Keep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.

John Wick and Deadpool 2 director David Leitch's Gears of War movie is progressing forward, with producer Kelly McCormick saying there is a "lot of energy" around getting the movie made due in part to the fact that a new game, Gears of War: E-Day, is coming out in 2026.McCormick clarified, though, that the Gears of War movie for Netflix will not be ready in time for the game's release date, whenever in 2026 that may be. "We won't hit that release date, but maybe something that feels relevant to the release of the new game," she told The Hollywood Reporter.McCormick and Leitch are married and run the production company 87North together. She added that Leitch is excited to make the Gears of War movie because it's a genre he hasn't done before: war. It's also "a bit of sci-fi" that Leitch will get to make "in his own way," McCormick said.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The worldwide reveal trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has surpassed an unfortunate milestone, accumulating close to 400,000 dislikes in less than one week. Although Call of Duty has consistently remained one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, the community seems to be growing tired of feeling unheard, and it's beginning to show its anger by targeting the next entry in the series, Black Ops 7.

From AI assistants doing deep research to autonomous vehicles making split-second navigation decisions, AI adoption is exploding across industries.Behind every one of those interactions is inference the stage after training where an AI model processes inputs and produces outputs in real time.Todays most advanced AI reasoning models capable of multistep logic and complex decision-making generate far more tokens per interaction than older models, driving a surge in token usage and the need for infrastructure that can manufacture intelligence at scale.AI factories are one way of meeting these growing needs.But running inference at such a large scale isnt just about throwing more compute at the problem.To deploy AI with maximum efficiency, inference must be evaluated based on the Think SMART framework:Scale and complexityMultidimensional performanceArchitecture and softwareReturn on investment driven by performanceTechnology ecosystem and install baseScale and ComplexityAs models evolve from compact applications to massive, multi-expert systems, inference must keep pace with increasingly diverse workloads from answering quick, single-shot queries to multistep reasoning involving millions of tokens.The expanding size and intricacy of AI models introduce major implications for inference, such as resource intensity, latency and throughput, energy and costs, as well as diversity of use cases.To meet this complexity, AI service providers and enterprises are scaling up their infrastructure, with new AI factories coming online from partners like CoreWeave, Dell Technologies, Google Cloud and Nebius.Multidimensional PerformanceScaling complex AI deployments means AI factories need the flexibility to serve tokens across a wide spectrum of use cases while balancing accuracy, latency and costs.Some workloads, such as real-time speech-to-text translation, demand ultralow latency and a large number of tokens per user, straining computational resources for maximum responsiveness. Others are latency-insensitive and geared for sheer throughput, such as generating answers to dozens of complex questions simultaneously.But most popular real-time scenarios operate somewhere in the middle: requiring quick responses to keep users happy and high throughput to simultaneously serve up to millions of users all while minimizing cost per token.For example, the NVIDIA inference platform is built to balance both latency and throughput, powering inference benchmarks on models like gpt-oss, DeepSeek-R1 and Llama 3.1.What to Assess to Achieve Optimal Multidimensional PerformanceThroughput: How many tokens can the system process per second? The more, the better for scaling workloads and revenue.Latency: How quickly does the system respond to each individual prompt? Lower latency means a better experience for users crucial for interactive applications.Scalability: Can the system setup quickly adapt as demand increases, going from one to thousands of GPUs without complex restructuring or wasted resources?Cost Efficiency: Is performance per dollar high, and are those gains sustainable as system demands grow?Architecture and SoftwareAI inference performance needs to be engineered from the ground up. It comes from hardware and software working in sync GPUs, networking and code tuned to avoid bottlenecks and make the most of every cycle.Powerful architecture without smart orchestration wastes potential; great software without fast, low-latency hardware means sluggish performance. The key is architecting a system so that it can quickly, efficiently and flexibly turn prompts into useful answers.Enterprises can use NVIDIA infrastructure to build a system that delivers optimal performance.Architecture Optimized for Inference at AI Factory ScaleThe NVIDIA Blackwell platform unlocks a 50x boost in AI factory productivity for inference meaning enterprises can optimize throughput and interactive responsiveness, even when running the most complex models.The NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 rack-scale system connects 36 NVIDIA Grace CPUs and 72 Blackwell GPUs with NVIDIA NVLink interconnect, delivering 40x higher revenue potential, 30x higher throughput, 25x more energy efficiency and 300x more water efficiency for demanding AI reasoning workloads.Further, NVFP4 is a low-precision format that delivers peak performance on NVIDIA Blackwell and slashes energy, memory and bandwidth demands without skipping a beat on accuracy, so users can deliver more queries per watt and lower costs per token.Full-Stack Inference Platform Accelerated on BlackwellEnabling inference at AI factory scale requires more than accelerated architecture. It requires a full-stack platform with multiple layers of solutions and tools that can work in concert together.Modern AI deployments require dynamic autoscaling from one to thousands of GPUs. The NVIDIA Dynamo platform steers distributed inference to dynamically assign GPUs and optimize data flows, delivering up to 4x more performance without cost increases. New cloud integrations further improve scalability and ease of deployment.For inference workloads focused on getting optimal performance per GPU, such as speeding up large mixture of expert models, frameworks like NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM are helping developers achieve breakthrough performance.With its new PyTorch-centric workflow, TensorRT-LLM streamlines AI deployment by removing the need for manual engine management. These solutions arent just powerful on their own theyre built to work in tandem. For example, using Dynamo and TensorRT-LLM, mission-critical inference providers like Baseten can immediately deliver state-of-the-art model performance even on new frontier models like gpt-oss.On the model side, families like NVIDIA Nemotron are built with open training data for transparency, while still generating tokens quickly enough to handle advanced reasoning tasks with high accuracy without increasing compute costs. And with NVIDIA NIM, those models can be packaged into ready-to-run microservices, making it easier for teams to roll them out and scale across environments while achieving the lowest total cost of ownership.Together, these layers dynamic orchestration, optimized execution, well-designed models and simplified deployment form the backbone of inference enablement for cloud providers and enterprises alike.Return on Investment Driven by PerformanceAs AI adoption grows, organizations are increasingly looking to maximize the return on investment from each user query.Performance is the biggest driver of return on investment. A 4x increase in performance from the NVIDIA Hopper architecture to Blackwell yields up to 10x profit growth within a similar power budget.In power-limited data centers and AI factories, generating more tokens per watt translates directly to higher revenue per rack. Managing token throughput efficiently balancing latency, accuracy and user load is crucial for keeping costs down.The industry is seeing rapid cost improvements, going as far as reducing costs-per-million-tokens by 80% through stack-wide optimizations. The same gains are achievable running gpt-oss and other open-source models from NVIDIAs inference ecosystem, whether in hyperscale data centers or on local AI PCs.Technology Ecosystem and Install BaseAs models advance featuring longer context windows, more tokens and more sophisticated runtime behaviors their inference performance scales.Open models are a driving force in this momentum, accelerating over 70% of AI inference workloads today. They enable startups and enterprises alike to build custom agents, copilots and applications across every sector.Open-source communities play a critical role in the generative AI ecosystem fostering collaboration, accelerating innovation and democratizing access. NVIDIA has over 1,000 open-source projects on GitHub in addition to 450 models and more than 80 datasets on Hugging Face. These help integrate popular frameworks like JAX, PyTorch, vLLM and TensorRT-LLM into NVIDIAs inference platform ensuring maximum inference performance and flexibility across configurations.Thats why NVIDIA continues to contribute to open-source projects like llm-d and collaborate with industry leaders on open models, including Llama, Google Gemma, NVIDIA Nemotron, DeepSeek and gpt-oss helping bring AI applications from idea to production at unprecedented speed.The Bottom Line for Optimized InferenceThe NVIDIA inference platform, coupled with the Think SMART framework for deploying modern AI workloads, helps enterprises ensure their infrastructure can keep pace with the demands of rapidly advancing models and that each token generated delivers maximum value.Learn more about how inference drives the revenue generating potential of AI factories.For monthly updates, sign up for the NVIDIA Think SMART newsletter.

