Get hundreds of tips from the new Unity 6 optimization guides for console, PC, mobile, web, and XR! Learn how to optimize assets for different platforms, manage memory, reduce thermal throttling and battery drainage on mobile devices, achieve high-fidelity graphics on consoles, and much more. Theres something for every Unity developer in these guides. Read more about whats in the guides: https://on.unity.com/4emOKah

About 1 in 5 American adults regularly provide unpaid care or financial assistance to their adult relatives or friends. And about 1 in 7 young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 live with their parents.But the true extent of support among Americans is deeper and broader.From parents covering the cost of unexpected car repairs to colleagues raising funds for their co-workers medical expenses, Americans help each other in countless ways.As a social work scholar who researches these patterns of what I call financial interdependence, I often observe transactions that challenge a common American narrative that most people in this country are handling their expenses on their own.A long-standing traditionThe practice of sharing money with your friends and loved ones has deep roots in American society. Many Native American communities have traditions of sharing food and other resources with one another.In the 19th century, mutual aid societies formed everywhere from Philadelphia to Florida. Many of them helped free Black people weather economic hardships. These organizations provided everything from unemployment assistance to burial expenses.Todays informal support networks echo these historical patterns.In particular, many immigrant communities maintain traditional practices of collectively saving and lending money. Mexican American families often participate in tandas, which pool their savings to achieve financial goals or meet urgent needs. Similarly, West African and Caribbean communities in the U.S. organize susu groups, while many Chinese American communities form hui associations.Local hometown associations additionally often offer both financial and social support to their membersaiding immigrant communities in the U.S. and people back in their homelands.Everyone does itThese mutual support arrangements are very widespread and operate across all income levels, though they take different forms. They can be secular or religious. The true extent of this kind of activity is generally unknown.Lower-income families often engage in frequent, smaller exchanges. They might share grocery costs, for example, or relatives may help one another out with the payment of large, unexpected bills.Wealthier Americans tend to give larger amounts of money to extended family members, but less often. These might include a parents help with a down payment on a young adults first house or paying a portion of the cost of a grandchilds college education.Some families establish formal structures such as financial trusts or 529 educational savings accounts to make these transfers easier to complete and track. The number of people using 529 accounts has been increasing steadily, as states offer matching funds and tax incentives.The nature of this financial support often reflects economic needs and cultural values. In many East Asian American communities, for example, adult children routinely provide financial support to their parentsas a cultural expectation.Regardless of the community involved, technology has transformed how people share money with their friends and family.Mobile payment platforms make it easier to split costs and send quick assistance. Money-transfer apps have normalized small-scale financial sharing among friends and family.Online and social media platforms are used to gather resources for medical expenses, funerals or emergency needs. These tools extend traditional support networks beyond geographic boundaries.Other kinds of supportFinancial assistance can extend far beyond direct monetary help.Families and communities might purchase bulk grocery items together to save money, or live together to manage rising housing costs. Some parents create informal child care cooperatives, while others coordinate care responsibilities for aging relatives with their extended families.Financial education often emphasizes individual savings and budgeting. Yet, many Americans practice financial interdependence by managing their finances and making decisions in collaboration with others.Addressing challengesTo meet todays economic challenges, Americans are finding creative solutions through shared resources.Young adults increasingly need more help to become homeowners than what they can get from a bank. The median home price has far outpaced wage growth, making family assistance crucial for many first-time buyers.College costs have stabilized, albeit at high levels, leading more families to pool resources for educational support. This often creates long-term financial obligations across generations.Medical expenses remain a leading cause of financial strain, pushing families to rely on each other to pay for health-related costs.These support systems work at many levels, including family, community, the workplace and in government.Some employers now offer emergency loan programs and matching funds for employee hardship. Some businesses create formal peer support systems for employees facing financial challenges.A few states are also supporting family caregivers by providing tax credits to reimburse their out-of-pocket expenses.Recognizing the financial burden of caregiving, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proposed a tax credit to support dependent respite services, nursing and transportation.Some complicationsWhile financial interdependence provides crucial assistance, it can also create challenges.Financial responsibilities can strain family and friendship bonds. The provision of too much financial help can create or reinforce power imbalances within relationships. Some communities may not have enough money to be able to equally and effectively assist all members.Clear communication and healthy boundaries can help manage these tensions.As economic pressures mount for many American families, these informal financial support networks are growing more vital. Studies show that rising costs make financial stability increasingly difficult to achieve on your own.Jeffrey Anvari-Clark is an assistant professor of social work at the University of North Dakota.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

As women worry about what will happen to their reproductive rights in the wake of Donald Trumps imminent return to the White House, more are looking to get involved in politics.She Should Run, a nonprofit working to increase the number of women running for office, reported a 743% increase in women looking to get involved or run for office post-election.As of September, over half of women felt less engaged in politics than they were five years ago, and 78% hadnt considered running, said Erin Loos Cutraro, founder and CEO of She Should Run. Today, its clear that womens representation could face a decline as a result of this election. ... To build the future we envision, one that is truly equitable, we need more women to recognize that, even as we make important gains, were in very fragile times for womens representation in policymakingand the only way to change course is for them to step up, step in, and see themselves as the political leaders of tomorrow.

