Tracing the journey of Indian design: from ancient traditions to contemporary innovations.Photo by Ankush Rathi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-and-multicolored-concrete-building-925069/A few days back I was traveling to a city and noticed the political banners hosted in the city. I noticed something: each banners color pattern was different, and every banner represented a religion. If you live in India you know there are different colors for different religions like orange/saffron for Hindu, Green for Islam, etc. But as designer; I dont see religion in colors, but justcolors.Back home, I looked over the internet to understand this depictions origin. I came to know that- orange in Hinduism is used as fire, the color of the saints as most Hindus were saints back then. Similarly Green in Islam was represented as Jannah (a place with fertility after birth). These colors have been used so much in India that they have made the viewers perspective somewhat religious. Although, this usually does not affect any designeras designers are always playing with colors, they know the psychological effects of all colorsThis keeps them unbiased.Looking for these two colors took me to the origin of Indian color philosophy and I was now curious to understand more about Indian Design. What role does design play in India? How has design influenced India? How design is evolving in India? Then, I was thinking about-What is the design identity of India?When we say Indian designwhat people from other country see? What do they think about Indian design? Is it historical art, ornamental decorations and vibrant colors, or beautiful intricate architecture and carvings or any new tech? All these questions occupied my mind and I decided towrite.If you are a designer: when I say Japan, you suddenly transport in the world of Calligraphy Shodo (Japanese calligraphy, also known as shodo which means the way of writing, is an art form that combines brush and ink writing with poetry, literature, and painting. It is a revered part of Japanese culture and is used in everyday life and artistic pursuits) and minimal design on banners, lot of color and complex designs in urbanarea.https://dribbble.com/shots/7142386-Tokyo-Blends-posterLikewise, what is Indian design? This will be longish article with few details on evolution of design in India and I promise, by end of this article you will be definitely surprised and gather more insight about IndianDesign.The RootsThe oldest things in India are truly ancient. People have had to dig into the earth to find them!temples, caves, and rock carvings. These were built much earlier; in fact it is also known as prehistoric era. This Era was in 2500 BCE and earlier. India is one of the oldest country, on Internet it says its 500010,000 yearsold!We do see the paintings in caves, rock carvings made by early humans in India (According to Farnaz Broushaky (2016), evidence indicates that the Neolithic farmers form the main ancestry of many modern South Asians. They migrated from the fertile crescent, most likely from a region near the Zagros Mountains in modern day Iran, to South Asia some 10,000 yearsago.)We can still visit a few Rock shelters in India, the most popular one that you can visit is the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in Madhya Pradesh. These were not made or constructed by humans; they are natural formations in the Vindhyan Hills of Madhya Pradesh, India. However, they became significant due to the early hominins and humans who used these shelters as habitation sites and canvases for their artwork. Evidence of early human ancestors living here date back to the Paleolithic period (around 100,000 years ago). The name Bhimbetka is derived from Bhim Baitka (Bhims sitting place) in local folklore, connecting it to the epic Mahabharata. This connection is mythological, but the shelters significance is primarily archaeological and anthropological. We cannot trace down who actually created this designs but we surely know that this was start of Graphic Design. Graphic: Derived from the Greek word graphiks (), meaning pertaining to drawing or writing, which itself stems from graphein (), meaning to write or todraw.SourceGoogleImagesSource: GoogleImagesThe emergence of TemplesTemples in India began to emerge much later, during the early historic period, around the Mauryan dynasty (322185 BCE) and more prominently during the Gupta period (4th6th century CE). These were influenced by evolving religious practices, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Few of early temple builders inIndia:Mauryan Period (322185 BCE)Emperor Ashoka was active in constructing stupas and rock-cut architecture, like the Barabar Caves. These were Buddhist structures, not temples in the classical sense but precursors to temple architecture.Satavahanas and Kushans (1st Century BCE3rd Century CE)Early rock-cut temples dedicated to Hindu deities started appearing, as seen in Ellora Caves and AjantaCaves.Gupta Period (4th6th Century CE)Known as the Golden Age of Indian Art, this era saw the first free-standing temples, such as the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh. Temples in this period were made of stone and brick, with intricate carvings.Pallavas (4th9th Century CE)The Pallavas pioneered South Indian temple architecture with rock-cut temples like the Mahabalipuram ShoreTemple.Impression from the AjantaCavesThe Pallavas Art and ArchitectureOkay, so from History we got caves, temples, rock shelters, etc.Lets now talk a bit about Civilisation Design.The Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization)The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was one of the worlds earliest urban cultures, thriving around 33001300 BCE in modern-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Its cities, like Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Lothal, were marvels of urban planning, featuring grid-like streets, advanced drainage systems, and well-defined zones for residential and administrative purposes. They used standardized baked bricks for construction, a practice that ensured durability and uniformity. The civilizations infrastructure, such as massive granaries and the Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro, highlights its focus on public utility and organization.Great Bath in Mohen Jo DaroSourceThe artistic achievements of the Indus Valley are equally impressive. Painted pottery with intricate geometric and natural motifs, expressive terracotta figurines, and the famous Dancing Girl bronze statuette reflect their creativity and craftsmanship. They also created exquisite jewellery using gold, silver, and semi-precious stones and carved intricate seals featuring animals, symbols, and script, likely serving both functional and cultural purposes. Though textiles have not survived, evidence suggests they used cotton and other natural fibers. Their designs blended practicality with aesthetics, often carrying religious or symbolic significance, such as motifs of bulls, peepal trees, and mythical creatures, underscoring their deep connection to culture and spirituality.Indus Valley CivilisationSourceAfter the Historian period, we began to see design patterns emerging in the form of cave art (like Warli art) or more ornamental motifs in architecture, featuring elements such as leaves, flowers, andbirds.Voila! First icons set of India! These were the symbols used while creating the Indus valley, I found no exact information on the internet about why these were made, who made them, and what purpose theyserved.Icons used in IndusValley.Recently The Hindu Published a very interesting news about this above icon set. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1 million prize for experts or organisations that succeed in deciphering the scripts of the Indus Valley Civilisation for everyone to understand.The Colonial Influence (15th-19th Century)The colonial influence on design in India left a significant and lasting impact, blending traditional Indian aesthetics with European sensibilities.This period saw the introduction of new materials, techniques, and styles, which reshaped various aspects of Indian art, architecture, anddesign.If youve traveled to India, you may have observed buildings that blend traditional Indian architecture with European or British influences. However, throughout the country, there are also structures that deviate entirely from Indian architectural styles. The reason for this is colonialism.Several nations ruled over India and left a lasting impact on its architectural design. Here are a few ofthem.Portuguese Rule in India (15thCentury)The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a presence in India, arriving in 1505, following Vasco da Gamas historic voyage in 1498. They remained the last to depart, with their rule concluding in 1961. Although Portuguese colonial rule outlasted that of the British, its impact was relatively limited. Noteworthy remnants of their legacy include architectural landmarks like the Cathedral of Goa and other structures representing Portuguese India.Cathedral of Goa.SourceFrench Rule in India 17thCenturyThe French colonies in India were the smallest among the European possessions in terms of territory. The French first ventured into India in the 17th century, primarily for trade. They established their presence by acquiring Pondicherry from the Sultan of Bijapur and Chandannagar from the Mughal Governor of Bengal. These settlements became key hubs for French commercial activities in India. The most characteristic element of French architecture in India is the use of columns to support the roof and divide the building into sections. Dormers, Shutter windows, rounded towers or gables, sloping roofs, and chimneys were prominent features of the Indo-French architectural style.https://theholidaysdestination.com/puducherry-museum/The British Raj (18th-19th Century)Coronation of George V. Delhi Durbar and the royals.dailymail.co.ukThe British ruled the Indian subcontinent for nearly 200 years, culminating in Indias independence in 1947. During their administration, they blended Indian design elements with Western architectural styles, reflecting the regimes influence. Their rule began with the construction of extensive road and railway networks, primarily to serve their interests, and later included the establishment of significant landmarks such as monuments, railway stations, rest houses, and government buildings. Prominent examples of British colonial architecture include the Rajabai Clock Tower, CSMT (Victoria Terminus at that time), and the Bombay High Court inMumbai.Victoria Terminus is now known as Chtrapati Shivaji MaharajTerminusThe Portuguese, French, and British colonial powers had a profound influence on graphic design, typography, and print culture in India. Each brought unique aesthetics, techniques, and practices that shaped Indias design language and print traditions.Heres how their influence unfolded:The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a strong foothold in India (Goa in 1510), and their contributions laid the groundwork for print and typography.Introduction of the Printing PressThe Portuguese introduced the first printing press in India in 1556 in Goa, primarily for religious purposes. Early printed works were in Konkani and Marathi, using Roman script, as well as Portuguese.The press was used for publishing Christian texts, catechisms, and religious literature, making print culture accessible in local languages.TypographyEarly typographic designs reflected a fusion of Roman lettering and local Indian scripts.The Jesuit missionaries in Goa developed movable type for Indian scripts like Tamil and Malayalam to aid in spreading Christianity, influencing Indian language typography.Visual DesignThe graphic style of Portuguese print leaned heavily on religious iconographysaints, crosses, and baroque ornamental patternsreflecting Catholic art traditions.Left:The Christ Child as Good Shepherd (Good Shepherd Rockery), Indo-Portuguese, ivory, seventeenth century, 17.4 6.8 5 cm, place of origin: India (Goa) (The Walters Art Museum); right: Virgin of the Immaculate Conception (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), Singhalo-Portuguese, ivory, seventeenth century, 25.7 cm high, place of origin: Sri Lanka (The Walters ArtMuseum)First printed book in Tamil in 1579,CochinImage SourceFrench InfluenceThe French influence on Indian typography and graphic design was less widespread but concentrated in areas like Pondicherry.Typography and DesignFrench colonial administrators brought a neo-classical aesthetic, characterized by elegant, serif-based typography and restrained graphic design. They influenced the development of Tamil typography, especially for religious texts and educational materials, creating a refined typographic tradition.Transliteration of vowels and consonants from Tamil to French (Lap Reference Lap1904,7)Printing PressesFrench presses in Pondicherry produced bilingual works (French and Tamil), fostering cross-cultural exchange.The design of printed materials often combined French minimalism with Indian motifs, creating a hybrid aesthetic.Visual IdentityFrench influence can still be seen in signage, graphic styles, and architectural typography in Pondicherry, where colonial design sensibilities merged with localculture.The British had the most extensive impact on graphic design, typography, and print in India, driven by industrialization, commerce, and education.The British established printing presses across India to produce newspapers, books, and official documents.Pioneering typographers like John Gilchrist and William Carey worked on adapting Indian scripts like Devanagari, Bengali, and Urdu into movabletype.John GilchristWilliam CareyIndian scripts were standardized and streamlined for mass printing, creating the foundation of modern Indian typography.The first Indian newspaper, Hickeys Bengal Gazette (1780), marked the start of print journalism. English newspapers and bilingual publications brought European typographic styles (serif fonts, grid layouts) into Indian printculture.Hickys Bengal Gazette March,1781During colonial times, lithography played a significant role in shaping art, culture, and communication in India. Introduced by the British in the early 19th century, this printing technique was initially used for administrative purposes like producing maps, official documents, and educational materials. Over time, Indian artisans and publishers adopted it, transforming it into a medium for printing books, newspapers, and journals in regional languages, which helped promote literacy and cultural identity.Lithography also revolutionized Indian art, making religious and traditional imagery more accessible to the masses. Artists like Raja Ravi Varma used lithographic presses to reproduce their work, blending Indian themes with European styles and reaching a wider audience.Beyond art and literature, lithography became a powerful tool in the independence movement, allowing the production of pamphlets, posters, and newspapers that spread nationalist ideas. The technique reflected a unique cultural fusion, combining European methods with Indian creativity, and its legacy continues to influence Indias visual and print heritagetoday.To know exactly, what is lithography checkout this quick video by TheoLotzI remember when I was kid I used to see the Raja Ravi Vermas painting on our calendar, every month had a different painting. And then later I saw the same paintings during my drawing elementary and intermediate exams. Raja Ravi Verma and various artists have leverage their