By CHRIS McGOWANImages courtesy of DNEG and HBO.The greening of a city usually makes a town a nicer place to live in, but it isnt human-friendly when it happens to a post-apocalyptic Seattle overrun with voracious zombie-like creatures, as is the case in Season 2 of the hit HBO series The Last of Us. Much of that transformation was the task of DNEG, which had to reconstruct contemporary Seattle and then add 25 years of decay. Stephen James, VFX Supervisor at DNEG, comments, Building a city, weathering and destroying it, and adding 20 years of overgrowth, is already a very layered and complex challenge. But this season we had to add another layer of complexity water. We had to tell the story through the environment of how a coastal and very rainy city like Seattle may weather over time. Other VFX studios working on the show included Wt FX, Rise FX, Distillery VFX, Important Looking Pirates, Storm Studios and Clear Angle Studios. Alex Wang was the Production VFX Supervisor, and Fiona Campbell Westgate served as Production VFX Producer.A number of different techniques were utilized to build Seattle, from set extension and augmentation to digital matte painting and full CG environments.In order to get data of the waterside of the buildings where our team couldnt access, we had permission to fly a drone in the early morning before sunrise for both photogrammetry and photography. Our drone pilot had to dodge seagulls defending their nests while capturing each structure, which meant several trips to ensure the safety of the drone and the seagulls!Stephen James, VFX Supervisor, DNEGThe Last of Us is based on the Naughty Dog video game, created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, in which a global fungal infection turns its hosts into deadly mutants that transform or kill most of humanity. We had more than 20 unique locations and environments over the course of the season, from Ellie and Dinas initial approach to Seattle in Episode 3, to epic views of the city from the theater rooftop in Episode 4, and a number of wide city and waterfront shots in Episode 7, explains Melaina Mace, DFX Supervisor at DNEG. We utilized a number of different techniques to build Seattle, from set extension and augmentation to digital matte painting and full CG environments. Nearly all of these sequences required vegetation and overgrowth, weathering and destruction, and, because a lot of our work was set in a flooded Seattle, many sequences also required rain or FX water simulations.Building on the work done on Boston in Season 1, the filmmakers wanted the vegetation in Seattle to be more lush and green, reflecting the weather patterns and climate, telling the story about how a rainy, coastal city like Seattle might weather over time.Mace continues, For wider street and city views, we built a number of key Seattle buildings and built up a library of generic buildings to fill out our city in our wider rooftop and waterfront shots. Our Environment team worked in tandem with our FX team to build a massive, flooded section of the city along the waterfront for Episode 7, which needed to work from multiple different angles across multiple sequences. Nature reclaimed the city with CG moss, ivy and overgrowth. Building on the work done on Boston in Season 1, the filmmakers wanted the vegetation in Seattle to be a bit more lush and green and reflect the weather patterns and climate of the city. Mace explains, We had a library of Megascans ground plants and SpeedTree trees and plants from Season 1 that we were able to build upon as a starting point. We updated our library to include more ferns and coniferous trees to match the vegetation of the Pacific Northwest. Nearly every shot had some element of vegetation, from extending off ground plants in the set dressing and extending ivy up a full building facade, to building an entire ecosystem for a full CG environment. Mace notes, All vegetation scatters and ivy designs were created by our Environment team, led by Environment Supervisor Romain Simonnet. All ivy generation, ground plant and tree scattering was done in Houdini, where the team could also add wind simulations to match the movement of vegetation in the plate photography for seamless integration.To capture the scope of destruction, a partial set was constructed against bluescreen on a studio backlot, then digitally enhanced and completed in CG.To capture the iconic sites of Seattle, our team spent five days in Seattle, both scouting and reference-gathering across the city, James remarks. A big focus on getting as much photography and data as possible for the Aquarium and Great Wheel, given the level of detail and accuracy that would be required. We had multiple people capturing texture and reference photograph, LiDAR capture from Clear Angle, and a drone team for further coverage. Mace explains, We worked with a local production company, Motion State, to capture drone footage of the Aquarium, Great Wheel and a number of other Seattle buildings, which allowed us to create a full photogrammetry scan of each location. James notes, In order to get data of the waterside of the buildings where our team couldnt access, we had permission to fly a drone in the early morning before sunrise for both photogrammetry and photography. Our drone pilot had to dodge seagulls defending their nests while capturing each structure, which meant several trips to ensure the safety of the drone and the seagulls! We also ran video of the drone traveling along the water, beside the Great Wheel and various angles of the city, which were [an] excellent reference for shot composition for any of our full CG shots.The Pinnacle Theatre was based on the real Paramount Theatre in Seattle. DNEGs Environment team extended the city street in CG and dressed it with vegetation and ivy.Based on the real Paramount Theatre in Seattle, we had to extend the CG building [of the Pinnacle Theatre] off a two-story set built on a backlot in Surrey, B.C. The set was actually a mirror image of the real location, so it took a bit of work to line up but still retain the original building design. We were also fortunate enough to have the original Pinnacle Theatre asset from the game, which Naughty Dog very kindly provided for reference.Melaina Mace, DFX Supervisor, DNEGMace notes, Given the scope of the work in Episode 7, we knew we would need to build hero, full-CG assets for a number of locations, including the Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Great Wheel. Each asset was primarily based on the real-world location, with slight design alterations to match the show concept art and set design.A partial set was built on a backlot for the backside of the Aquarium where Ellie climbs onto the pier in Episode 7. Mace adds, We then lined up the location LiDAR and photogrammetry scans with the set LiDAR and adjusted the design of the building to seamlessly line up with the set. Small design details were changed to tie into the design of the game, including the whale murals on the side of the Aquarium, which were a story point to guide Ellie on her quest to find Abby. Another hero asset build was the Pinnacle Theatre, Ellie and Dinas refuge in Seattle, seen in Episodes 4, 5, 6 and 7. Mace explains, Based on the real Paramount Theatre in Seattle, we had to extend the CG building off a two-story set built on a backlot in Surrey, B.C. The set was actually a mirror image of the real location, so it took a bit of work to line up but still retain the original building design. We were also fortunate enough to have the original Pinnacle Theatre asset from the game, which Naughty Dog very kindly provided for reference. Our Environment team then extended the full city street in CG and dressed it with vegetation and ivy.Nearly all sequences required vegetation and overgrowth, weathering and destruction.Drone photogrammetry, on-site location photography, LiDAR scans and custom FX simulations were used to craft expansive CG environments and dynamic weather systems. We spent a week on location in Seattle with our Shoot team, led by Chris Stern, capturing as much data as possible, Mace states. We captured Roundshot photography at varying times of day from multiple different rooftop locations in downtown