This week on Dezeen, we revealed that Austrian studio Delugan Meissl Associated Architects and global firm Gensler are the lead architects for phase one of The Line megacity in Saudi Arabia.In the first official confirmation of the architecture studios designing The Line, it was announced thatDelugan Meissl Associated Architects is urban planner for phase one of the project, whileGensler is city planning consultant and UK engineering studio Mott MacDonald is city infrastructure engineer.In other Neom news, the project's long-term CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr departed his role.Thomas Heatherwick created a collection for Bombay SapphireIn design news, Thomas Heatherwick unveiled a glassware collection for gin brand Bombay Sapphire that is made up of glasses and sculptural bottles.The collection comprises two hourglass-shaped bottles, the largest of which contains "a terrarium of sorts" for the display of botanicals found in Bombay Sapphire gin.Alex Chinneck created distorted furniture in BristolAlso in design, British artistAlex Chinneck unveiled a series of distorted street furniture to bring "surrealism into the public realm".The sculptures inBristol, England, include knotted lampposts, a twisted telephone booth and a constricted postbox.The Centenary Building is under threat of demolitionIn architecture, it was revealed that the first building to ever win the RIBA Stirling Prize the 29-year-old Centenary Building by British studio Hodder+Partners is threatened with demolition.Meanwhile, the Twentieth Century Society selected 10 UK buildings turning 30 this year, and therefore eligible for listing, which it believes should be granted listed status.The "world's first office rollercoaster" was revealed in StockholmOther news this week included design studio The Great Exhibition adding the "world's first office rollercoaster" to its Stockholm office.Named The Frontal Lobe, the 60-metre-long rollercoaster loops through the seating areas, kitchen and bar on the ground floor of The Great Exhibition's office in the Liljeholmen district.We rounded up eight upcoming skyscrapers in MiamiAhead of Design Miami and Miami art week, we took a look at the city's changing skyline by rounding up eight upcoming skyscrapers set to be built there.Among the skyscrapers are towers for Dolce & Gabbana and automotive brands including Bentley and Mercedes-Benz.A house in Kerala was one of this week's most popular projectsPopular projects featured on Dezeen this week included a home in Kerala that blends "old-world charm with the modern", a London home with patinated copper "top hat" and a Boston academic building wrapped in ribbons of stainless steel.This week's lookbooks featured homes with plywood panelling and staircases that fulfil additional functions.This week on DezeenThis week on Dezeenis our regular roundup of the week's top news stories.Subscribe to our newslettersto be sure you don't miss anything.The post This week we revealed the architects of The Line phase one appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen Showroom: Swedish brand Asko has unveiled its latest generation of professional dishwashers, which the brand says is designed to set new standards in performance, hygiene and user-friendliness.The stainless steel DW60.C dishwasher comes with features such as its Floor Projection technology where the machine's status information is projected directly onto the floor to allow easy monitoring of the cycles.The DW60.C dishwasher aims to improve performance, hygiene and user-friendlinessAdditionally, the product's controls are centrally located to promote ease of use, along with the integrated Auto Dose system, which is capable of storing up to 30 wash cycles of detergent.To ensure the highest levels of hygiene, the design also features Asko's new Sani Lock innovation, which is designed to "guarantee a complete sanitisation cycle" by locking the machine during its final rinse phase to preventing load contamination.The product is equipped with Floor Projection technology"The DW60.C dishwasher is not only a powerhouse of efficiency but also a robust, durable machine, tested with over 20,000 cycles to ensure reliability," the company said."With its flexible loading options, low noise levels, and advanced sanitization features like the SANI Lock, the DW60.C is poised to become an indispensable tool in maintaining hygiene and safety in professional settings."Product details:Product: DW60.CBrand: AskoContact: info@asko.comMaterial:Non-magnetic acid proof stainless steelColours/finishes: Stainless steel and whiteDezeen ShowroomDezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.The post Stainless steel dishwasher by Asko appeared first on Dezeen.