art while using the lithographic drawings.Lithography Print by Raja RaviVermaVisual communication played a key role in spreading the message of boycotting British goods and supporting native industries. Designs from this era prominently featured traditional Indian symbols like the spinning wheel (charkha), the lotus, and Bharat Mata (Mother India), which evoked pride in Indias cultural heritage. Posters, handbills, and advertisements promoting locally made products used bold imagery and vibrant colors to capture attention, while typography blended traditional Indian styles with modern techniques to represent the fusion of tradition and progress.Impressions from the SwadeshiMovementPublications, calendars, and packaging design also embraced Swadeshi themes, with nationalist imagery appearing in newspapers, magazines, and khadi products to reinforce the movements message. Artists like Abanindranath Tagore, associated with the Bengal School of Art, rejected European aesthetics in favor of traditional Indian techniques, creating a distinct visual language aligned with Swadeshi ideals. The graphic design of this period not only supported the independence movement but also laid the foundation for Indias modern visual identity, showcasing the power of design as a means of cultural and political expression.The Swadeshi Movement of the early 20th century had a significant influence on Indian graphic design, which became a powerful tool for promoting the movements ideals of self-reliance and national identity.Popular 1930s poster depicting Gandhi using a charkha to spin cotton and weave cloth, captioned Concentrate on Charkha and SwadeshiPost-Independence Period (19471980s)After gaining independence in 1947, India concentrated on establishing its identity as a sovereign nation. This aspiration shaped various design domains, including architecture, graphic design, and crafts. The Nehruvian focus on industrial growth and modernization significantly influenced the design landscape of the era. Alongside modernization efforts, there was a strong drive to renew traditional crafts and indigenous practices, creating a balance between preserving heritage and embracing progress.Post-independence Development in Architecture designLe Corbusier and Jawaharlal Nehru (18891964), Prime Minister of India (19471964) at the initiative of the founding of Chandigarh.Pandit Jawahar lal Nehru and Le Corbusier planning the design of Chandigarh City.Modernism: Influenced by Le Corbusier and Bauhaus, modernist architecture became prominent. Le Corbusiers designs for Chandigarh (1950s) set a benchmark for modernist urban planning.Public Institutions: Institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and government buildings reflected functional, minimalist design with an emphasis on concrete and openspaces.Housing for All: Low-cost housing projects were developed to address the needs of a growing population, showcasing utilitarian designs.Post-independence Development in Industrial designDesign in industries began focusing on affordable, functional products for everyday use. ForinstanceHINDUSTAN MOTORS LTD Ambassador (1958) Indias first locally manufactured car. Godrej Consumer Products Limited Steel Cupboards: Durable and cost-effective storage solutions.White Goods: Companies like Bajaj Electricals Ltd and Godrej Consumer Products Limited produced refrigerators, fans, and scooters designed for the Indian middleclass.Post-independence Development in GraphicdesignThere was a tremendous growth seen in the Graphic design sector, Institutions were establised and the people were more eager to learn new this that the nation is providing. During this time in 1961, National Institute of Design was establised to formalise the design education.One cool thing about NID is its logo! The NID logo was designed by Adrian Frutiger, the same person who designed the fonts like Univers, Frutiger andAvenirAdrian Frutiger and the NIDlogoAlong with the Institutions, there were various Projects were going on including the Indian Railways Logo designDuring this point the government of India recognized the potential of professional design to elevate the public sector branding. Designers, possibly involving collaborations with or inspiration form NID alumni, were tasked with creating the Indian Railways logo IndianRailwaysAnother interesting project was the Tricolor flag of India. The demand for national flag emerged during Indias freedom struggle as a unifying symbol against British colonial rule. Various flags were used in protests and rallies, each representing culture and religious Identities.Its believed the the first national flag was hosted in 1906 in Calcutta (Now Kolkata). It featured horizontal stripes of green, yellow and red with symbols like the sun, crescent moon andlotus.In 1916, The Home Rule Movement was initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, this moment sought a greater self-governance within the British Empire. Thus we see red (Hindu) and green (Muslim) stripes with Union Jack on top left. There were seven stars in the flag that represent the Saptrishi, a constellation deeply rooted in Indian mythology and culture, signifying Indias spiritual heritage.In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi suggested a flag to represent Indias diversity during the 1921 Congress session. Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and agricultural scientist, presented a design featuring a red stripe for Hindus, a green stripe for Muslims, and a white stripe for other communities, with a spinning wheel (Charkha) at the center symbolizing self-reliance.In 1947, The Charkha in the 1931 design was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoked wheel from the Lion Capital of Ashoka (Sarnath), representing dharma (righteousness), law, andmotion.Digital Revolution aka IT Boom (1990sEarly2000)This was a transformation period for India, being an independent country and in a race for growth, everyone knew that digital transformation is the next big thing, we made rapid advancements in technologies, government policies and emerged our digitaleconomy.This was a phase that laid the foundation of IT in India. In 1991, India liberalized its economyintroducing a new economic policy that drastically reduced government controls, opened up the market to foreign investment, and allowed for greater private sector participation. The rise of IT tech giants like Infosys, Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services provided a stage for Indias software and outsourcing.InfosysCompany History & Defining Milestones | AboutUsDuring this time a roadmap for IT was created by the National Task Force on Information Technology and Software Development. It was established by the Indian government to formulate a national policy aimed at transforming India into an IT superpower by creating a comprehensive strategy to integrate Information Technology across all sectors of the economy, building necessary infrastructure, and promoting the use of IT for national growth; essentially, to position India as a leader in the global ITmarket.The Government has entrusted the task force with a job to excite and energise the people of India, creating the faith in them that information technology vitally aids personal growth and nationalgrowth.Spread of Internet inIndiaThe first public internet service in India was launched by VSNL (Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited) in 1995, marking the introduction of internet access to the general public, although it was initially very expensive and slow due to dial-up technology; essentially, this meant that most people could only access the internet for a limited time at a highcost.If you want explore internet journey of India in detail, please read refer to this article by GayatriVinayakFirst call