Business school applications are through the roof this semester, and while that usually only happens when theres distress in the labor market, that may no longer be the case, thanks to changing applicant priorities and business realities.After two years of declines, business school programs saw a 12% spike in applications globally this school year, and an 8% increase in the United States, according to a recent study conducted by the Graduate Management Admissions Council, or GMAC. Overall, 72% of American institutions reported higher applicant volumes to their MBA programs this summer for the school year that began in September, as compared to 2023.Applications went up at the start of the pandemic, but in the years following weve seen applications decline, says the studys author, Andrew Walker, GMACs director of industry communications. This year we saw applications go up again, really across the board, but certainly among MBA programs, and especially among U.S. MBA programs.No Longer an Economic BellwetherHistorically, business school application volume has been closely correlated with economic and labor market trends, and it stands to reason. When job prospects are limited, people feel a greater need to earn credentials to improve their future earning potential. Theyre also less likely to have a career that they would otherwise need to pause to go back to school.This school year, however, feels different.To say that applications to MBA programs went up because there are fewer job opportunities, I just think thats too simple of an explanation, Walker says. I think it really is a more holistic decision that folks are making, and I think increasingly thats how business schools are presenting their value proposition.Walker explains that the correlation between macroeconomic forces and business school applications was strong in previous generations because most pursued the degree for the financial return on investment.According to a survey of Gen Z applicants conducted by GMAC in 2023, however, younger Americans increasingly view that return in more than just dollars and cents. In fact, the greatest share of respondents cited the opportunity to enhance their life and develop their potential as a reason for applying to business school. Increasing their future earnings, meanwhile, ranked second.Gen Z candidates, who are increasingly applying to business school now, see it as not just a means to make more money or advance their professional career, Walker says, but a place to find enrichment and to make a positive impact, to make themselves and their families proud, and as a means to achieve work-life balance.A New Generation of ApplicantsBusiness schools are still seeing high volumes of those applying for traditional reasons, but theyre also seeing a boost from applicants who may not have considered business school in generations past.Applicants these days are very different from when I started this 17 years ago, says Scott Edinburgh, the founder of admissions consulting firm Personal MBA Coach. It used to be that the economy goes up, the economy goes down, and that dictates application trends, but the economy is weird, and were seeing different, broader interests.Edinburgh explains that while his firm still caters to the traditional finance, founder, and consultant cohort, hes also seeing significant interest from nurses, teachers, designers, and even food scientists seeking to advance their careers or become leaders in their sectors in the future.I just got off the phone with a flight attendant who is applying to business school, and theyre not the only flight attendant that Im talking to right now, he says. Were seeing people coming from very different backgrounds than we saw in years past.A New Level of Complexity Across IndustriesEdinburgh attributes the broader interest in business school to the increasingly complex nature of business, coupled with a labor market thatwhile not exactly strugglingisnt offering professionals sufficient advancement opportunities, either.Were seeing a lot of people who are scared, where nothing is going wrong with what theyre doing, but theres just uncertainty, and they dont want to be stuck in a place that is not going to give them advancement, he says. Whether its DEI or AI, people are seeing that in order to lead they have to know how to play in those spaces, and their job is not teaching them that stuff, but business school is.Both Edinburgh and Walker applaud business schools for being responsive to those trends, as more seek to offer specialized training on subjects like artificial intelligence and nonprofit management while providing more flexible learning opportunities.With all the hype about AI and machine learning, for example, we now offer a program called MBAi that focuses on how AI is used in marketing, operations, finance, and the ethical deployment of AI from an organizational perspective, says Greg Hanifee, associate dean of the Kellogg School of Management. We also have a Golub [Capital] Board Fellows program, where students get assigned to a nonprofit in the Chicagoland area, and operate as a fully functioning board member.This year 70% of Kellogg