Fast fashion and mass production have dominated the market since the 1990s, but there is a growing trend toward a resurgence in artisan craftsmanship. In recent years, consumer tastes have shifted, driving an increased demand for the authenticity and artistry of handmade products. Handcrafted goods represent the pinnacle of sustainability, quality, and classic design, with skilled craftspeople worldwide continuing to preserve traditional techniques in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With a focus on superior quality due to their long-standing reputation, handmade goods are often more expensive. According to Amazon Handmade, the global handicrafts market, valued at USD 704.7 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 11.8%, reaching USD 1,376.12 billion by 2028—highlighting a booming demand for handmade goods. Studies indicate that artisanal goods are becoming more and more popular and consumers are gravitating toward more meaningful and individualized goods. Here are some of the reasons causing the revival and an in-depth look at them: 1. Preserving Cultural Heritage The revival of traditional crafts in the modern era reflects a renewed appreciation for skilled handcrafting. The demand for distinctive and superior handmade goods keeps rising as technology develops. Handcrafted items, unlike mass-produced ones, have a deep history and represent rich cultural traditions. As a result, handcrafted products are more than just objects and are representations of artistry and craftsmanship that inspire people due to their authenticity. A combination of online classes and hands-on workshops helps preserve traditional craftsmanship by passing down age-old skills, inspiring new talent, and ensuring their continuity in a rapidly evolving world. Designs that honor the past and present can be produced by fusing contemporary equipment with handcrafted methods. This concept is embodied in the Catalina lamp, which combines conventional lamp parts with a handwoven lampshade made from palmetto leaves using the traditional “llata” method of Mallorca. Mass production can threaten this endangered craft, which is mostly practiced by local women, but Catalina maintains its beauty and cultural value. The lamp is made up of two woven cylindrical forms that are stacked in an eight shape. Each section contains bulbs, and the light is diffused into a soft glow by a sheet of transparent glass or fiberglass. Handmade goods are more expensive and time-consuming, but they are more distinctive than those made in large quantities. Catalina is a statement of uniqueness, artistry, and the smooth blending of tradition and contemporary design due to the subtle variations that give each piece personality. 2. Blending Modern and Traditional Design The resurgence of traditional crafts is being fueled by consumers’ growing desire for one-of-a-kind, customized items. This movement has gained momentum in the Information Age, which has given artists a platform to exchange skills, work together, and develop. Traditions are preserved through online forums and courses that promote a shared appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship. Pottery, glass design, and textile design are being transformed by artists who combine traditional methods with contemporary aesthetics. Designers and craftspeople collaborate to create fine, handcrafted goods that blend tradition with creativity, preserving cultural significance while making traditional crafts stylish and appealing in today’s market. Bomma revitalizes traditional Czechoslovakian glassmaking, proving that handcrafted artistry is making a comeback in modern design. Rooted in the centuries-old techniques of East Bohemia, the company merges master craftsmanship with advanced technology to create 18 collections of refined crystal lighting. Inspired by nature’s organic forms, Bomma’s designers craft unique compositions, including the Constellations project, which transforms hand-blown crystal elements into bespoke lighting arrangements. The Pyrite collection features cubic glass structures framed in silver or gold, while Dark & Bright Star mimics a starlit sky with precisely cut crystal designs. Soap Mini’s asymmetrical, raindrop-shaped bulbs resemble floating soap bubbles, and Lens fixtures create hypnotic reflections through convex glass coverings. In collaboration with Rückl, the Metamorphosis collection blends hand-cut crystal with textured surfaces in muted tones, evoking the shape of Chinese lanterns. 3. Focus on Sustainability Eco-conscious customers are drawn to handcrafted goods made from sustainable materials, as the growing demand for sustainability allows handicrafts to be both visually appealing and environmentally responsible. Handmade goods provide a meaningful alternative to mass-produced goods because they are authentic, tell a story, and have a personal touch. Growing demand for eco-friendly, ethically produced goods is a result of the sustainability movement. Note that the environmental impact of mass production is reduced by traditional crafts, which frequently use sustainable materials and time-honored methods. In addition to preserving artisanal traditions, buying handmade goods is perfect for those who reject fast fashion and disposable culture. Wood, still favored by Buddhist monks, offers a natural feel and practical benefits as it doesn’t conduct heat like metal, is more durable than ceramic or glass, and is a healthier alternative to plastic. Sustainable and long-lasting, wooden utensils can be preserved and reused for decades, making them an eco-friendly choice. For 68 years, Higashi Shunkei has crafted wooden tableware in Hida Takayama, Japan, using locally sourced cedarwood. Their Hida-Cedar bowls are shaped, lacquered with the traditional Suri Urushi technique, and finished to a dense, glossy texture. Tougher than ceramic, they retain heat well while remaining cool to the touch. Over time, their distinct patterns become more pronounced, enhancing their beauty. 