making. Perhaps two people express similar ideas or fear but they may stem from completely different lived experiences. How can we gain more insight into better more nuanced and informed design by not losing those vital pieces of experience?The model will help designers and participants resist the impulse to force singular solutions onto complex challenges, instead embracing the ambiguity that emerges in real co-creation. I see this work sitting next to Naomi Rothman and Shimul Melwanis work on social functions of ambivalence and embracing paradoxical thinking. Rothman shared an episode of Hidden Brain how mixed emotions, or being pulled in different ways can be a good thing for groups. It can lead to rich, complex thinking, a both-and not either or. If we want rich designs that better capture the world were sharing, then we must face the reality that yes, a process of collaborating with the multitudes and validity of experiences might be overwhelming at times, but it does not have to be immobilizing. We can do this, but we need to be intentional and patient withit.Hidden Brain Podcast Episode with NaomiRothmanNatalie Loveless in How to Make Art at the End of the World: A Manifesto for Research-Creation, turns to academics King and Haraways respective works on stories toask:How are we remade by all we speak andhear?How are we remade through all we touch and are touchedby?Lived Experience Cartography does not explicitly aim to change any outcome, even though the outcome may inevitably change through engagement. Specifically, this tool aims to commit design teams to acknowledge more information about who and what experiences are in the room when we gather and honestly ask if they are represented in the collective ideas, needs, and fears that more visibly inform the system'sdesign.Work-in-progress journey map of Designer-as-Human designIts about prioritizing seeing and hearing the people around you and being open to flexibility in what were working towards. It underlines that sometimes, it isnt a revolutionary new idea or innovation needed to change group dynamics or relationships. Sometimes, being seen can radically shift a dynamic or environment. However, we rarely slow down enough in our social environments to know that, and from my experience, we lack visual tools to aid group dynamic theories. Hence, the development of Lived Experience Cartography.Accountability, failure, and reimagining designDesignerslike therapists, educators, and technologistsmust reckon with their role in shaping not just solutions but relationships. If we continue deferring to external authorities without questioning the foundations they are built on, we risk reinforcing existing hierarchies and narrow stories rather than reimagining new possibilities in the present andfuture.Legacy Russell, in Glitch Feminism, asks:What does it mean to find lifeto find ourselvesthrough the framework of failure? To build models that stand with strength on their own, not to be held up against those that have failed us, as reactionary tools of resistance? Here is the opportunity to build newworlds.Trusting our own humanity as designers means embracing the process despite having unknown outcomes its seeing failure along the way not as an endpoint but as continuous openings. It means recognizing that knowledge is not just something we acquire through learning but something we have in our lived experiences and further expand with others. Ultimately, developing relationships means shifting from human-centred design to a deeper, more accountable practice of Designer-as-Human.From human-centred design to designer-as-human was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.A good kitchen appliance should last you years. And like any long-term relationship, you want to make sure its the right fit before you invest your time or money into it. Right now, with Amazons Big Spring Sale, you have an opportunity to start a relationship with a kitchen appliance youve been flirting with, and at prices that feel less risky. Here are some of my favorite discounts popping up this week. Vitamix Ascent X3 Blender, Professional-Grade, 3 Preset Blending Programs, 48-ounce Container, Self-Cleaning, Shadow Black $549.95 at Amazon $649.95 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $549.95 at Amazon $649.95 Save $100.00 Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, 8-1 Oven with Bake, Grill, Broil & Warm Options, Stainless Steel, TOA-70 $139.95 at Amazon $229.95 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.95 at Amazon $229.95 Save $90.00 Instant Vortex 5.7-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer (Black) $83.99 at Amazon $139.99 Save $56.00 Get Deal Get Deal $83.99 at Amazon $139.99 Save $56.00 Instant Pot 6.5 Quart Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid with WIFI, 13-in-1 Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker Combo, Saut, Slow Cook, Bake, Steam, Warm, Roast, Dehydrate, Sous Vide, & More, Includes App with Recipes $159.99 at Amazon $229.95 Save $69.96 Get Deal Get Deal $159.99 at Amazon $229.95 Save $69.96 Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14 Cup Food Processor $199.95 at Amazon $249.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.95 at Amazon $249.95 Save $50.00 Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14 Cup Food Processor $199.95 at Amazon $249.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.95 at Amazon $249.95 Save $50.00 SEE 3 MORE Vitamix Ascent X3Whenever big sales like these roll around, its completely normal to ask yourself if today is the day to finally splurge on a Vitamix blender. I dont know your budget, but after testing the Vitamix Ascent X5 (read here for the deets), I can tell you that it is the most mighty blender Ive used to date. Sad news: The X5 isnt on sale. Great news: The Vitamix X3 is on sale. The X3 model has the three most common presets that youll use on any Vitamix anyway (smoothie, frozen dessert, soup) and you can always use the regular Start, Stop, and Pulse buttons to take care of dips and nut butters as you wish. The power and craftsmanship is still the caliber you'd expect from the Vitamix brand. With the relatively compact dimensions of 9.75"D x 7.75"W x 17"H, this model can easily be stored in a low cabinet or pantry closet.Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster OvenMy top pick for best overall air fryer is nearly 40% off right now. The Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a large oven-style air fryer with a wide viewing window and analog turning dials for time, temperature, and fan speed settings. The thing that sets this air fryer apart from all the other mini convection ovens out there is the super quiet convection fan. Read here for my full review of this powerful and discreet appliance.Instant VortexLet it never be said that I left the basket-style air-fryer lovers behind. My favorite basket-style air fryer, the Instant Vortex is 40% off right now for Amazons Big Spring Sale. This appliance is a true workhorse. Its continuously produced even browning and crisping, the basket style is extremely easy to clean, and its lightweight enough to lift, move, and store if you dont have much counter space. Currently at $83.99, down from its usual $139.99, this air fryer is a bargain right now.KRUPS Waffle MakerEvery functional kitchen needs a waffle maker. This might surprise you, but its not just for making waffles. A waffle maker is a versatile appliance with a special indented pattern that, when pressed into ingredients, increases surface area and can make foods even more crispy and delicious with increased browning and caramelization. You can waffle burger patties, cheese, rice, shrimp, or even entire sandwiches. This waffle maker from KRUPS is 25% off right now and has removable plates, which I highly recommend to simplify your cleanup.Instant Pot DuoThe Instant Pot has lost some of its social vigorfinebut that doesnt mean its not an incredible kitchen appliance. In fact, losing its novelty makes it kind of the best time to buy. Observe: This Instant Pot 6.5 Quart Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid with Wifi is currently 30% off, and it's a full-on multicooker that is wifi enabled and has apparently over two thousand recipes accessible via the Instant app. This is the largest discount that this air fryer has experienced yet so its worth checking out if youve been in the market. Its important to note that this is part of the Instant Duo line, which means it has air-frying capabilities as well. Thats a pretty big deal for something that made its name via steam pressure.Food processorA food processor can be a huge help in the kitchen, especially for big batches and prep work that requires a lot of chopping, slicing, or shredding. This highly rated food processor from Cuisinart is 20% off right now. This Cuisinart food processor has a 14-cup container, so its on the larger side of the spectrum, and has a simple two-button operating system. It comes with a standard S-blade, a slicing and shredding attachment, and a dough-kneading attachment. If youve been looking for a professional-quality food processor, this is the one to grab. The Best Amazon Spring Sale Deals You Can Get Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" A16 Chip 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Silver, 2025 Release) $328.86 (List Price $349.00) Sonos Move 2 $359.00 (List Price $449.00) Blink Mini 2 (White, 2-Pack) $37.99 (List Price $69.99) Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm, Black, S/M 130-180mm, Sports Band) $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) $39.99 (List Price $59.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) $94.99 (List Price $139.99) Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker (Midnight Zen/Black) $69.95 (List Price $99.95) Sony WH-1000XM5 $249.99 (List Price $399.99) Fitbit Sense 2 $199.95 (List Price $249.95) Deals are selected by our commerce team

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.If you're sick of a huge television dominating your living room, Nebula's Capsule Air TV projector will let you ditch the set while still streaming as much content as you want. The Nebula Capsule Air supports over 30,000 Google Play apps, including Netflix. It's easy to set up, features 720p resolution, and it's on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale for $279.99 that's 30% off the list price of $399.99. Anker Nebula Capsule Air $279.99 at Amazon $399.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $279.99 at Amazon $399.99 Save $120.00 Best of all, this device is fully portablethe size of a soda canso you can bring it anywhere, and you don't even have to plug it in. The built-in battery runs for up to two hours, letting you watch a feature-length movie while you're camping or otherwise away from power outlets.Our sister site PC Mag took a more in-depth look, and the Capsule Air was awarded their coveted Editors' Choice award for lightweight mini projectors. Shopping for tech? Lifehacker can help you make the right decision. Browse our tech reviews and head-to-head comparisons for everything from laptops and smartwatches to e-bikes and home gyms. Subscribe to our deals newsletter,Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox, or browse our best-of lists directly on Amazon, including:The Best Over-Ear HeadphonesThe Best Wireless EarbudsThe Best Adjustable Dumbbell SetsThe Best Projectors