Seattle, as well as various different angles on the Seattle skyline, which we used as both reference for our CG environments and as the base photography for digital matte painting.DNEGs asset team created nine unique WLF (Washington Liberation Front) soldier digi-doubles based on 3D scans of the actors, then blended them in seamlessly with the actors.Approximately 70 water shots with crashing waves, animated boats and complex FX simulations were crafted. Due to the complexity of the environments and digi-double work and then needing to run hero FX simulations against each of those, it was really vital that both the environment and animation work for these sequences were prioritized early, James notes. Environments focused on any coastal areas that would have FX interaction such as the collapsed city coast, docks and boats run aground. We were very fortunate to have FX Supervisor Roberto Rodricks, along with an FX team with a lot of water experience, James comments. That allowed us to hit the ground running with our water workflows. Each ocean shot started with a base FX ocean that gave us buy-off on speed, wave height and direction. That was then pushed into hero simulation for any foreground water. The animation team, led by Animation Supervisor Andrew Doucette, had boat rigs that would flow with the ocean surface, but then added further detail and secondary motions to the boats. The soldiers were both mocap and keyframe animations to have the soldiers reacting to the ongoing boat movements. Once animation was finalized, FX would then run additional post simulations for boat interaction, which allowed us to quickly adapt and update ocean simulations as animation changed without redoing the full simulation. However, in a few shots, there were so many boats with their wakes interacting with each other that it had to run as one master simulation.Full CG assets were built for a number of locations, including the Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Great Wheel, based on the real-world locations, with slight design alterations to match concept art and set design.Drone footage of the Aquarium, Great Wheel and a number of other Seattle buildings allowed DNEG to create a full photogrammetry scan of each location.To deliver a realistic storm and match plate photography, DNEG Environments added layers of depth to each shot, including secondary details such as wind gusts, rain curtains, ripples and splashes on the water surface.The introduction of water added another layer of complexity to Season 2. Approximately 70 water shots with crashing waves, animated boats and complex FX simulations were crafted.DNEGs Environment team worked in tandem with the FX team to build a massive, flooded section of the city along the waterfront for Episode 7.James continues, In order to sell a realistic storm and match plate photography, it was vital that we added layers and layers of complexity to each of these shots. FX added secondary details such as gusts, rain curtains, ripples and splashes on the water surface, and drips/water sheeting on any surfaces. Digi-doubles were involved in some water shots. The asset team created nine unique WLF (Washington Liberation Front) soldier digi-doubles based on 3D scans of the actors. Each digi had four unique costume sets: two variations on their tactical gear costume and a set of raincoat costume variants to match the plate photography in Episode 7. Mace remarks, Our Animation team, led by Andrew Doucette, brought the soldiers to life, filling out an armada of military boats with the WLF militia, which needed to blend seamlessly with the actors in the plate photography. For the water sequences, we were able to get layout started early and postvisd the entire sequence in late 2024. We were very thorough at that stage, as we wanted to make sure that we had a very solid foundation to build our complex environment, animation and FX work on. Layout had to consolidate a variety of set locations such as the water tank, dry boat rig and multiple set dock locations into one consistent scene.

The official start of the season may be two months away, but basketball is back with NBA 2K26 hitting PS5 and PS4 September 5. The latest entry brings a new gameplay system powered by machine learning, studying todays superstars, and fun pick-up and play options. 2K invited me to go hands-on with the game before it launches September 5 on PS5, and Im here to share what I learned on the court.Also launching starting on September 12 (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) and on September 18 (Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam) is the PlayStation 5 Console NBA 2K26 Bundle. Read on for full detailsBetter ball2K26 puts considerable effort into improving both sides of the floor, with notable offensive and defensive enhancements. New machine-learning technology helps capture the fundamentals of the game. While playing, I noticed players would run and get set by firmly planting their feet, instead of a gliding effect. While driving into the paint, they would also stop and accurately respond to a defender in their lane. These details add a realistic weight to the sport.Enhanced Rhythm ShootingYou can still flick down-up on the right analog stick or simply press square to start your shooting motion, then release at the correct timing for the individual players shoot release. However, now the tempo of the play, like in real life, affects your shot. When a good defender bogged me down, I could quickly release my shot and intentionally release it early for a decisive bucket. With a high basketball IQ, any shot has the potential to be a good shot.Defensive battlesPlayers can swing a game in their favor if the shots arent falling, thanks to new improvements centered around real-world tactics. Around the players feet, you will see new Rebound Timing Feedback as a green meter that will flash to indicate a well-timed rebound. Learning Chet Holmgrens rebound timing made me nearly unstoppable under the rim and made me focus on an aspect of the game I had neglected before.Collisions and interior defense both benefit from a revamped system-driven tech that allows for more real-time interactions instead of scripted mocap animations. If you want to stop a fast break or crowd the lane, players will stop, adjust, and even collide realistically. The game rewards paying attention to the action when the ball isnt in your hand.Arena atmosphereThe devs also upgraded the game spectacle during downtime and timeouts with new crowd variety, interactions, and on-court performances. Cheerleader routines and mascot antics are fun, but my favorite by far was the dance cam. These moments captured the feel of attending a game live and the sense of community that attending a sporting event can create.MyTEAM updatesMyTEAM has received a significant remodel with Triple Threat Park turning Sunset Beach into a nighttime venue. Players are greeted with neon lights, fireworks, and other details that can only be appreciated after dark. Pulling cards and collecting players has also become an even bigger spectacle with dramatic reveals and added flair.The biggest change to MyTEAM is that WNBA players join the action for the first time in series history. Newcomers like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark take to the hardwood along with legends like Lisa Leslie. Attributes and Badges are identical for all players, no matter what league they hail from. Also, there is a WNBA Domination tier where your squad will be exclusively WNBA players as you challenge teams to earn Domination stars and crests.Another first is 2v2 games in Triple Threat Park. Two half courts have been added in the middle of the street, where you can run your favorite two-person team-ups. The park also features four 3v3 courts, including a new option with a beach backdrop, and three 3v3 courts for 6-player co-op matches. These games capture the essence of streetball, featuring players calling their fouls, checking the ball at midcourt, and engaging in some lively trash talka great way to mix and match your favorite ball players and have some quick, high-energy games.All-Star Team Up is now part of MyTEAM, where 10 players duke it out in 5v5 co-op