inIndiaIn 1995, Jyoti Basu, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, and Sukh Ram, the Union Communications Minister, made history by becoming the first official cellphone users in India. They inaugurated the countrys first cellular service, Modi Telstra, with a phone call between Calcutta andDelhiDialling up: Mobile telephony started with then West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu saying the first hello to then Union communications minister Sukh Ram. Also seen in the picture is industrialist BK Modi (filephoto)New Telecom Policy marked a turning point in Indias telecom sector. By opening the industry to private competition, it significantly reduced costs, making mobile phones more accessible to a wider population and transforming the way people connected and communicated. With increasing access to internet and making the it affordable for everyone attracted the people of India, slowly people started learning to use technologies, implemented them in work and India became hub for IT services, benefiting from English proficiency and skilledlabor.The Y2K bug, or the Millennium Bug, was a computer programming issue that arose because many older software systems stored years using only the last two digits (e.g., 99 for 1999). As the year 2000 approached, there was widespread concern that computers would interpret 00 as 1900 instead of 2000, leading to errors in date-based calculations, financial transactions, and critical infrastructure systems.Who Solved It? The Y2K problem was a global challenge, and multiple countries played a role in addressing it. However, India played a particularly significant role in fixing the Y2Kbug.Contemporary Era (2000sPresent) of IndianDesignThe 21st century has witness a very dynamic transformation in design, blending the traditional aesthetics with modern digital technology, with rise of globalisation and growing creative sector, India has expanded beyond print and advertising to include UX/UI, motion graphics, AR VRetc.The 2000s marked the shift with companies focusing on startups and user experience, with increasing number of mobile phones and internet.UX/UI design became the central to product development. Apps like Swiggy, Paytm, Zomato and Flipkart has really pushed Indian designers to adopt global standards while catering to local user behaviour.Branding and VisualIdentityContemporary Indian design has moved towards bold, minimalistic and cultural branding. Brands like Paperboat, FABINDIA LIMITED, Royal Enfield have successfully merged the nostalgia with the modern aesthetics. While the new age start ups like CRED, Dunzo and boAt Lifestyle focuses on future and experimental visual styles. Bira 91 Bira has seamlessly blended Indian cultural motifs with contemporary aesthetics, incorporating vibrant colors, folk art-inspired illustrations, and playful typography to create a distinct and youthful brand identity that resonates with modern India.This fusion of Indian motifs with global design trends has given rise to unique brand identities.The introduction of regional typography and multilingual interface became important in making digital products accessible for everyIndian.Bira 91The brand with IndianEditionCred app design2022If you want to read more about the process of Bira design, checkout the Packaging design journey page by NH1DesignIf you want to read more about CRED design, there is relaly good article you can read, Thoughts on Creds UI revampNeoPOP (Apr 2022) written by Shaunak BhanarkarThanks for reading (it was alot!)Having explored the origins and evolution of design, we can see that it is fundamentally a visual transition.Design influences every Indian in profound waysour surroundings, culture, and history shape how we perceive and remember visual elements. Just as hearing an old song evokes nostalgia and transports us to moments from the past, design has a similar impact. It is s also science. If youre a designer, its essential to understand that whatever you create doesnt just impact individualsit contributes to the design identity of an entirecountry.How do you want your designs to represent India? Should they express professionalism, playfulness, or a balance ofboth?Indias design language is unique because it doesnt adhere to a singular genre. Instead, it embraces a diverse and vibrant aesthetic, reflecting the countrys rich culture. This variety makes Indian design more inclusive, adaptable, and deeply connected to itspeople.In my next article, Ill explore how even the smallest design choices can have a huge impact, eventually shaping the visual identity of a nation. Until then, keep designing with purpose andpassion!Sourceshttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Hindu-templehttps://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/maharashtra/chhatrapati-sambhaji-nagar/ajanta-caveshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallava_dynastyBuilt to Last: The Enduring Legacy of Pallava Art and Architecture | Asia ResearchNewshttps://www.thetalentedindian.com/the-indus-valley-civilisation-an-artistic-cultural-legacy/https://www.novatr.com/blog/architectural-influence-of-colonization-in-indiahttps://sundayguardianlive.com/art/4421-how-ravi-varma-s-popular-litho-prints-changed-indian-art-foreverhttps://www.visvabharati.ac.in/abanindranathtagore.htmlhttps://chandigarh.gov.in/know-chandigarh/general-information#:~:text=Chandigarh%2C%20the%20dream%20city%20of,the%20twentieth%20century%20in%20Indiahttps://www.thehansindia.com/life-style/history-of-tiranga--the-evolution-of-indian-tricolor-600061A really (really) long but authentic history of design evolution in India was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Before taking your next role, figure out how and when you plan toleave.illustration by StorytaleEarly in my career, before I became a people manager, I would say that I knew it was time to leave a job when I was no longer learning. Learning my craft, new techniques or processes, how to manage clients or projects. As I grow in my career, I still want to learn, its a driving factor in each new role I take, but now Im much better at finding new things to learn without leaving a job. Now my focus is on teaching, what will I bring to a company, to my team in order to feel like Ive reached a level of success there, and know it's time to move on, from the role, the team, or thecompany.When I start a new job I immediately start the process of designing myself out of the role as soon as possible.Every company is different and what they need from you is as well. Sometimes you start, thinking youll spend your time building the team, or shepherding the product forward, sometimes you end up doing something entirely different What might those other things looklike?Establishing role standards for what is expected at each level of seniority, articulating the deltas between them to create a clear plan for growth and set expectations for performance reviews and promotionGrowing beyond legacy business metrics (funnels, basic click-through-rates, sales, cart value) into measuring actual user success, happiness, confidence, and frustration, atscale.Building links between functions, even successful products may still have chasms in the knowledge between the functional teams. Do engineers really know the design process? Do the designers understand how to read and interpret analytics dashboards. Respect, and eagerness to collaborate starts with understanding.What got you here wont get you there, when you join a team at an established company things could looks great, meetings may run smoothly, people get along, and its business as usual. Will that get you where you need to be as a company? If not, you may need to be the forcing function for process or organizational change.But upon learning more you realize the biggest impact you can have