4. Support Local Artisans Growing partnerships between designers, wholesalers, and artisans are driving the creation of trend-forward products that blend traditional and modern styles. Additionally, governments and organizations worldwide are introducing new programs to support artisans and strengthen the handicraft sector. Opportunities for artisans have been further increased by technology, as e-commerce and digital platforms have made markets more accessible. Through online marketing and social media, artisans can reach a global audience. In addition to helping to preserve traditional crafts, this digital shift gives them a contemporary edge, increasing the accessibility and appeal of handmade goods in the current global marketplace. 5. Unique Products Superior materials and attention to detail combine with artisanal craftsmanship to create one-of-a-kind, high-quality products that are more durable and valuable. Handmade goods are more unique and customizable than mass-produced ones, which makes them a good investment. As mass production dominates the market, more buyers seek unique items that showcase authenticity and craftsmanship. Traditional crafts fulfill this demand, with each handcrafted piece carrying a story and often tailored to the buyer’s preferences. The rising desire for customization is a key factor driving the resurgence of traditional craftsmanship. “A Different Turn” by Koen Boersma revitalizes the ancient craft of woodturning through modern design and traditional techniques. While woodturning has been practiced for centuries, it is gradually fading. Using a lathe and simple woodworking tools, Boersma transforms rectangular wood blocks into intricate forms, embracing the Netherlands’ deep connection to this craft. Each piece in the collection alternates between smooth, rounded curves and sharp, square edges, highlighting the natural grain and texture of the wood. The contrast between the structured black surfaces and the organic, turned patterns creates a striking visual effect. Boersma describes this process as a fusion of the designer’s signature style with the raw beauty of the material. Every piece is unique, preserving traditional craftsmanship while pushing its artistic boundaries, ensuring woodturning remains relevant in contemporary design. The revival of artisanal crafts in the modern age is a seamless fusion of heritage and innovation. As artists reinterpret age-old techniques, these crafts evolve into contemporary art forms that appeal to a new generation. In doing so, artists and craftspeople become guardians of cultural heritage, preserving time-honored methods while adapting them to capture the spirit of the contemporary era.The post Crafting a Comeback: How Traditional Techniques Are Shaping the Future of Product Design. first appeared on Yanko Design.

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On Monday, Meta will face off against the federal government in a landmark antitrust trial over claims that it illegally squashed competition by buying Instagram and WhatsApp.

Beginning this month in New York City, the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture (PRIMA) is presenting Sergei Tchoban: Sections of the Mind. The exhibition unpacks the difficulties of imagination and the effectiveness of architectural section drawings through 30 different freehand examples derived from unrealized designs, competition submissions, personal manifestos, and even depictions of buildings now currently under construction from the Russian-born founder of Berlin's Thcoban Voss Architecture. In doing so, Tchoban will present his work in context next to other sectional masters such as Rudolph, Palladio, and Lebbeus Woods in New York for the first time. The exhibition is on view now and will remain open until June 7th, 2025. The Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture is located in the Modulightor Building at 246 East 58th Street in Manhattan.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to make its upcoming iPadOS 19 overhaul “more like macOS.” This comes after many, many years of complaints about the capability of the iPad’s operating system. This will accompany other large overhauls across Apple’s ecosystem, including a massive iPhone redesign with iOS 19, as well as the Mac’s first design overhaul in half a decade. Here’s how Gurman describes the iPadOS 19 upgrade: I’m told that this year’s upgrade will focus on productivity, multitasking and app window management — with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac. It’s been a long time coming, with iPad power users pleading with Apple to make the tablet more powerful. Developing… My favorite Apple accessories on Amazon: Follow Michael: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Coca CholeraApr 13, 7:30 AM EDT / by Victor TangermannBottles of "Holy Water" Contaminated With Cholera Send European Tourists to the ICUDefinitely not the "unparalleled spiritual experience" they bargained for.Apr 13, 7:30 AM EDT / Victor TangermannImage by Getty / FuturismDevelopmentsResearchers are warning that bottles of "holy water" from a well in Ethiopia could be laced with dangerous bacteria that could cause cholera.As detailed in a new report published in the journal Eurosurveillance and spotted by Ars Technica, three German and four British tourists developed a nasty case of cholera, a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water and food, after drinking or splashing their face with holy water from plastic bottles they had brought back to Europe after visiting the Quara district of Ethiopia.The bottles of holy water were absolutely teeming with the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, per the report, with an estimated 100,000 to 100 million "colony forming units," which allowed the bacteria to remain "viable at ambient temperature during the flight and in Europe."Two of the tourists required intensive care, but all eventually