students signed up for a social impact elective, and the Golub board fellows program was so popular among full-time students that it has since been expanded to include part-time students as well.Hanifee says Kellogg saw a 23% increase in applicants to its two-year MBA program this year, marking the second consecutive annual increase and the highest applicant volume of his 11-year tenure, aside from the pandemic spike in 2020 (when schools temporarily waived their standardized test requirements).All of our programs have seen double-digit increases, which is interesting, he says. Typically, in an uncertain economy more people go for our full-time program, because theyre taking a break or got laid off from work, but our evening and weekend programswhich are typically for people who are still workingare also up this cycle.Hanifee, like Edinburgh, is also seeing applicants from a broader array of career backgrounds, which he attributes to the increasingly complex nature of business across industries, and the increasing value of interdisciplinary education.We like to say that today and tomorrows problems are not going to be functional; theyre going to be complex across the organization and across stakeholders, he says. It really comes down to increasing complexity in the world, and how I can best prepare myself to lead in that world.Increasing Demand, Limited SupplyAs demand for business school programs increases, however, Hanifee warns that theyre also becoming more competitive.With a 23% increase in applications for a two-year program, were not growing the program 23% in terms of students, so yes, you can read from that that it becomes more competitive, he says.Its not just elite business schools like Kellogg that are expecting greater competition for enrollment next year, either. According to GMACs data, applications are up among top-ranked schools in the U.S. and around the world, as well as those lower down on the ranking lists and nontraditional business school programs.I have more people signed up [for admissions consulting services] for next year than Ive ever had in October, Personal MBA Coachs Edinburgh says. You have plenty of timeyou can do it this year, and wed be happy to help youbut we do see people starting [to prepare their apps] early, because theyre seeing that its more competitive this year, and I do predict it will be even more competitive next year.

Applications are open for Fast Companys 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards! The deadline is December 6, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. PT. You can submit your project here! If youre still on the fence, here are some excellent reasons to applyand some tips on what were looking for when we judge the entries.For our World Changing Ideas Awards, now in its ninth year, Fast Company is looking for the best products, concepts, companies, policies, and designs that pursue innovation for good. We want to honor clean technology, innovative corporate initiatives, thoughtful new designs for cities and buildings, creative works that help drive change, the ways organizations respond to disasters, and many other concepts.The winners will be featured in the May 2025 issue of Fast Company and online on fastcompany.com. Among the honorees for 2024 were a Paris housing complex that used 100% recycled concrete, a solar-powered refrigerator for the developing world, a renewable battery thats 10 times cheaper than lithium ion, and a redesigned mobile restroom for people with disabilities. There were also companies working on sustainable aviation fuel, 3D-printed living seawalls, safety tech for workers in extreme heatand so many more.New format for 2025For this years awards, were debuting a new format:Instead of naming a winner in 50 categories, well be naming a single list of the top World Changing Ideas entries. Well be considering every application and creating a list of the most compelling submissionsalong with a few categories offering a chance for additional recognition for companies excelling in specific locations, sectors, and years in business.Visionary of the yearFor the first time, well also be naming a Visionary of the Year. This award will recognize leaders at any level of a company who helped create a product, service, new business model, or policy that improved sustainability, equity, and/or accessibility, and generally made the world a better place for its customers.What were looking forAnd while the format may have changed, the criteria hasnt. To get a sense of what were looking for, read about all of last years winners here.Fast Company editors will be judging entries based on their impact, innovation, creativity, and scalability. Were looking for big corporate initiatives and small, grassroots projectsand everything in between.The winners of our awards are seen by millions of people. Our hope is to support the growth of positive social innovation by showcasing the best exampleswhether from a major corporation or a small nonprofitto the business community, and that our finalists receive more exposure and a chance to scale even further. We look forward to reading your entries. Apply here.