matches. Take your favorite NBA or WNBA players for some very high-level play where being a good role player is the key to success. Earn individual rewards with the new Season Ladder and earn rewards as a team by winning matches. Find the right chemistry with your teammates, because for every five games you win with the same team lineup, everyone will receive rewards, even if the wins arent consecutive.Discover all the new enhancements coming to the court when NBA 2K 26 launches September 5 on PS5.Vertical Stand sold separatelyPS5 Console NBA 2K26 Bundle (Southeast Asia details)Were pleased to announce the PlayStation 5 Console NBA 2K26 Bundle is launching in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand starting September 12 and is launching in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam starting September 18. Release dates and availability may vary by region, please check your local retailer for availability and release dates.Players can feel the on-the-court immersion made possible by the DualSense wireless controllers haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Experience NBA 2K26s authenticity with lifelike animations, heightened player fidelity and authentic atmosphere with 4K resolution*, and enjoy shortened load times and return to the action faster with the PS5 consoles high-speed SSD.In Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, the bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console, DualSense wireless controller, and a digital voucher** for NBA 2K26 Standard Edition. In Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, the bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console, DualSense wireless controller, and a disc version for NBA 2K26 Standard EditionWith a robust focus on features and the game aspects that dont rely on the players, its great to play and watch. No matter your height, you should hit the court when NBA 2K26 comes to PS5 and PS4 on September 5.*4K and HDR require a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display.**Account for PlayStation and internet connection required to redeem voucher

For as much as I love life sims, particularly the farming variety (Stardew Valley and Coral Island, my beloved), one of my biggest pet peeves is when they raise up the player character as some sort of messiah figure. Everything hinges on your actions, which makes sense in the interactive media format known as a video game, but ultimately only makes me roll my eyes. Even if you try to downplay your efforts, either through dialogue or simply just messing around to do your own thing, it feels like that only makes your community love you more. The farmer is much too humble to say theyre the best. Even more reason to know they are!

Color plays a pivotal role in crafting compelling user experiences and successful digital products. Its far more than just aesthetics; color strategically guides users, establishes brand identity, and evokes specific emotions.Beyond functionality, color is also a powerful tool for brand recognition and emotional connection. Consistent use of brand colors across a digital product reinforces identity and builds trust. Different hues carry cultural and psychological associations, allowing designers to subtly influence user perception and create the desired mood. A thoughtful and deliberate approach to color in UX design elevates the user experience, strengthens brand presence, and contributes significantly to the overall success and impact of digital products. In this article, we will talk about the importance of color and why they are important for creating emotional connection and delivering consistent and accessible digital products.Well-chosen color palettes enhance usability by creating visual hierarchies, highlighting interactive elements, and providing crucial feedback on screens. For instance, a bright color might draw attention to a call-to-action button, while consistent color coding can help users navigate complex interfaces intuitively. Color also contributes significantly to accessibility, ensuring that users with visual impairments can still effectively interact with digital products. By carefully considering contrast ratios and providing alternative visual cues, designers can create inclusive experiences that cater to a wider audience.The colors we choose are the silent language of our digital products, and speaking it fluently is essential for success.Communicating Brand Identity Through Color In The Digital SpaceA thoughtfully curated and vibrant color palette becomes a critical differentiator, allowing a brand to stand out amidst the digital noise and cultivate stronger connections with the audience.Far beyond mere decoration, color acts as a visual shorthand, instantly conveying a brands personality, its underlying values, and its unique essence. According to the American Marketing Association, vibrant colors, in particular, possess an inherent magnetism, drawing the eye and etching themselves into memory within the online environment. They infuse the brand with energy and dynamism, projecting approachability and memorability in a way that more muted tones often cannot. Consistency: The Core Of Great DesignConsistency is important because it fosters trust and familiarity, allowing users to quickly identify and connect with the brand in the online landscape. The strategic deployment of vibrant colors is especially crucial for brands seeking to establish themselves and flourish within the digital ecosystem. In the absence of physical storefronts or tangible in-person interactions, visual cues become paramount in shaping user perception and building brand recognition. A carefully selected primary color, supported by a complementary and equally energetic secondary palette, can become synonymous with a brands digital presence. A consistent application of the right colors across different digital touchpoints from the logo and website design to the user interface of an app and engaging social media campaigns creates a cohesive and instantly recognizable visual language. Several sources and professionals agree that the psychology behind the colors plays a significant role in shaping brand perception. The publication Insights Psychology, for instance, explains how colors can create emotional and behavioural responses. Vibrant colors often evoke strong emotions and associations. A bold, energetic red, for example, might communicate passion and excitement, while a bright, optimistic yellow could convey innovation and cheerfulness. By consciously aligning their color choices with their brand values and target audience preferences, digitally-native brands can create a powerful emotional resonance.Beyond Aesthetics: How Color Psychologically Impacts User Behavior In DigitalAs designers working with digital products, weve learned that color is far more than a superficial layer of visual appeal. Its a potent, often subconscious, force that shapes how users interact with and feel about the digital products we build.Were not just painting pixels, were conducting a psychological symphony, carefully selecting each hue to evoke specific emotions, guide behavior, and ultimately forge a deeper connection with the user.The initial allure of a color palette might be purely aesthetic, but its true power lies in its ability to bypass conscious thought and tap directly into our emotional core. Think about the subtle unease that might creep in when encountering a predominantly desaturated interface for a platform promising dynamic content, or the sense of calm that washes over you when a learning application utilizes soft, analogous colors. These are not arbitrary responses; theyre deeply rooted in our evolutionary history and cultural conditioning.To understand how colors psychologically impact user behavior in digital, we first need to understand how colors are defined. In digital design, colors are precisely defined using the HSB model, which stands for Hue, Saturation, and Brightness. This model provides a more intuitive way for designers to think about and manipulate color compared to other systems like RGB (Red, Green, Blue). Here is a quick breakdown of each component:HueThis is the pure color itself, the essence that we typically