Got an idea for a tiny home? Kingspan, an Irish company that specializes in insulation products, is sponsoring a design competition for a home no larger than 269 square feet. The MICROHOME Kingspan Edition 2024/25 invites participants to conceptualize an off-grid modular dwelling that would accommodate a hypothetical young professional couple. This scenario serves as the benchmark family size for the competition. The total floor area of the structure should not exceed 25 m2 (269 sq. ft.), thereby encouraging participants to push their creativity and innovate within these parameters. The competition challenges participants to radically rethink spatial organization, to introduce distinctive aesthetics, and to implement state-of-the-art technologies and materials. The end objective is to propel the micro home from a mere architectural form to a revolutionary genre in its own right. There are no geographical restrictions on the hypothetical sites for these designs, allowing for unlimited creativity. Whether urban or rural, any location worldwide can be the backdrop for these micro homes. Designs that prioritize sustainability and present solutions to economic, social, and cultural challenges through fresh architectural methods will receive preference. You can enter as an individual, or as part of a team with a maximum of four members. The registration deadline is 13 February 2025. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). The winnings on offer:1st Place: 40,000 (USD $42,215)2nd Place: 20,000 (USD $21,107)3rd Place: 10,000 (USD $10,553)Buildner Student Award: 10,000 (USD $10,553)You can learn more here.

"If we succeed in finding solutions that correspond to each material, it will result in completely different design methods and formal characters."Those words were written by Willy Guhl, one of Switzerland's first industrial designers, in 1950. He backed up that philosophy with action. In 1951, he was teaching at the Zurich University of the Arts when he learned of an interesting opportunity: Eternit, a Swiss company whose eponymous product was fiber cement produced in sheets, contacted the school, inviting them to think of applications for their stuff.Eternit, the product, was a composite sheet of material containing cement and fibers. It could be molded, and it was durable and weatherproof; up until then it had been used to make siding and roofing.Image: Harald Weber, CC BY-SA 3.0 Guhl saw another possibility. He created a wooden mold with the exact same surface area as a single sheet of Eternit. He then laid the sheet over the mold, and after the cement set up, he had what would be known as the Loop chair.There was zero waste in Guhl's production process. Each Loop chair uses a single sheet of Eternit, and Guhl hid the seam skillfully (to this day I have no idea where the seam is, at least on the originals). Guhl's use of Eternit could be likened to what the Eameses did with plywood, which was to turn a building material into an elegant piece of furniture. Eternit, the company, was thrilled; the chair became a hit, and stayed in production for decades. There was just one problem, which wouldn't come to light for some time. One of the fibers in Eternit is asbestos; part of what made Eternit popular was its fire-resistance. But asbestos of course causes lung cancer, and as awareness of the material's harmful nature grew, the Loop chair was discontinued in 1980.Guhl subsequently redesigned the chair, and in 1997 an asbestos-free variant went into production. The redesigned version has two telltale grooves in the back, allowing any collector to easily tell it apart from the asbestos-containing classic. And the production was a little sloppier; with the modern version, you can clearly see the seam on the front of the chair, which I consider kind of traitorous to the original design. Health concerns aside, today the original sells for around $8,000 on auction sites.