Dezeen has announced the interiors shortlist for this year's Dezeen Awards China, which includes interiors by Linehouse, Say Architects, UNStudio and Conran and Partners.Among the projects, which are located in 15 different cities across China, is a retreat designed to evoke a cabin in a bamboo forest in Hong Kong, as well as an old shophouse turned into a workplace in Xiamen.The shortlist also includes an experiential housing design in Fuzhou and an exhibition design in Shenzhen that transforms a magazine into an immersive spatial experience.Dezeen Awards China 2024 shortlists revealed this weekDezeen Awards China 2024, in partnership with Bentley, will reveal all shortlisted projects this week. The architecture shortlist was published yesterday and the design shortlist will be announced tomorrow, followed by the China Designers of the Year shortlist on Thursday.The shortlisted interiors projects were scored by our interiors jury, which includes Kuang Ming Chou and Vera Chu from design studio Vermillion Zhou, Vincent de Graaf and Wendy Saunders from Aim Architecture and Dirk Zscherpe from Bentley Motors China.Top image: Hakusan Megane Shanghai by Each Design. Photo by Edward Shi. Above: Peiping Machine by Longtan Lake by DRAW. Photo by Xueman HuAll shortlisted interior projects are listed below, with links to their dedicated pages on the Dezeen Awards website where you can find more information about the project.The winner of each project category will be announced live at our annual Dezeen Awards China party in mid-December in Shanghai.Read on for the full interior shortlist:Gym Town by MR Studio. Photo by Steven KoHealth and wellbeing interior Arch Arch Gyrotonic Space, Wuhan, Hubei, by Wuhan One Mood Design Consulting Atlas of Superpower, Beijing, by Waa Flow Space Aranya Wulingshan, Chengde, Hebei, by Super Rice Architects Gym Town, Hong Kong, by MR StudioBrowse all projects on the health and wellbeing interior shortlist page.A Bamboo Sanctuary by Canter and Gallop. Photo by Common StudioHome interior A Bamboo Sanctuary, Hong Kong, by Canter and Gallop Design Cape Drive Residence, Hong Kong, by Linehouse Row Houses in the City, Fuzhou, Fujian, by East To West Design 2 Lucca Avenue, Hong Kong, by Conran and PartnersBrowse all projects on the home interior shortlist page.Say Architects Community Office by Say Architects. Photo by Wen StudioWorkplace interior Original Concept Studio, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, by Shire Space Research Say Architects Community Office, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, by Say Architects Sanj Haus, Xiamen, Fujian, by Sanj Design Studio The Light of Gravity, Ningbo, Zhejiang, by Godot Design YiFeng Studio, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, by Yaung OfficeBrowse all projects on the workplace interior shortlist page.Exhibition Installations and Permanent Historical Exhibition at Hong'en Temple by Wonder Architects. Photo by Yumeng ZhuExhibition Design Design Anthology Qiao, Shanghai, by Atmosphere Architects Exhibition Installations and Permanent Historical Exhibition at Hong'en Temple, Beijing, by Wonder Architects Growing Up: Brand 10th Anniversary Exhibition Design, Shenzhen, Guangdong, by Daxing Jizi Design Link City, Shenzhen, Guangdong, by Daxing Jizi Design Villages and Memory Cement Pavilion, Shanghai, by Spatial PraxesBrowse all projects on the exhibition design shortlist page.YIN Hotel by Combined Architects + MECC. Photo by Xuewen WuHotel and short-stay interior Citadines Yazhou Bay Sanya, Sanya, Hainan, by Lia Interior Design Hi Cozy Youth Hostel Design, Shanghai, by Unspoken Space Overall Renovation Design of Rooms at Wyndham Beijing North, Beijing, by We&Arch Park Hyatt Changsha, Changsha, Hunan, by Conran and Partners The Little Wild One Boutique Resort Hotel, Ordos, Inner Mongolia, by Enviro Tec Creatives Yin Hotel, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, by Combined Architects and MECCBrowse all projects on the hotel and short-stay interior shortlist page.Hakusan Megane Shanghai by Each Design. Photo by Edward ShiRetail interior Babama Concept Store, Shanghai, by Atmosphere Architects Foodie Social at Hong Shou Fang, Shanghai, by Linehouse Hakusan Megane Shanghai, Shanghai, by Each Design Huawei TKL Flagship Store, Shanghai, by UNStudio Nice Rice Aranya Concept Store, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, by Say ArchitectsBrowse all projects on the retail interior shortlist page.Terrakota by More Design Office. Photo by Pianfang Studio Shi ZifengRestaurant and bar interior Basao Teahouse Panji, Xiamen, Fujian, by Building Narrative Da Niao Yakitori Interior Design, Shanghai, by Atelier Tuo Peiping Machine by Longtan Lake, Beijing, by Draw Peiping Machine in Longhui Winery, Beijing, by Draw Terrakota, Shanghai, by More Design OfficeBrowse all projects on the restaurant and bar interior shortlist page.Dezeen Awards China 2024 in partnership with BentleyDezeen Awards China is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across China. The second edition of the annual awards programme is in partnership with Bentley as part of a wider collaboration to inspire, support and champion design excellence and showcase innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This ambition complements Bentley's architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home range of furnishings and real estate projects around the world.The post Dezeen Awards China 2024 reveals 34-strong interiors shortlist appeared first on Dezeen.