name, such as red, blue, green, or yellow. On a color wheel, hue is represented as an angle ranging from 0 to 360 degrees. For example, 0 is red, 120 is green, and 240 is blue. Think of it as the specific wavelength of light that our eyes perceive as a particular color. In UX, selecting the base hues is often tied to brand identity and the overall feeling you want to convey.SaturationSaturation refers to the intensity or purity of the hue. It describes how vivid or dull the color appears. A fully saturated color is rich and vibrant, while a color with low saturation appears muted, grayish, or desaturated. Saturation is typically expressed as a percentage, from 0% (completely desaturated, appearing as a shade of gray) to 100% (fully saturated, the purest form of the hue).In UX, saturation levels are crucial for creating visual hierarchy and drawing attention to key elements. Highly saturated colors often indicate interactive elements or important information, while lower saturation can be used for backgrounds or less critical content.BrightnessBrightness, sometimes also referred to as a value or lightness, indicates how light or dark a color appears. Its the amount of white or black mixed into the hue. Brightness is also usually represented as a percentage, ranging from 0% (completely black, regardless of the hue or saturation) to 100% (fully bright). At 100% brightness and 0% saturation, you get white. In UX, adjusting brightness is essential for creating contrast and ensuring readability. Sufficient brightness contrast between text and background is a fundamental accessibility requirement. Furthermore, variations in brightness within a color palette can create visual depth and subtle distinctions between UI elements.By understanding and manipulating these 3 color dimensions, digital designers have precise control over their color choices. This allows for the creation of harmonious and effective color palettes that not only align with brand guidelines but also strategically influence user behavior.Just as in the physical world, colors in digital also carry symbolic meanings and trigger subconscious associations. Understanding these color associations is essential for UX designers aiming to craft experiences that not only look appealing but also resonate emotionally and guide user behavior effectively. As the EMB Global states, the way we perceive and interpret color is not universal, yet broad patterns of association exist. For instance, the color blue often evokes feelings of trust, stability, and calmness. This association stems from the natural world the vastness of the sky and the tranquility of deep waters. In the digital space, this makes blue a popular choice for financial institutions, corporate platforms, and interfaces aiming to project reliability and security. However, the specific shade and context matter immensely. A bright, electric blue can feel energetic and modern, while a muted and darker blue might convey a more serious and authoritative tone.Kendra Cherry, a psychosocial and rehabilitation specialist and author of the book Everything Psychology, explains very well how colors evoke certain responses in us. For example, the color green is intrinsically linked to nature, often bringing about feelings of growth, health, freshness, and tranquility. It can also symbolize prosperity in some cultures. In digital design, green is frequently used for health and wellness applications, environmental initiatives, and platforms emphasizing sustainability. A vibrant lime green can feel energetic and youthful, while a deep forest green can evoke a sense of groundedness and organic quality.Yellow, the color of sunshine, is generally associated with optimism, happiness, energy, and warmth. Its attention-grabbing and can create a sense of playfulness. In digital interfaces, yellow is often used for highlighting important information, calls to action (though sparingly, as too much can be overwhelming), or for brands wanting to project a cheerful and approachable image. Red, a color with strong physiological effects, typically evokes excitement, passion, urgency, and sometimes anger or danger. It commands attention and can stimulate action. Digitally, red is often used for alerts, error messages, sales promotions, or for brands wanting to project a bold and energetic identity. Its intensity requires careful consideration, as overuse can lead to user fatigue or anxiety.Orange blends the energy of red with the optimism of yellow, often conveying enthusiasm, creativity, and friendliness. It can feel less aggressive than red but still commands attention. In digital design, orange is frequently used for calls to action, highlighting sales or special offers, and for brands aiming to appear approachable and innovative.Purple has historically been associated with royalty and luxury. It can evoke feelings of creativity, wisdom, and mystery. In digital contexts, purple is often used for brands aiming for a sophisticated or unique feel, particularly in areas like luxury goods, beauty, or spiritual and creative platforms.Black often signifies sophistication, power, elegance, and sometimes mystery. In digital design, black is frequently used for minimalist interfaces, luxury brands, and for creating strong contrast with lighter elements. The feeling it evokes heavily depends on the surrounding colors and overall design aesthetic.White is generally associated with purity, cleanliness, simplicity, and neutrality. It provides a sense of spaciousness and allows other colors to stand out. In digital design, white space is a crucial element, and white is often used as a primary background color to create a clean and uncluttered feel.Gray is often seen as neutral, practical, and sometimes somber or conservative. In digital interfaces, various shades of gray are essential for typography, borders, dividers, and creating visual hierarchy without being overly distracting.Evoking Emotions In Digital InterfacesImagine an elegant furniture application. The designers might choose a primary palette of soft, desaturated blues and greens, accented with gentle earth tones. The muted blues could subtly induce a feeling of calmness and tranquility, aligning with the apps core purpose of relaxation. The soft greens might evoke a sense of nature and well-being, further reinforcing the theme of peace and mental clarity. The earthy browns could ground the visual experience, creating a feeling of stability and connection to the natural world.Now, consider a platform for extreme investment enthusiasts. The color palette might be dominated by high-energy oranges and reds, contrasted with stark blacks and sharp whites. The vibrant oranges could evoke feelings of excitement and adventure, while the bold red might amplify the sense of adrenaline and intensity. The black and white could provide a sense of dynamism and modernity, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the activities.By consciously understanding and applying these color associations, digital designers can move beyond purely aesthetic choices and craft experiences that resonate deeply with users on an emotional level, leading to more engaging, intuitive, and successful digital products.Color As A Usability ToolChoosing the right colors isnt about adhering to fleeting trends; its about ensuring that our mobile applications and websites are usable by the widest possible audience, including individuals with visual impairments. Improper color choices can create significant barriers, rendering content illegible, interactive elements indistinguishable, and ultimately excluding a substantial portion of potential users.Prioritizing color with accessibility in mind is not just a matter of ethical design; its a fundamental aspect of creating inclusive and user-friendly digital experiences that benefit everyone.For individuals with low vision, sufficient color contrast between text and background is paramount for readability. Imagine trying to decipher light gray text on a white background a common design trend that severely hinders those with even mild visual impairments. Adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) contrast ratios ensures that text remains legible and understandable.Furthermore, color