recovered from the unfortunate ordeal.Per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cholera can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and in extreme cases death, if it goes untreated. Infection can be prevented by washing hands with soap, drinking treated water, and getting vaccinated against cholera.The water was taken from a "holy well" called "Bermel Giorgis," near the border between Ethiopia and Sudan. The local Orthodox church claims the well is a revered holy site that "offers an unparalleled spiritual experience where visitors often gain clarity, healing, and a deeper connection to faith," according to a travel website.But considering the nasty bacterial infection the tourists experienced, drinking the well's water appears to have some less-than-angelic side effects as well.And according to a bulletin by the CDC published last month, more visitors could be at risk."Travellers to Ethiopia intending to visit the well, as well as friends and family who may be gifted bottles of water from the well, remain at risk until the source of contamination has been addressed," the bulletin reads.Complicating matters is an ongoing armed conflict in the area, which could render "interventions to address the source of contamination currently challenging," per the CDC.Worse yet, cholera deaths are back on the rise, according to the World Health Organization. The number of reported cases increased by 13 percent and deaths by 71 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. Over 4,000 people died from the disease in 2023, despite the widespread availability of highly effective treatments.And the Trump administration's massive cuts to USAID have already made it more difficult for vulnerable people worldwide to access treatment for cholera.As Al Jazeera reported this week, eight people, including five children, died in South Sudan after walking for three hours in extreme heat to seek treatment for the disease. Their local USAID health facilities were forced to close due to the agency's budget cuts.More on cholera: “Zombie” Deer Disease Could Spread to Humans, Experts WarnShare This ArticleImage by Getty / FuturismRead This Next

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Bungie finally shows off Marathon - here's everything you need to know "Bungie brings its best-in-class, first person multiplayer action to the forefront." Image credit: Bungie News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on April 13, 2025 Marathon - the upcoming reimagined PvP extraction shooter from the Sony-owned Bungie - will release on 23rd September, 2025, with a closed Alpha test kicking off on April 23. Bungie finally revealed Marathon's release date in a number of lengthy teasers, all embedded below, showing off its gameplay and cinematics over the weekend. Marathon | Gameplay Overview Trailer.Watch on YouTube "Marathon is a team-based extraction shooter set around the mysterious and cutthroat world of Tau Ceti IV," the voiceover teases. "You are a Runner, a cybernetic mercenary who's given up their human form for a biosynethic shell with unique abilities and stats, capable of both tactical and fast-paced combat. "Here, you'll fight in a crew of up to three players across a variety of zones and points of interest. You'll face rival Runners in zones of up to 18 players, countless security forces, and otherworldly threats. To scavenge the remains of a lost colony for glory and fortune." There are six classes, although only four were revealed; stealthy Void, tanky Glitch, as well as Locus and Blackbird. All four will be available in the upcoming alpha test, and there's no need to race to lock in your favourite as you ready up - your team can play as three Voids if you want, as there's no limit. Marathon | Reveal Cinematic Short.Watch on YouTube It goes on to describe the scavengable environments of Tau Ceti IV - they're "filled with weapons, materials, and equipment" - with sponsorship from factions able to help replenish your armoury. It also stresses that Marathon has been designed to play as fireteams, with contextual pings, shared objectives, and down-but-not-out mechanics, although there is the ability to opt out of crew queues if you're a lone wolf wanting to "take all the glory for yourself as a solo Runner". "Before deploying, you'll strategically build your loadout and select a Runner to ensure you're equipped for the run ahead. Your objective is simple: get in, gather as much loot as you can, and make it out alive. Die, and all your gear will be up for grabs. Survive, and your loot can be taken into future runs as you grow in power and fill your vault." That said, death is, apparently, "inevitable, but it's never the end". Marathon | Creator Alpha Gameplay Highlights.Watch on YouTube "Bungie brings its best in class, first-person person multiplayer action to the forefront. Dynamic and tactile gunplay. Runners with unique playstyles and customisable builds create highly dynamic and strategic team fights." Because of its timed matches, dynamic events, variable weather, and unpredictable players, Bungie reckons no two matches will be the same. There'll also be endgame challenges, ranked play, secrets, seasonal storytelling, community events, "and more" in season one. Unfortunately for me, Bungie also warns that no matter how geared up you are, "players with skill and strategy will always have the edge". Marathon is coming to PC via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S with full cross-play and cross-save. In case you were wondering, no, you won't need a PlayStation Network account to play Marathon on PC or Xbox. In response to a comment shared on Marathon's Discord channel in which one user said they were a tad "spooked" by the idea of having to use a PSN login to play, the Marathon team replied with a clear cut and straight to the point message: "Marathon will not require a PlayStation Account for players on PC and Xbox." Marathon | Gameplay Reveal Trailer.Watch on YouTube