it something completely different, sometimes things that dont even feel likedesignillustration by StorytaleEarly in your career what are your goals? For many, its a specific title, a salary with a certain number of commas, a recognizable company name on your resume. These arent wrong, but youll get tired of them, I promise. One of the questions I ask when Im interviewing for a role or onboarding in a company is, what change in this organization would cause you to start looking for something new? Going into a role it's good to know what people consider core to their company and its culture, it's not that those things are unchangeable, but you have to be sensitive and intentful when planning changes in thoseareas.Challenge yourself now, what are your personal goal as a manager? For me its a team that wants me around but doesnt feel they need me. Its getting my top performers promoted. Its getting my most insightful team members to write, give talks, teach classes, and share their knowledge. Getting my most quiet and introverted to understand they can be leaders (and if they want, managers) as well, leadership isnt about speaking loudly in front of groups but in cultivating trust and influence.Further ReadingWhat Maslows Hierarchy Wont Tell You About Motivation by SusanFowlerHow to Motivate Your Problem People by Nigel Nicholsonillustration by StorytaleFor Individual ContributorsI would say to my team members, design yourself out of a job and well find you a better one. It can be scary for some people to take steps that could eliminate their own role, or make it no longer level-appropriate through process improvements or automation, they may be concerned about job security, of overstepping bounds, or simply not being recognized for the work outside the scope of their current assignedrole.Do the job of your manager (but ask first!), look at what takes up your managers time and figure out what parts of that feel like a step up in responsibility, visibility, or complexity for you, it could be logistical things like running a reoccurring crit, stand-up, or cross-functional sync meeting. Handling an intern programme or on-boarding process for new team members, taking the lead in planning an offsite, sprint, or other strategic team event. Take a more active role in one of these things, and then approach your manager in a 1+1 and ask if theyd be open to you taking it overcompletely. Let them know why you want to and how youll make sure they know the outcomes of it later. Focus on the win-win of them getting their time back to focus on something more appropriate to their skills and goals while you have the opportunity to work toward a stretch goal of yourown.Early in my career, especially at smaller companies you end up taking on every role; no Writer / Content Designer? That's you now. No Prototyper? also you. At bigger companies things tend to get more specialized, that doesn't mean you still cant step into the shoes of another function, find someone whos doing something interesting and ask to shadow them, see what they do, what tools they use, how they work with other function, and what their deliverables look like. Make sure to not miss any of the core requirements of your day-to-day job, and even if you dont decide to go down that path, youll always be better at working with that person and their function in thefuture.Real leadership has little to do with seniority, no matter what your role is, identifying something the company should be doing and isnt (or is doing and shouldnt) is a way that you can show leadership in your role, no matter how early in your career youare.Further ReadingArticulating your value as an individual contributor by CaioBragaMaintaining a growth mindset by EdOrozcoFor PeopleManagersWhat do manager goals look like? Shepherding a major project from concept to launch, growing a team in size, skill, or creating structure that helps get work done more effectively. Creating a safe and supportive space. These are just a few examples. For me, these tend to make the top of my list over and overagain:Identifying the big bets (and the critical small ones): As a manager, you need to be able to spot the opportunities that have the potential to significantly impact the company or team. But, just as importantly, its about recognizing those small, often overlooked projects that can provide immediate value, spark innovation, or refine processes. Both the big and small bets require careful thought, resources, and attention to execution.Finding who is bored and needs something new and challenging: Keeping your team engaged is one of your core responsibilities. People dont thrive in stagnation. Its important to stay attuned to the energy and enthusiasm of your team members. If someone feels uninspired or stagnant, its up to you to identify those individuals and work with them to find new challenges or opportunities for growth. This not only increases motivation but also helps retain toptalent.Identifying what parts of your job are appropriate to delegate: Effective delegation is a hallmark of strong leadership. As a manager, you cant (and shouldnt) do everything. The key is understanding which tasks can be handed off to others, whether they are operational or more strategic in nature. Delegating work helps empower your team, build trust, and also frees you up to focus on bigger priorities. Delegation doesnt mean abdicating responsibility, but rather giving others the space to grow while you concentrate on shaping the biggerpicture.Creating an environment where people feel safe to fail, and take on big challenges: A big part of your role is fostering a culture where risk-taking is encouraged, and failure is seen as an opportunity to learn. People are more likely to innovate and take on big challenges when they know its okay to fail and grow from their mistakes. You must lead by exampleshowing vulnerability and resilience in your own work, admitting when you dont have all the answers, and making it clear that trying and failing is a normal part of thejourney.Being okay with handing off some scary stuff: Often, as a manager, youll feel the instinct to protect your team or shelter them from high-stakes or difficult tasks. However, giving team members the chance to tackle challenging, sometimes intimidating, responsibilities helps them grow in confidence and skill. Stepping back and allowing them to take the reins builds trust, empowers them, and develops their leadership potential.Cultivating successors: As a manager, its your responsibility to not only build and strengthen your current team but also to prepare for the future. This means actively identifying high-potential team members and mentoring them into leadership roles. A good manager works themselves out of a job by cultivating successors who can step in and take over key responsibilities, ensuring that the team and the organization continue to thrive even after you moveon.Doing Your Managers JobEvery one-on-one you have with your manager is an opportunity to talk about what takes up their time and mental bandwidth. Its important to manage up and down. While youre focused on your own leadership responsibilities, dont forget that your manager likely has their own set of challenges and priorities. Understanding how you can help alleviate their burden or take on certain tasks can strengthen your relationship and demonstrate initiative. Ask them questions about what theyre struggling with, what projects need attention, and how you can help them make more strategic decisions. This transparency and collaboration make you more effective in your role and show that youre a valuable partner, not just a directreport.By understanding the nuances of your managers role and the pressure theyre under, youll become better at supporting them while also excelling at your own leadership tasks. A