blindness, affecting a significant percentage of the population, necessitates the use of redundant visual cues. Relying solely on color to convey information, such as indicating errors in red without an accompanying text label, excludes colorblind users. By pairing color with text, icons, or patterns, we ensure that critical information is conveyed through multiple sensory channels, making it accessible to all. Thoughtful color selection, therefore, is not an optional add-on but an integral component of designing digital products that are truly usable and equitable.Choosing Your PaletteAs designers, we need a strategic approach to choosing color palettes, considering various factors to build a scalable and impactful color system. Heres a breakdown of the steps and considerations involved:1. Deep Dive Into Brand Identity And Main GoalsThe journey begins with a thorough understanding of the brand itself. What are its core values? What personality does it project? Is it playful, sophisticated, innovative? Analyze existing brand guidelines (if any), target audience demographics and psychographics, and the overall goals of the digital product. The color palette should be a visual extension of this identity, reinforcing brand recognition and resonating with the intended users. For instance, a financial app aiming for trustworthiness might lean towards blues and greens, while a creative platform could explore more vibrant and unconventional hues.2. Understand Color Psychology And Cultural AssociationsAs discussed previously, colors carry inherent psychological and cultural baggage. While these associations are not absolute, they provide a valuable framework for initial exploration. Consider the emotions you want to evoke and research how your target audience might perceive different colors, keeping in mind cultural nuances that can significantly alter interpretations. This step is important to help in making informed decisions that align with the desired user experience and brand perception.3. Defining The Core ColorsStart by identifying the primary color the dominant hue that represents your brands essence. This will likely be derived from the brand logo or existing visual identity. Next, establish a secondary color or two that complement the primary color and provide visual interest and hierarchy. These secondary colors should work harmoniously with the primary, offering flexibility for different UI elements and interactions.4. Build A Functional Color SystemA consistent and scalable color palette goes beyond just a few base colors. It involves creating a system of variations for practical application within the digital interface. This typically includes tints and shades, accent colors, and neutral colors.5. Do Not Forget About Usability And AccessibilityEnsure sufficient color contrast between text and background, as well as between interactive elements and their surroundings, to meet WCAG guidelines. Tools are readily available to check color contrast ratios.Test your palette using color blindness simulators to see how it will be perceived by individuals with different types of color vision deficiencies. This helps identify potential issues where information might be lost due to color alone.Visual hierarchy is also important to guide the users eye and establish a clear visual story. Important elements should be visually distinct. 6. Testing And IterationOnce you have a preliminary color palette, its crucial to test it within the context of your digital product. Create mockups and prototypes to see how the colors work together in the actual interface. Gather feedback from stakeholders and, ideally, conduct user testing to identify any usability or aesthetic issues. Be prepared to iterate and refine your palette based on these insights.A well-defined color palette for the digital medium should be:Consistent,Scalable,Accessible,Brand-aligned,Emotionally resonant, andFunctionally effective.By following these steps and keeping these considerations in mind, designers can craft color palettes that are not just visually appealing but also strategically powerful tools for creating effective and accessible digital experiences.Color Consistency: Building Trust And Recognition Through A Harmonized Digital PresenceConsistency plays an important role in the whole color ecosystem. By maintaining a unified color scheme for interactive elements, navigation cues, and informational displays, designers create a seamless and predictable user journey, building trust through visual stability.Color consistency directly contributes to brand recognition in the increasingly crowded digital landscape. Just as a logo or typeface becomes instantly identifiable, a consistent color palette acts as a powerful visual signature. When users repeatedly encounter the same set of colors associated with a particular brand, it strengthens their recall and fosters a stronger brand association. This visual consistency extends beyond the core interface to marketing materials, social media presence, and all digital touchpoints, creating a cohesive and memorable brand experience. By strategically and consistently applying a solid and consistent color palette, digital products can cultivate stronger brand recognition, build user trust, and enhance user loyalty.

Daniel Engelbergs bold geometric worlds arent just hanging on walls anymore theyre keeping time. Known for his Inside Out series, where concentric circles and subtle gradients draw the eye into an illusion of depth, the Munich-based painter and sculptor has teamed up with Belgian watchmaker Ressence to bring his work to life in constant motion. Limited to just 40 pieces in two striking colorways warm pink DE1 and vivid turquoise DE2 the TYPE 8 Daniel Engelberg transforms the watch dial into a gallery-worthy work of art in perpetual motion.Inside Out #1, wood, acrylics, resin, 55x55x2 cm, 2023Engelbergs Inside Out works begin far from the watch bench. In his Munich studio, the artist mills each piece from a sheet of wood, then builds it up layer by layer with acrylic paint, forming concentric circles in gradient tones that radiate from a deep black core. Finally, he seals the entire sculpture under a glossy coat of epoxy resin. The result is a hands-on, meticulously crafted piece that creates an illusion of depth and a satisfying visual rhythm. This architectural sense of space, paired with joyful color, finds new life on the TYPE 8s watch face, turning timekeeping into a visual experience.TYPE 8 DE2TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE2Translating Engelbergs meticulous, wood-and-resin creations to the confines of a 42.9 mm dial required Ressence to rethink scale without losing any of the depth or vibrancy that defines his work. Working from the Inside Out series, the Belgian watchmaker adapted each concentric form into laser-engraved discs of Grade 5 titanium, preserving the subtle gradients and crisp geometry while reducing them to fractions of a millimeter. On the watch face, Engelbergs signature geometry is further accented by crisp white markings a new element that adds contrast, enhances time legibility, and introduces a fresh layer of visual rhythm. Powered by Ressences patented Orbital Convex System (ROCS), which allows the two dials to orbit one another, Engelbergs canvases become kinetic art. For the first time, my work is animated truly alive, reflects Engelberg.TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE1Each watch features rubber straps that match its dial color pink for DE1 and turquoise for DE2 with a leather option available for more formal occasions. The collaboration marks another chapter in Ressences history of partnering with independent artists, including Shantell Martin, Stefan Sagmeister, and Alain Silberstein. As they continue to explore art in motion, Ressence reaffirms its belief that fine watchmaking can be both a technical achievement and a medium for creative expression.TYPE 8 DE2TYPE 8 DE2TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE2TYPE 8 DE2TYPE 8 DE2TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE1TYPE 8 DE2To learn more about the TYPE 8 DE watches by Daniel Engelberg for Ressence, visit ressencewatches.com.Photography courtesy of Ressence.