Gaming journalism stalwart Game Informer has risen from the ashes. More than thirty years after its debut issue back in August 1991, the media outlet was officially shut down by parent company GameStop in August 2024. Since then, the rights to Game Informer were acquired by Gunzilla Games and, in an all-to-rare win for today's media world, the entire team that worked for Game Informer at the time of its closure will return to their jobs.Editor-in-Chief Matt Miller posted the details about how the outlet was saved from the brink and noted that Gunzilla Games will be a hands-off boss. "The new owners insisted on the idea of Game Informer remaining an independent editorial outlet," he wrote. "They felt just as strongly as our team did that the only path forward was with an editorial group that made 100 percent of the decisions around what we cover and how we do so, without any influence from them or anyone else."We are proud to welcome the talented voices behind Game Informer in the Gunzilla Games family, and join their fight to preserve the heart of video game journalism in what has been a tumultuous time for the industry," Gunzilla CEO and Co-Founder Vlad Korolov said.The website and its back catalog of content have been republished online. Game Informer's staff have also published reviews of more than two dozen games that came out during the site's hiatus and belatedly compiled their requisite best games of 2024 list. The print magazine is also expected to resume activity, and Miller said more details will be forthcoming about subscription and membership options.Gunzilla Games, which counts Hollywood director Neill Blomkamp among its leadership, made a battle royale shooter called Off the Grid and also developed the GUNZ blockchain platform.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/game-informer-is-back-and-so-is-its-entire-team-210748358.html?src=rss

Amazon kicked off its latest Big Spring Sale today, and though the week-long event mostly focuses on things like apparel and outdoor goods, it still includes a few notable discounts on electronics. We have a big roundup with the best of those, but if youre on a tighter budget, below weve dug up a few decent tech deals that are available for less than $50. Generally speaking, this sale doesn't emphasize tech nearly as much as Black Friday or Prime Day, but the offers below bring several accessories we recommend near their all-time lows. As a reminder, the event runs through March 31, and you dont need to be an Amazon Prime member to see most of the price drops. Best Amazon Spring Sale deals under $50 Anker PowerConf C200 for $48 ($12 off MSRP): The PowerConf C200 is our favorite webcam for those on a tighter budget due to its crisp video quality, easy setup, solid microphones and built-in privacy cover. Its USB cable is on the shorter side, and it cant match the overall accuracy of our top pick, but its still a clear upgrade over a built-in laptop camera for a much lower price. This is another deal weve seen numerous times in the last year, but its as low as the camera usually goes. Anker 525 Charging Station for $30 ($36 off): We recommend this reliable desktop charging station in our remote worker gift guide. It cant provide the absolute fastest charge to your smartphone or laptop (topping out at a quick enough 67W), but it packs four USB ports two USB-C, two USB-A and three AC outlets in a frame thats small enough to fit on a crowded desk. This deal ties the lowest price weve seen. The Anker 525 Charging Station. Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Anker Nano Charger 30W for $13 ($10 off): Its hard to have too many portable wall chargers on standby. This one from Anker should be particularly useful for traveling: At just over an inch thick, its small enough to fit in a pocket, while its 30W USB-C port is enough to top up recent iPhones at full speed. (Thats not enough for some newer Android phones, though.) This discount matches the lowest price weve seen. Amazon Music Unlimited 3-month trial for free ($24 off): Amazon is offering new subscribers three months of its Music Unlimited streaming service for free. Normally, it gives new users a one-month trial. Though Music Unlimited isnt a top pick in our guide to the best music services, it still gets you lossless streaming quality and an extensive library of both music and podcasts. You could do worse if you just want to bum a few months of music streaming for no cost. Just note that your subscription will auto-renew once the trial period ends until you cancel. The Blink Mini 2. Amy Skorheim for Engadget Blink Mini 2 for $20 ($20 off): This deal ties the lowest price to date for the Blink Mini 2, which is the budget pick in our guide to the best security cameras. This one comes with its share of trade-offs for the low price its image quality isnt the best, it locks certain features behind a paywall and it wont automatically arm when you leave the house but it still provides functional 1080p video, color night vision, motion alerts and Alexa support in a weather-resistant frame. Its fairly simple to set up, too, though youll need to buy an external module if you want to store clips locally. Chipolo One for $20 ($5 off): The Chipolo One is the top overall pick in our guide to the best Bluetooth trackers. While Apples AirTag can tap into a substantially larger crowd-sourcing network, weve found the One to send separation alerts faster when youve left an item behind and ring louder when youre back in its vicinity. Unlike the AirTag, it can also attach directly to a keychain. It probably isnt the safest choice for long-distance travel, but its a convenient security blanket if you, say, leave your keys or wallet behind at a restaurant. This is another discount thats been available for a few weeks, but its just 10 cents more the best price weve seen.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/amazon-spring-sale-tech-deals-under-50-the-best-sales-on-our-favorite-budget-gear-091512204.html?src=rss

DeepSeek releases upgraded AI model with better performance at lower costs.