British textile brand Kirkby Design has created what it believes to be the first interior fabric made from aloe vera a plant that grows without need for chemicals, fertilisers or additional watering.Kirkby Design's Aloe fabric is a sheer, washable, wide-format drapery textile made of 60 per cent aloe vera and 40 per cent organic cotton.The brand says the fabric is more sustainable than conventional textiles because the aloe requires no pesticides and uses less water during cultivation than other plants, especially cotton. It also utilises waste leaves that accumulate as a byproduct of extracting aloe vera gel for the cosmetics industry.The Aloe textile is made from waste aloe vera leavesKirkby Design director Jordan Mould said that aloe vera has unique light-filtering properties, which the brand took advantage of to produce a sheer curtain."Aloe Vera's natural structure allows the yarn to create fabrics that have a lightweight, airy quality," Mould told Dezeen. "Aloe fabric allows light to filter through gently, creating soft, diffused lighting within a room.""This gives spaces an ethereal, contemporary glow without sacrificing privacy. It's ideal for creating sheer or semi-sheer fabrics that maintain a balance between openness and privacy."The aloe vera has unique light-filtering propertiesMould said that the idea to use aloe vera came after researching plant-based fibres that could reduce the company's environmental impact while still offering high performance and aesthetic qualities.One of the textile mills Kirkby Designs works with approached the brand with the proposal to use aloe vera and the two companies collaborated to develop the yarn together.The process involves working with the leaves of the aloe vera plant after their gel has been extracted for use in other industries. The leaves are pressed, shredded and spun into a fleece-like material that is then spun into yarn.Read: Tai Ping blends 35 natural fibres to colour rugs without dye"The R&D process took considerable time as we had to perfect the fibre's weight, texture and colour, ensuring it met the standards we set for both sustainability and performance," said Mould."The resulting yarn not only offers a soft, luxurious touch but also performs exceptionally well, making it suitable for both aesthetic and practical applications."Kirkby Design is making the fabric available in a range of neutral shades and vivid colours like Acid Yellow and Cobalt Blue, which make use of another property of the aloe vera fibre: its excellent dye absorption.The company says that the dyeing process, like the textile's entire production process, is relatively low in chemical usage, and is REACH and Oeko-Tex certified to be free from harmful substances such as heavy metals, formaldehyde and azo dyes.The yarns absorb colour very wellMould believes aloe vera has the potential to be used much more widely in textile production, as it can yield a variety of different looks."Its adaptability allows it to be blended with other fibres, creating fabrics that can vary widely in texture, appearance and functionality," said Mould."Much like hemp and bamboo, we see aloe vera carving out a significant role in the industry, offering a sustainable alternative to more traditional fibres while maintaining a wide range of aesthetic possibilities."Kirkby Design's offering includes a vivid Acid yellowAloe vera has already been used to make fabric for clothing and bedding but these have predominantly contained only small quantities of the plant, often in the form of microencapsulated gel.Kirkby Design's Aloe is a shortlisted entrant in this year's Dezeen Awards, in the textile design and sustainable consumer design categories.Other recent low-impact material innovations have included RePit, a 3D-printing filament made from waste date pits, and Aquafade, a water-soluble plastic.The post Aloe vera provides "sustainable alternative" to cotton in Kirkby Design textile appeared first on Dezeen.