reciprocal relationship where both parties understand each others challenges and needs allows both of you to be more successful andaligned.illustration by StorytaleFind your motivation, here and elsewhereWork is a lot like dating. Each role, each company teaches you something new about yourselfwhat you like, what you dont, and how you collaborate with others. You get better at recognizing patterns in your own motivation, communication, and work style. Just like relationships evolve, so does yourcareer.When youre just starting out, motivation may come from tangible markers: promotions, titles, recognition. Over time, it shifts. The excitement of proving yourself fades, and what becomes more important is the impact youre making, the people youre mentoring, and the larger picture youre contributing to.You may notice patterns in the roles and companies that excite you. Some people stay in their first job or with their first employer for years, often out of comfort. But like any long-term relationship, it can lose its spark if growth isnt there. The trick is knowing when to move forwardwhen the job no longer challenges you or aligns with your evolvinggoals.Each job is just a chapter in your career story, and youre the one writing it. The key is to keep evolving, to stay connected to what drives you, and to be open to new opportunities that align with that. Whether its finding new challenges within your current role or seeking something entirely different, remember: motivation is not static. You get to define what success looks like as yougo.illustration by StorytaleHand off the scary stuff, not just the boringstuffI once heard being a Manager likened to being a janitor It's your job to do the things that need to be done, but that no one necessarily wants to do. Preparing for emergencies that may never happen, ensuring the mental space the team occupies is ready for anything, and doing the cleanup (backlog, documentation libraries, onboarding materials, processes, and contact methods, are always up-to-date and relevant) that keeps a team running smoothly.Its not always about success, sometimes its about trying! Its ok to fail, its ok to take the wrong path, its ok to waste time as long as youre learning from your mistakes. As a manager it can be tempting to be the one in the front of the room, representing your teams achievements, being the one who answers the hard questions from executive leaders, after all you have the most training, know these stakeholder better than anyone on your team, and you trust yourself. Dont do it! Step back, and shine the light on your team, be the note taker sitting at the edge of the room, sit in the eyeline of the people on your team presenting their work, there to offer a calming smile, a reminder to pause, breathe, and take theirtime.Role playing, and rehearsing presentations can be helpful mentally preparing your team members for difficult or challenging things they need to in the course of their work, but the reality is they may never get over their nerves (you might not either) and thats ok. Dont protect your team from every opportunity to get hurt or scared, instead, prepare them as best you can, and be there for them when they needyou.illustration by StorytaleLeave a legacy, but also leave someroomWhen choosing to leave a team or a company it can feel like you need to spell out everything for your successor, but being too detailed and too prescriptive can cause patterns to ossify. Its always a bad sign when you ask why things are done a certain way at a company and the only thing people can answer is its just the way its alwaysbeenWhen I worked at Google we had a saying that was a response to someone asking what the Google way of doing something was, wed say, whats the best way to do it? What we meant was that when you hire smart, creative people, making those people conform to some standard way of doing things didnt make any sense. Instead, every hire is an opportunity to improve, learn, and grow from that persons experience and expertise, no matter if theyve been working for 15 years or just graduated the month before. New ideas come from inviting people to try doing things differently, sometimes they work sometimes theydont.So how do you leave just the right amount of guidance? Unfortunately there is no formula, every team is different, but Ill outline some best practices.Make sure the team has evergreen goals and motivations, not just a roadmap and a mission statement. Work with your team to define a plan that is durable enough to weather changes to annual planning cycles, the whims of changing tech landscape, and the comings and goings of teammembers.Set up processes that improve quality, and are self explanatory, no one likes process for process sake. If youre clear about what the goal of a process is then later, people can improve on it, with the intent of getting even closer to the original goal of the processitself!Ensure people feel trusted and empowered, constantly reinforce that you, their manager, are not there to police them, to reprimand them, but to create an environment for their success, their growth, and to be their biggest champion. While it will be a shock, and possibly even hurtful to them when you leave, if they feel empowered, they will continue to create the environment that you fostered even withoutyou.Plan short and inspire long. So much can change in a company and with the product landscape in a very short time, finding the right balance between annual planning (too long!) and quarterly planning (too brief) is critical, work with your team to define longer term vision (multi-year), but plan work towards those goals at a much shorter timespan.Wrapping it allupAt the end of the day, the journey of being a design manager is about evolutionboth for yourself and the teams you lead. Its not just about building processes or hitting milestones; its about creating an environment where your team can thrive without you, where you can step away and see them continue to grow. Your impact is measured not just by what you accomplish, but by how you set others up forsuccess.Remember that the goal isnt to hold onto a job forever but to build a foundation that allows you to pass the torch smoothly, knowing that youve created something sustainable. Embrace the messiness of it allprocesses will fail, things wont go as planned, and there will be moments of doubt. But thats where growth happens. Both for you and yourteam.So design yourself out of a job, but also design in a way that leaves room for the next chapterone where you can look back and feel proud of what youve built and excited for whats tocome.Design yourself out of a job so youre ready for the next one was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Kia has chosen to reveal the design of its upcoming EV4, ahead of its 2025 EV Day later this month.

Garmin's latest update adds a to-do list that you can use throughout the day.

Go behind the scenes of the on-set performance capture for the film.Today on the befores & afters podcast, weve got a fun conversation with Wt FX visual effects supervisor Luke Millar and actor Jonno Davies about the film Better Man. Jonno, of course, played Robbie Williams in the film, and for the most part he wore different kinds of motion capture gear on set, with his performance then translated into a Robbie ape by Wt FX.Theres already a fun Q&A with Jonno and Luke at befores & afters, but we go much further in this chat, including breaking down the Rock DJ Regent Street scene, the final My Way sequence and also a more frenetic and intimate moment when Robbie is in his living room with the family. I really enjoyed getting the actor perspective on mocap here, and hearing how Luke and Jonno interacted in terms of VFX.The post How the motion capture worked on Better Man appeared first on befores & afters.