We often shy away from showing our soft side at work. But what if thats our biggest strength.Heart in brackets.We can measure our success in many ways. Picking supportive metrics is a big part of a UX designers job, so my idea to check how my team was doing wasnt anything spectacularly unusual.We approached it from multiple angles: collaborating with colleagues from development teams, conducting research with directors and managers (the one shelf up approach), engaging with clients, and providing 360-degree feedback for every team member. I wanted to know how we were seen as a team, as smaller project sub-teams, and as individual people.It was also the time when we were preparing a big presentation summing up what wed done so far, the scope of our skills, and the directions for our teams growth. A team we proudly called DesignQueens.I remember the moment. It was the end of the workday. I was going through the slides the girls had prepared (specifically, Asia), and then right in front of my eyes it appearedand heartwritten in brackets, slipped into my job title: Urszula Kluz, Head (and Heart) of ProductDesign.And it wasnt the KPIs, it wasnt the certificates, it wasnt the survey results. Those two little words in brackets were, my friends, the best measure of my leadership I could everimagine.No dayIts been two, maybe three years since that moment. In the meantime, Ive changedjobs.It was a Friday. We were wrapping up two intense weeks of work, closing out the quarter for the whole organization. Lidija, the product lead I was working with, an absolute work titan, was crushing it in every meeting. I watched her craft with admiration.While everyone else was finishing their wrap-ups, I was tinkering away on a little side project: a proposal for a new feature for our product. I knew it was a bit of a subversive idea, so in the meantime, I had researched it, prototyped it, and even discussed implementation with the developers.Proud as a peacock, I peeked into Lidijas calendar. A half-hour slot. I write: Lidija, Ive got a great idea Id love to tell you about; perfect topic to end a heavy week and step into the weekend with asmile.And she replies: Ula, todays my No Day. How aboutMonday?No Day. And thats when my admiration turned intorespect.Her self-awareness (of herself, of our relationship, of me, of the product) was unique. She knew her current state could affect not only a design decision but also the motivation of a team member and she could manage that consciously. Most importantly, she was honest with herself and withme.So, my friends: if these two stories have struck a chord with your curiosity and youd like to know a bit more, readon.Just please, dont treat this as a complete leadership guide; thats not even what Im aiming for here. Think of it more as the account of someone whos been there, and with time is now collecting and making sense of her own experiences.Because yes, you can. You can be the change you want to see in theworld*.Tender and a bit mischievousBefore I built (or maybe its more accurate to say: we built) my dream team, I had already worked as a co-editor of a magazine, a curator of group exhibitions, and the head of my own graphic designstudio.And while my work in all those different fields brought more or less spectacular successes (always delivered with flying colors), I would walk away feeling lonely and physically drained.So when Micha came to me and said: Ula, what you do, your approach, is brilliant. We need to build you a team, I didnt feel like it was a compliment or some big career promotion. Instead, I got chills thinking about sleepless nights and doing all the work for and instead ofothers.Luckily, I had enough courage and curiosity to approach building a team differently this time. And no, I didnt know how to do it. I only knew one thing: it had to be different in every possibleway.And that it wouldnt be comfortable forme.Different frommeThe time came for my first recruitment. I went through all the CVs myself and invited about a dozen people for interviews. Patrycja was my last interviewee thatday.I asked her to tell me about her favorite project. She shared her screen and for a few seconds, I was staring at a perfect world: a spotless desktop, neatly structured folders, and file names (seriously, not a single new or final_v2 in sight). And in the design files, every layer, every component had a proper name, following a thoughtful namingscheme.At first, I could barely focus on what she was saying. I was so impressed by her orderliness.And what Im about to say is important:My first instinct was a voice full of insecurity: You cant hire her; shell expose your messiness. What will she think of you as aleader?My second instinct was a voice of reason: With her, you have a chance to getbetter.And then, for two hours (seriously!), Patrycja spoke passionately about her project, and I silently celebrated the thought of working together.And indeed, thanks to Patrycja, I developed this internal filter that, during later recruitments, helped me spot subtle hooks in CVs and create interview settings where a persons unique qualities couldshine.Thats exactly what happened in the last interview I ever conducted Or actuallyhehAgata conducted it with me:) Because for the entire hour, it was me (and the product owner) answering her questions: about our values and how we put them into practice, about the project and team structure, about the flow of running projects, roles, and responsibilities.This young woman, who thought of herself as a junior, with those mature questions, outpaced more than one senior in my eyes. By the end of the interview, I didnt need to ask her a single question. I knew I was talking to someone deeply self-aware.Building a team by cloning yourself might be easier than working with people who challenge your internal status quo. But its precisely those people who help you question your own assumptions and become better in directions youd never plan for yourself.In To Succeed Together, We Need to Value What Makes Us Different, Kim Scott explains how homogeneous teams often suppress individuality and innovation, arguing that true progress comes when we honor one anothers individuality rather than demanding conformity.Special opsunit.This strategy of seeking out the different one led us to build a team with a really wide range of skills. It meant we could match people to projects (and projects to people) in a way that met all sorts of demands. And of course, looking at the team and our hard skills, we aimed to grow so that all the key product design skills were covered, while still letting each of us specialise in our own path, and at the same time build a strong shared foundation.But Im not going to get into the hard skills here. Whats far more interesting is applying the different one principle to soft skills. Thats especially crucial if you see a designers role not just as a screen drawer, but as a partner who brings in data and represents the users point of view in strategic decisions.Lets be honest: in agency work, you rarely get clients with a deep understanding of UX. More often, the whole job of education and communication around UX lands squarely on the designers shoulders. Thats why a diverse team matters so muchit gives you the ability to match the right person to the right people (and here Im deliberately saying to people and not to the project, because its about the humans who runit).Heres how it worked forus:PatrycjaFearless PathfinderIncredibly independent, proactive, humble, and brave. After just two years on the job, she could run complex projects on her own and stand as an equal partner to ProductOwners.AgataRational ExplorerShe had research for everything. She could always back up her decisions rationally (right here, right now) even in stressful situations, because she had a huge reservoir of knowledge and knew exactly how to useit.AsiaWow Factor MavenShe could solve a visual problem in a matter of moments, leaving everyones jaws on the floor. She wasnt afraid to design live with the client and was irreplaceable whenever a true wow effect wasneeded.JustynaEmpathic PeacemakerHer smile and way of being could melt even the iciest hearts. You know the DunningKruger effect? Well, Justyna was a master at talking to that type of client who thought they knew something, and could work her magic so they actually ended up learning something.Pretty impressive, right?Tools that supportgrowthYou know, there are two kinds of pearls: the perfectly round ones that work great in a classic necklace, and the unique, baroque ones that need the right setting to