I love it when an EDC knife goes beyond the standard template to throw in a few surprises. Whether its hiding a glass-breaker into its design or having a unique opening/closing mechanism, knives that dont necessarily follow all the rules are a breath of fresh air. Take a look at the Ezsharp Titanium Knife and chances are itll look like just another ordinary knife with a scalpel blade mounted on the front. However, hit a switch on the handle and a cartridge pops out, revealing two MORE backup blades.It isnt often that you see a knife with extra blades hidden away in a secret chamber in the knifes handle, but the Ezsharp does just that. Designed to be dangerously sharp, ruthlessly efficient, and relentless, the knife packs one main blade for cutting, slicing, shopping, or whittling but just in case that blade isnt enough to get the job done, youve got two more blades ready to be locked and loaded. Pretty cool, no?!Designer: Backing TechClick Here to Buy Now: $79 $120 (34% Off) Hurry! Only 39 units left.At the heart of Ezsharps appeal is its bladea surgical-grade scalpel capable of extraordinary precision. Whether youre slicing through paper, fabric, or plastic, the knife performs with the accuracy of a craftsmans tool. The compatibility with various scalpel blades (#10, #11, #12, and #15) adds versatility, allowing you to tailor the knife to the task at hand. And when the blade loses its edge, theres no need for sharpening like youd have to with most pocket knives. Just swap out the old blade with a new one from the built-in slot housing spare bladesa feature as practical as it is innovative.The body of the knife comes machined from Grade 5 titanium, which is in itself a mark of good, durable EDC. This is a material chosen for its unique combination of strength and lightness. Weighing only 45 grams and measuring 3.15 inches, it feels feather-light in your pocket but doesnt compromise on robustness. Titaniums corrosion resistance and germproof properties mean this knife is built to last, no matter where life takes you. The CNC-machined design ensures a flawless finish, making the knife as much a statement piece as it is a utility tool. Its bead-blast grey finish exudes understated elegance, while its ergonomic contours provide a steady, comfortable grip for prolonged use.Opening the Ezsharp is seamless and should come naturally to anyone whos wielded a folding blade before. Theres a flipper that helps you quickly deploy the knife, alternatively, a finger groove in the handle lets you get your nail in and open the blade out just like your standard Swiss Army knife. A sturdy frame lock ensures it stays securely in place during use, offering the confidence of a heavy-duty tool in a sleek, compact package. Even closing the knife is hassle-free; a gentle push of the locking bar lets you fold it away with ease.The Ezsharp ditches the regular blade for a standard Scalpel blade and with good reason. Scalpel blades are notoriously sharp, are readily available, are extremely cheap, and come in a variety of shapes for different activities. Mount a scalpel blade on the Ezsharp and its a formidable cutting tool, capable of doing everything from opening boxes to whittling wood to even slashing through seatbelts and paracord. Scalpel blades come in a variety of designs, which means you can choose a profile/shape that suits your needs the best. As far as sharpness goes, theyre all dangerously capable, and are medical grade, which means you can use the knife for hunting and cooking too.Instead of worrying about sharpening your dull blade, Ezsharp sidesteps that laborious process by allowing you to simply swap out an old blade for a new one. A simple press of a resilient tab unlocks the blade for swift removal or installation. No risk to your fingers, no frustrationjust smooth, effortless efficiency. Its easy, and actually reduces waste by allowing you to swap out just the thin blade rather than ditch an old knife for a new one (lets face it, not everyone sits and sharpens their knife). The replaceable blade is also great for travel, but more on that later.The Ezsharps most impressive feature remains the hidden slot to store extra blades. Discreetly integrated into the handle, it can store up to two additional blades, secured with powerful magnets. A simple button press releases the slot for quick access. This thoughtful addition ensures youre always prepared, whether youre tackling a creative project, embarking on an outdoor adventure, or simply handling day-to-day tasks. You can store the same blade type or diversify by keeping different blade designs which you can then interchange depending on what blade profile you need.The detachable blade makes the Ezsharp perfect for travel too. Just ditch the blades and the knife is TSA-friendly and flight-ready. The blades can be stored separately in your check-in luggage (or bought at any hardware/medical store), making just the handle perfectly safe for any kind of travel. Carrying the knife around is fairly simple too, thanks to a pocket clip for traditional carrying, or a lanyard hole for strapping the Ezsharp to your backpack or even around your keychain.Beyond its practical features, Ezsharp embraces design as an art form. Its titanium body offers opportunities for stunning finishes, from anodized colors to laser-engraved patterns. The exclusive Adventurers Edition, available only to Kickstarter backers, takes this artistry to the next level with unique textures and iridescent effects.The Ezsharp starts at $79, which includes the titanium knife along with ten scalpel blades (#11 design). The colorful Adventurer edition starts at $86, if the idea of simple microtextured titanium doesnt excite you. Although theres no official warranty on the Ezsharp, its titanium construction should be more than capable of lasting decades with regular use. Just keep changing the blades and your Ezsharp should be as good as new every single time!Click Here to Buy Now: $79 $120 (34% Off) Hurry! Only 39 units left.The post This Grade 5 Titanium Knife Hides Two Extra Backup Blades for Unmatched Versatility first appeared on Yanko Design.