If youre having a farewell party for a beloved colleague, dont cry too hard into your cake. Theres a decent chance theyll be back. According to a Harvard Business Review study, 28% of new hires were boomerang hires, the term for someone whod resigned within the last three years only to return.Mindi Cox, chief people officer for O.C. Tanner, provider of employee recognition and reward solutions, falls into the boomerang employee category herself. As a hiring manager, shes also done her fair share of hiring former employees, too.People often leave a job because theres an opportunity thats too good to turn down, or they have a life season, like I had, and need to step away from work, she says. The same employees might become homesick for a culture that theyve left and have discovered that maybe the grass wasnt as green as they thought. Or that the priority of the pay, or the title, or the opportunity they were chasing didnt outweigh their coworker relationships or the care that they felt in a previous workplace. Theres all kinds of reasons people move around and return, but I think [boomerang employees] are an overlooked workforce.What boomerangs bring backHaving an employee boomerang is a good sign for the company, says Angela Jackson, author of The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Success. Sometimes, the right people step off for a while to grow, gain new skills, and return even stronger, bringing fresh perspectives, external best practices, and a renewed commitment to the companys mission, she says. Their return signals to current employees that the company is a place worth coming back to, reinforcing a culture of mutual respect and growth.Returning can bring benefits to the company, the first of which is much simpler onboarding, says Carolyn Walker, global HR director at Tenth Revolution Group, a tech talent provider.Someone familiar with the business is far more likely to hit the ground running and know the nuances and quirks that can otherwise take time to get up to speed with, she says. Plus, in those vital first few months where a new recruit is forming an opinion, good or bad, about you, a boomerang employee is far less likely to form a negative impression.Boomerang employees also return with fresh perspectives, says Nathaalie Carey, chief human resources officer at the logistics real estate company Prologis. Having gained new skills and experiences elsewhere can strengthen your teams, she says.And boomerangs send an encouraging message to employees. We have a client that welcomes boomerangs back with a special pin that goes on their badge, says Cox. It can break the ice for someone who may not know their career story. They might say, I see that you left and came back. Tell me about that. Sometimes boomerangs are your best evangelists about all the reasons to stay.Leaving and returning also means they solved the what ifs about leaving, adds Cox. We never want to say, Dont talk about your experience, she says. Theyre back, which means your company is the better spot for them.Leaving the Door OpenSince boomerangs can bring value back to your organization, its important to stay in touch. Depending on how closely you may have worked with them, Carey recommends touchpoints by personal email or text or through professional networking, such as trade organizations or digital tools like LinkedIn.Many times, employees who leave tend to stay in the same industry, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to stay connected and provide value to one another, whether its for knowledge sharing, forging partnerships, or working together, she says.Companies can also maintain formal alumni networks, such as creating a LinkedIn group. Jackson says a great example is the consulting firm McKinsey, with thousands of members worldwide. They actively stay connected with former employees through the McKinsey Alumni Center, which offers networking events, job boards, thought leadership content, and even investment opportunities in alumni-led startups, she says.Exit interviews are an important tool for nurturing a boomerang employee. Cox asks her recruiters to be mindful of people they were sad to see go. If there is an open position, they reach out, saying We have this position and immediately thought of you. It may be something you wish was in your growth path but just wasnt open at the time. Before we hire for this, we want to put it on your radar.Always be supportive of an employee who leaves to further their career, says Cox. Too often employees will say, I thought youd be upset with me, she says. People want to know that theyre cheered on as people. [] We want them to know that were interested in them as individuals.Beware of the DrawbacksRehiring isnt always a win-win, says Jackson. Just because someone was a great fit in the past doesnt mean theyre the right fit for the future, she says. Nostalgia can cloud judgment. Companies should focus on whether a returning employee adds new value, not just whether they were once successful in the role.Theres also a risk of perceived unfairness. If a boomerang hire comes back at a higher salary or with special treatment, it can send the message that loyalty is undervalued, says Jackson.The best boomerang employee hiring strategies focus on mutualistic relationships where the benefits for both sides are clear, says Jackson. Companies should be clear about how their culture, expectations, and priorities have changed. And returning employees should bring fresh insights, not just familiarity. A great rehire isnt just picking up where they left off; theyre leveling up.The main thing for employers to do is to have a culture that people will get homesick for, says Cox. Invite them to decide, this is the best place for me, she says. If they dont stay, at least be somewhere that theyll miss that will bring them back.

If it werent for the white lines on the grass, you would be forgiven to think this building is a perfectly quiet hotel surrounded by a field of grass in the middle of the Norwegian forest. After all, most soccer training grounds are ugly structures whose sole purpose is to provide infrastructure for people to kick a ball around. But this isnt just a place to kick a ball. These facilities, designed by the internationally renowned architecture firm Snhetta, aim to redefine the very concept of a training ground, transforming it into a vibrant hub for the entire football community.Our approach to sustainability is deeply rooted in a holistic perspective that considers environmental impact and fosters community and inclusion, says Frank Denis Foray, Snhetta senior architect and project leader, about the philosophy behind the proposal for the Norwegian National Football teams (NFF) stunning new training grounds.[Photo: Courtesy ofSnhetta]Snhetta, known for its ability to seamlessly blend architecture with nature, has conceived of two proposals for the NFF, located in the Norwegian cities of Asker and Ski, just outside of Oslo. Both designs pay homage to Norways rich Nordic heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional architectural forms like the Long House, a communal dwelling central to Old Norse villages. Over a thousand years ago, the Long House was the heart of the communitya gathering place where people from all walks of life, from kings to farmers, young and old, came together to share stories, experiences, and traditions, Foray tells me over email. This enduring spirit of unity and togetherness is at the core of our design, ensuring that the new facility is not just a sports venue but a meeting place for the whole football community.[Photo: Courtesy ofSnhetta]The Asker grounds renderings reveal three large terraced fields set over a gentle slope. At the top, a two-level glass and wooden structure appears to grow organically from the land. On the last levels grass roof, a large circular opening gives light to a giant tree that dominates a courtyard, allowing gentle sunlight and shade to get into the inner space of the building. The terraced fields are joined by large steps that serve as bleachers for spectators and allow people to move up and down with ease. The Ski grounds renders show the soccer fields on a level ground, flanked by a large long building that gently curves, made in renewable wood. Solar panels adorn the roofs, feeding the facility.Snhetta says that beyond the pretty and soul-calming zen, the grounds have been designed to be functional, state-of-the-art spaces for athletes of all levels. Foray explains that the facility will be a public space catering to athletes of all levels and backgrounds, from juniors to the elite, creating a new home for NFF that encourages sharing, inclusivity, and connection. Beyond these training centers, the facilities also incorporate administrative offices, a sports high school, and external offices for the Norwegian Football Association, consolidating the NFFs operations into a single, cohesive campus.[Photo: Courtesy ofSnhetta]The collaboration between Snhetta and the NFF is not new. The firm previously worked with the federation on renovations to the interior of Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, the national stadium. Completed in 2022, this project included upgrades to the players dressing rooms, tunnel, and other key areas. As Snhetta describes it, the stadiums revamped facilities were designed as a journey through the emotions of a football player, incorporating elements of Norwegian football history and fostering a sense of team unity.This prior experience laid the groundwork for the current training ground project. Our collaboration with the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) stemmed from previous work we had done for them, Foray says. They approached us with three potential sites for a new facility. Our task was to analyze and refine the options to identify the most suitable location. Through a detailed evaluation process and creative workshops, Snhetta worked with the NFF to narrow the choices down to the two most promising locations: Asker and Ski.[Photo: Courtesy ofSnhetta]While the Asker proposal remains in the conceptual stage, the Ski facility is moving forward. The Ski facility is progressing steadily, with the first phase of the new regulatory plan already in motion, Foray tells me. While some details are still being finalized, the NFF anticipates the project will be completed within the next five years. These training grounds promise to be more than just a place where athletes hone their skills. They are envisioned as a symbol of unity, a celebration of Norwegian heritage, and a testament to the power of thoughtful, sustainable design. It doesnt hurt that they may just be the most beautiful football training grounds youll ever see.