This month LG showed off a prototype of their stretchable display, which can be expanded up to 50%, stretching from 12" to 18". The micro-LED display has a 100ppI resolution and displays RGB.The company was able to achieve the feat by using silicon substrate and a proprietary wiring structure. It presumably wasn't cheap to develop, but the company didn't do it alone: With the backing of South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology, LG did joint R&D on the project with 19 different domestic industry and research institutes. So what's the actual application? "Stretchable displays are not only thin and lightweight but also capable of adhering to irregularly curved surfaces like clothing and skin," the company writes. "They are expected to be widely applied in various industries, from fashion and wearables to mobility." Additionally, they released a press image of the screen having been stretched over a contoured automotive interior panel, below, and they mention (but don't show) that it could be integrated with firefighters' uniforms to provide communications.

Looking for a knife that can keep up with your adventurous spirit? Longing for a tool that can cut through any task with finesse? A folding knife is a common sight in EDC kits, but one that exudes both sharpness and beauty isnt easy to come by. Enter the CIVIVI Yonder, a crossbar lock folding knife made for wanderers, adventures, makers, and everyone in between.Designed by Zac Whitmore and winner of the Best Buy of the Year award at the 2024 Blade Show, this EDC tool is a testament to innovative design and master craftsmanship, inspired by the spirit of adventure embodied by the cowboys and pioneers of old. Drawing from Louis LAmours Education of a Wandering Man, this folding knife embodies the essence of Yondering or exploring the unknown, blending classic cowboy heritage with modern design elements. Venture outdoors and face your tasks with confidence with the CIVIVI Yonder.Designer: Zac WhitmoreClick Here to Buy Now: $56.95 $67 (15% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!At the heart of the CIVIVI Yonder is its remarkable design, seamlessly merging classic aesthetics with contemporary functionality. The knife features a compact 6.62-inch overall length, making it ideal for everyday carry. Its 2.88-inch blade is not only efficient but also visually striking, fitting snugly in the hand for an intuitive grip. This design ensures both practicality and style for any user, whether its enjoying an overnight camping trip or cutting pieces of food.The handle options of the CIVIVI Yonder add a personalized touch to its design. Choose from textured G10, Micarta, or Guibourtia Wood, each offering durability and a unique feel. For those who seek sophistication, the premium variant with Damascus steel and Guibourtia wood handles elevates the knifes aesthetic, combining elegance with everyday usability. This variety caters to diverse tastes and usage needs.Underneath its elegant exterior, the CIVIVI Yonders blade construction is designed for performance. The G10 and Micarta versions feature Swedish 14C28N steel, known for its impressive edge retention, while the premium version boasts Damascus steel. The blades Spey Point profile, high flat grind, and curved belly enhance its slicing and piercing capabilities, making it versatile for a range of tasks.The CIVIVI Yonders design incorporates a ceramic bead bearing system for smooth operation, allowing effortless opening and closing. Its ambidextrous crossbar lock is easy to operate with either hand, ensuring quick deployment to save you time and effort. The thumb stud on the blade adds to its quick-draw feel, reminiscent of a cowboys trusty sidearm, enhancing its appeal as a reliable everyday carry tool.Weighing just 2.73 ounces (77.5 grams), the CIVIVI Yonder is lightweight yet substantial enough to feel dependable in your hand. Its compact design allows it to slide effortlessly into your pocket, secured by a practical pocket clip. While it lacks a traditional lanyard hole, users can creatively use the handles spacer to attach a lanyard, adding a personal touch to this versatile knife.Designed with the adventurous spirit in mind, the CIVIVI Yonder is one of the Best Budget Hiking & Backpacking Knife, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users alike. Whether youre opening packages or preparing for a camping trip, this knife combines aspirational design with practical functionality. It captures the essence of the cowboy lifestyle, making it more than capable of handling modern-day adventures with style and ease. And with this Holiday Sale ongoing, now is the best time to upgrade your EDC kit with some of the best knives in town!Click Here to Buy Now: $56.95 $67 (15% off). Hurry, deal ends in 48-hours!The post Elevate Your EDC with the CIVIVI Yonder Crossbar Lock Folding Knife first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dueling monsters and legendary spells come to life on your