Theres no room in a modern kitchen for tools that overstay their welcome. Enter the mini handheld gratera sleek, purpose-driven design that combines craftsmanship, performance, and everyday utility. Did you know it can reduce prep time by up to 50% compared to the traditional, clunky box grater? This isnt just a kitchen toolits a well-considered piece of culinary gear that deserves a spot in any serious setup.Designer: Gensuke KishiClick Here to Buy Now: $25Why This Handheld Grater Stands ApartWhere function meets finesse, this grater exemplifies thoughtful design. Heres why it deserves your attention:Compact, Ergonomic Design: Engineered for a perfect fit, the grater offers exceptional control with an effortless grip, reducing fatigue even during heavy use. Its designed to grate directly over dishes, bringing precision and flair to your finishing touches.Razor-Sharp Blades: No dull edges here. The blades slice through hard cheeses, citrus zest, ginger, garlic, and spices with a confident touch. It transforms each ingredient into a moment of culinary expression, be it a burst of fresh zest for cocktails or finely grated parmesan over pasta.Effortless Maintenance: Simplicity is keyjust rinse it under water, and its ready to be stored discreetly. No more fighting with bulky box graters; this is efficiency with elegance.Pro Tip: For a burst of citrus zest without the bitter pith, apply gentle pressure and use short, controlled strokes. The result? Maximum flavor with minimum effort.Outshining the RestBulky box graters take up too much space, while rotary graters often lack finesse. This mini handheld grater blends precision with a refined grip, offering tactile satisfaction every step of the way. Even the beloved microplane falls short on control, making this design a standout for those who value balance and style.Who Will Get the Most Out of This Grater?Whether youre perfecting your craft or just trying to make life simpler, this grater elevates the everyday with refined efficiency:For Busy Professionals: Cut down on meal prep without cutting corners. Quick, precise grating lets you focus on flavor, not fuss.For Adventurers: Lightweight and portable, its built for life on the moveperfect for campfire cooking or impromptu get-togethers.For Culinary Creatives: Add finishing touches with panache. Fresh zest, spices, and grated cheeses bring your dishes to life.For Design Enthusiasts: Sleek, compact, and thoughtfully crafted. This grater is everything you need without the clutter.Takeaway: This isnt just about utilityits about the balance of precision, craftsmanship, and a little bit of everyday luxury.From Tradition to Modern RefinementThe handheld graters story began in 16th-century Italy, where it transformed hard cheeses into delicate toppings. Today, it evolves for the modern kitchenhonoring its heritage while meeting contemporary needs for precision and design-forward thinking.Refined Utility for Every KitchenElevate your kitchen experience with a grater that speaks to both performance and style. This mini handheld grater doesnt just perform; it transforms the act of cooking into a moment worth savoring. Add it to your culinary lineup and discover why thoughtful design makes all the difference.Click Here to Buy Now: $25The post Best Mini Handheld Grater for Quick, Flavorful Cooking Without the Hassle first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ever wondered what Dark Souls would be like if instead of a guy, you were the triangle from Asteroids?A soulslike made of shapes.