truly shine. I had the latter. And the setting was: rhythm, structure, and strategy.RhythmRhythm is a pattern that gives you the comfort of predictability and automates processes, reducing the number of unknowns. Thanks to that, it creates safe conditions for growth and creativity. Its important for the team to discover its own rhythm and be able to modify it flexibly.Heres what it looked like for us (take it as an example, not a recipe): twice a week we had calls to share insights from projects. We often ran a dozen topics in parallel, so democratizing knowledge was a great development tool (for both the team and individual members). It was also a moment to solve ongoing problems before they turned into fires. Every now and then, such meetings turned into knowledge sharingexchanging thoughts after trainings, readings, or testing new knowledge.Activities covering a longer period or a larger number of events (e.g. a retrospective after implementing a new workshop formula) we organized as one- or two-day workshops in inspiring places. Sometimes that meant escaping a storm in the mountains, petting dogs, or floating on a lake on inflatable unicorns.The last element of this rhythm was knowledge exchange with other specializations (e.g. analysts or the Q&A team), thanks to which our solutions were consistent with the rest of the process and stayed in touch with the realities of delivery.Rhythm gave us daily fluidity, but on a larger scale, we also needed a clear team structure in the organization.StructureOur team structure looked something likethis:I was the first point of contact for other departments needing graphic support (marketing, sales, delivery), and at the same time I acted as a filter protecting the team from distractions, so that no one interrupted their work. Knowing the project roadmaps and each designers workload, I could efficiently coordinate priorities.But the most interesting element of this structure was the idea of having two designers in a project, even if the project was small. The first person acted as the lead for about 80% of the time, the second, as support for the remaining 20%.As you can probably guess, its not easy to convince managers and clients to involve two people instead of one in small projects. And thats where the third element comes in: strategy.StrategyStrategy is nothing more than understanding problems and needs, and finding solutions that benefit all parties, while being fully aware of the costs, in the longterm.Take, for example, the case of having two designers on a single project, even a small one, and lets look at what that meant for eachside.For the designers:Faster growthjuniors had someone to learn from, seniors built leadership skills. Exposure to a greater number of projects (even in smaller scopes) sped up experience building.Workflow fluidityit was easier to switch lanes between projects and step in where the need was greatest.Lifeand this is the most important point. When life happenedmigraine, heartbreak, or period painthere was always another person in the project who could take some of the load off your shoulders.Creative slumpseveryone has them. Theyre easier to handle when you can bounce ideas off someone who knows the context but brings fresheyes.For theclient:Peace of minddesigners often supported Product Owners, so their absence (vacation, illness) carried significant risk. A backup reduced that risk almost without extra financial cost.Faster, more effective deliverythe process was less likely to stall, and decisions could be made morequickly.For the organization:Practical standardization across projectsfrom project workflow to naming conventions inFigma.Competency mapreal, not wishful, which made career path planningeasier.Project stabilitywhich translated into financial stability for both designers and the organization.The cost? The discomfort of having to change the way youthink.All nice and shiny, right? Only how do you put it into life when a change in the organization seems big, not about financial costs, but about the discomfort of thinking and acting differently, and the organization itself has little UX awareness?You need to have a well-mapped set of stakeholders and know with whom and how to talk. Ill tell it on the example of my leader from a product company, Lidija, because what she did was puremastery.In our organization, user testing while creating software was not a standard. That really bothered me; we were working on a specialist application for a very specific professional group, I wanted to be sure it would be intuitive for them, and at the same time I couldnt look for users outside the company (the project was under NDA). So I asked Lidija forsupport.Her move was brilliant: she found in the organization people who not only had the required technical knowledge but could also become ambassadors of the testing as a standard approach. They were both managers of other products (hardware and software) and people actively engaged in company life outside the structures. This gave a chance that the topic would spreadfurther.She talked to them live (important!) and invited them to tests, so they could see with their own eyes that they can be simple, not time-consuming, and cheap. She also added a clear business argument: tests give functionality and usability based on real needs, not wishes. She warned about the cost: just half an hour once aquarter.The effect? Not only did she help us improve the product (and gave me peace of mind), but she also introduced a change that the whole organization could benefit from. Its exactly this acting beyond the usual patterns that gives it that mischievous character. Genius.TendernessAwareness, being present, and observing are one thing. Its only when you add actionor an intentional lack of actionthat tenderness happens.To me, its the most important trait of a leader, and it can show up in manyforms:Care. When Lidija first noticed Id slipped into my crazy mode (thats what she called it and, I have to admit, nailed it), she said: Ula, I can see youre rushing. Slow down. I dont want you to burn out. I think very few employees hear such genuinely caring words from an employer, leader, or client. And she managed to spot it even though wed only known each other for a few weeks, were almost 900 km apartand she still reacted with tenderness.Silent support. I wanted Patrycja and Asia to see what incredible designers they were in a bigger context. So I suggested they take part in the lska Rzecz competition (where, by the way, they succeeded). My goal was for them to see their exceptional abilities.Freedom to decide. Tenderness is also trust, allowing someone to make different decisions than I would have made myself. That goes for design choices as well as harder situations, like dealing with mobbing or defining your own careerpath.This kind of tenderness lets a leader go way beyond standard feedback tools. All the sandwiches and 360 feedback methods dont stand a chance against the feeling of truly being seen andheard.(I also love how Arvind Mehrotra frames it in How to Drive Better Outcomes with Compassionate Leadership: compassion is not just about empathy, but about concrete actions that boost both well-being and performance. Thats exactly the kind of tenderness Imean.)When a leader gives space and responds attentively, others start doing the same, first with each other, then with people outside the team. The result? A culture where you can openly talk about being overloaded, ask for help, or admit a mistake before it blowsup.Things thatconnectsDecide.Thank you.You nailedit.Do you needhelp?Why didnt it work? What did Imiss?I needhelp.I dont know, but Ill findout.Im sorry.Cost:Sometimes we work toward the organizations goals. Sometimes our own. Sometimes what your manager asks for, or the KPIs you agreed on together. And sometimessomething bigger. Something that goes beyond the project, the organization, even time and place. And then, losing ithurts.On the kitchen board, next to photos of my loved ones, hang notes from the girls. In my backpack, I still carry the Swiss army knife from Lidija. Its been years, I missthem.You could call it a cost. I call it agift.Because if you miss something, it means it was worthit.* from Gandhis Be the change you wish to see in theworld.** the DunningKruger effect is a cognitive bias where people with low expertise tend to overestimate their abilities, while those with greater knowledge often underestimate themselves because they understand the complexity of thesubject.Tender leadership with a bit of mischief was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.