keyboard with the Yu-Gi-Oh! Artisan Keycaps by Eminent Crafts and Dwarf Factory. Each keycap is meticulously handcrafted and hand-painted, capturing the essence of these legendary figures. rafted in the versatile SA R1 profile and compatible with Cherry MX switches, theyre perfect for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who value both form and function. Each keycap is a visual masterpiece, created with exceptional attention to detail and finished with hand-painted artistry.Encased in high-quality resin for durability and visual flair, these keycaps also allow for LED shine-through, enhancing their appeal in dynamic lighting setups. Whether youre summoning nostalgic memories or personalizing your workspace, the collectionfeaturing the Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl, and Blue Eyes White Dragonadds a dash of personality to your keyboard. Priced at $64.99 each, these officially licensed keycaps are a treat for fans and collectors alike.Designer: Eminent Crafts X Dwarf FactoryDark Magician KeycapThe Dark Magician keycap channels the essence of Yu-Gi-Oh!s most iconic sorcerer into a stunning, meticulously crafted design. Encased in crystal-clear resin, the figure is brought to life with flowing purple robes and a glowing staff, embodying the magicians arcane allure. Hand-painted with precision, every detaildown to the sharp lines of the lightning strikes emerging from his scepter and the magical swirls of his attireevokes a sense of motion and mystique. The vibrant colors and lifelike textures make this keycap a centerpiece for any mechanical keyboard setup.More than just an aesthetic masterpiece, the Dark Magician keycap is engineered with functionality in mind. Crafted in the SA R1 profile, it offers a comfortable typing experience while fitting seamlessly onto Cherry MX switches and their clones. The resin casing doesnt just protect the intricate design; it also enhances it, allowing LED backlighting to shine through, creating an ethereal glow reminiscent of the characters magical power. Its a seamless fusion of artistry and usability, ideal for fans and keyboard enthusiasts alike.The Dark Magician keycap is a refined addition for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and collectors. Its high level of detail and compatibility make it an excellent choice for those who value both aesthetics and usability. By combining skilled craftsmanship with durable materials, it transforms any keyboard setup into a visually captivating workstation.Dark Magician Girl KeycapThe Dark Magician Girl keycap radiates charm with its vibrant color palette and exquisite detail. Her signature pink-and-blue outfit is meticulously rendered, with every elementfrom her wide-brimmed hat to her magical staffperfectly sculpted and hand-painted. Encased in transparent resin, the design is preserved against wear while allowing your keyboards lighting to bring her to life. This keycap effortlessly balances fun and nostalgia, making it a must-have for fans of this beloved character.Like its counterparts, the Dark Magician Girl keycap is built for both beauty and functionality. Its SA R1 profile ensures compatibility with Cherry MX switches, while the durable resin makes it a lasting part of your keyboard collection. The keycap is ideal for those looking to add a playful yet iconic flair to their setup, bringing the magic of Yu-Gi-Oh! into everyday use.Blue-Eyes White Dragon KeycapThe Blue Eyes White Dragon keycap is a showstopper, embodying the raw power and majesty of the franchises most iconic creature. The intricate sculpting captures every detail, from the beasts sharp claws to its meticulously scaled body, while its piercing blue eyes dominate the design. Encased in clear resin, the keycap allows for LED shine-through, adding a dramatic lighting effect that mirrors the dragons legendary White Lightning attack.Beyond its impressive aesthetics, this keycap is designed with functionality in mind. The SA R1 profile and Cherry MX compatibility make it suitable for a wide range of mechanical keyboards. Whether youre a longtime fan of Kaibas favorite monster or simply appreciate intricate artisan craftsmanship, the Blue Eyes White Dragon keycap offers a striking blend of design and usability. Its the ultimate statement piece for any keyboard setup, channeling the spirit of this legendary dueling monster.The post Level Up Your Mechanical Keyboard: Yu-Gi-Oh! Artisan Keycaps Unleash Iconic Duel Characters first appeared on Yanko Design.

Parents with verified Roblox accounts will now be able to monitor, and limit, how much time their kids are spending on the platform.Roblox has also launched new parental accounts that enable parents to monitor and limit their children's activity on the platform.

The Game Awards 2024 nominations are out.Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth lead The Game Awards 2024 nominations, but Larian's magnum opus is still in the fight.

The platform is proving it doesnt care about music.