When were outdoors and we see kids on their tablets or mobile devices, people of a certain age will probably lament that back in the old days, we would be doing other outdoorsy things. There has been a call for public spaces to provide non-digital things for kids and grown ups to do so as not to waste their hours or a whole day glued to their device. One popular thing that people can do is play sports like soccer, basketball, and even individual activities like running, biking, tennis, and of course table tennis. The next challenge would be to have equipment in these public spaces that people can use instead of just being glued to their screens.Designer: POPPOne such piece of equipment is the HEROair, an outdoor table tennis that is pretty eye-catching because of its bright, yellow color. It is made from heavy duty, strengthened marine grade aluminum and is weatherproof so it can withstand all kinds of weather conditions when placed in public outdoor spaces like playgrounds, town plazas, schools, commercial precints, and even the beach. It is also designed for simple assembly and permanent installation with its flat-pack delivery setup.This engineer-certified outdoor table tennis table is finished with a custom exterior-rated matte yellow powder coat with a light sandstone texture. Its curved corners actuallly makes it look like a little yellow boat. It would look right at home on the beachwalk or at a rooftop or any space for communities. The bold shape and the vibrant color of the HEROair makes it both a recreational table and also a piece of urban design, just like with POPPs other creations. Beyond its striking appearance, the HEROair is engineered for longevity and security. Marine-grade stainless steel fasteners ensure robust construction, while secure anchoring footings provide stability and prevent movement. The option for tamper-proof fasteners adds an extra layer of security, addressing any concerns about vandalism or theft. This thoughtful design ensures that the HEROair remains a valuable asset to the community for years to come. he HEROairs true value lies in its potential to revitalize public spaces and foster a renewed appreciation for outdoor activity. Its vibrant color and inviting design serve as a powerful counterpoint to the allure of digital devices. By providing a fun and accessible activity, the HEROair encourages people to connect with each other, engage in friendly competition, and rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor play. The post Boat-shaped yellow table tennis table is built for permanent outdoor installation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sandfall Interactive found there were pros and cons to moving onto UE5, as "people expect AAA quality on all aspects".

Elon Musks AI startup xAI has introduced Grok 3, the latest version of its chatbot model, which Musk describes as the most advanced AI system yet.xAI claims Grok 3 outperforms rival AI models from Alphabets Google Gemini, DeepSeeks V3, Anthropics Claude, and OpenAIs GPT-4o in benchmarks for math, science, and coding.About a month ago, Grok 3s pre-training was completed, and since then, weve been working hard to integrate reasoning capabilities into the current Grok 3 model, the company said during its launch event on Monday.Musk, speaking alongside three xAI engineers in a live-streamed presentation, said Grok 3 has more than ten times the compute power of its predecessor.DeepSearch and enterprise pushxAI also introduced DeepSearch, an AI-powered intelligent search engine that functions as a reasoning-based chatbot, explaining its thought process when interpreting queries and formulating responses.Building on these capabilities, the company plans to roll out Grok-3s API in the coming weeks, expanding its reasoning and deep search features.The move signals xAIs broader push into the enterprise and developer markets, where AI-driven automation and decision-making tools are in high demand.Grok 3 is stepping into a fiercely competitive arena alongside ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, and its success will depend on real-world performance in code generation, automation, and enterprise AI workflows, said Abhivyakti Sengar, senior analyst at Everest Group.If xAI delivers on its promises, it could disrupt the market. However, before enterprises integrate Grok 3, CIOs must rigorously evaluate its security and compliance measures.Grok 3 is now available to Premium Plus subscribers on X. xAI is also launching a new subscription tier, SuperGrok, which will provide access via the Grok mobile app and website.The company is also developing a voice interaction feature aimed at enhancing conversational AI experiences, further expanding its capabilities beyond text-based interactions.Intensifying AI competitionGrok 3s launch comes as competition in the AI sector intensifies, with companies racing to develop more powerful and efficient models. Industry analysts see Grok-3s release as a pivotal moment in this landscape.With Grok 3, we expect to see a significant acceleration in R&D innovation across the AI landscape, as it solidifies its leadership position against established players like OpenAI and Google, said Prabhu Ram, VP of the industry research group at Cybermedia Research. Grok 3s advanced capabilities will drive heightened enterprise interest in AI solutions, enabling greater efficiency and smarter decision-making.As xAI expands into search and enterprise AI applications, the battle for dominance in generative AI is set to escalate further.Musk founded xAI in 2023 as a rival to OpenAI, a company he has openly criticized for shifting toward a for-profit model.With Grok-3s introduction and upcoming API launch, xAI is positioning itself as a serious contender in the AI market. However, its long-term success will depend on adoption rates, performance benchmarks, and its ability to meet enterprise security and compliance demands. Understanding how it processes and stores data, ensuring confidentiality, and aligning with regulations like GDPR will be critical, Sengar said. A thorough security audit and close collaboration with xAIs team can help mitigate risks and ensure a smooth deployment.