Featuring Andy Dunn, Founder and CEO, Pie; Mlanie Masarin, Founder and CEO, Ghia and Ev Williams, Cofounder, Mozi. Moderated by Max Ufberg, Senior Editor, Fast Company.Loneliness isnt just a lingering by-product of COVID lockdowns. According to former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, its a public health crisis. Businesses have taken this diagnosis as a cue to step in, fill those cracks in our social fabric, and develop a cure. Join this panel to hear from leaders who are looking to address the loneliness epidemic by building technology that facilitates in-person connection, creating products that encourage us to rethink the ways we socialize, and more.

Its March now, and coming off of MWC 2025, where Lenovo blew us away with their parade of innovations (solar-powered laptops, anyone?), its refreshing to finally get my hands on products announced at CES earlier this year. The Yoga Slim 9i has landed on my desk at Yanko Design, and this peculiar beauty has certainly captured my attention.Designer: LenovoSustainability: More Than Just a BuzzwordBefore diving into the laptop itself, I have to appreciate the unboxing experience. Lenovo has completely reimagined packaging with its plastic-free approach, and its genuinely impressive. The Yoga Slim 9i arrives in a minimalist kraft cardboard box with clean, simple branding. Plastic-free packaging is proudly displayed on the frontnot as a marketing gimmick but as a statement of intent.Opening the package reveals an ingenious interior design with cleverly folded cardboard compartments that securely hold the laptop and accessories without a single piece of plastic, foam, or adhesive tape. The inner trays feature printed instructions showing how to remove components and, more importantly, how to reuse or repurpose the packaging afterward. Reinvent, Reuse, Repurpose isnt just printed on the boxits built into its very design.I noticed the Carbon Neutral Product certification badge on the packaging as well, indicating that Lenovo has offset the carbon emissions from the manufacturing, shipping, and five years of use of this device. The laptop itself incorporates recycled aluminum in its chassis, and Lenovo has eliminated harmful substances like mercury from the display. The company has also designed the system for easier disassembly and recycling at end-of-life, though, as with most modern ultra slim laptops, user repairability remains limited.Lenovos CO2 Offset Services allow businesses to offset the carbon emissions of their device fleets, and the company has committed to using 100% renewable energy in its operations by 2030. These broader initiatives suggest that the Yoga Slim 9is sustainability features arent isolated efforts but part of a comprehensive corporate strategy. While no electronic device can claim to be truly green, its encouraging to see a major manufacturer taking concrete steps to reduce environmental impact across the product lifecycle.That Glass Lid, Though!Lets address the elephant in the roomthis laptop wears a glass hat. Not just any glass, mind you, but a swirling, shimmering pane of Tidal Teal glory that catches light like a jewel. Its as if Lenovos designers said, Aluminum is so 2023. Lets wrap this thing in something that belongs in a cocktail cabinet! The 3D cat-eye effect shifts and dances as you move the laptop, making it rather difficult not to show it off to colleagues.Despite my initial concerns about carrying around what amounts to a premium snow globe, this glass lid is apparently engineered to handle pressure, drops, and scratches. Its passed the same military-grade durability tests as Lenovos buttoned-up ThinkPads, which feels somewhat like sending a fashion model through military training.Whats particularly impressive is how Lenovo managed to maintain structural integrity while using glass as a primary material. The lid is reinforced with an aluminum frame that provides rigidity without adding excessive weight. This hybrid construction approach allows for eye-catching aesthetics without compromising on durabilitya rare feat in laptop design where form and function often find themselves at odds.I learned that the aluminum used in the chassis contains recycled materials, part of Lenovos effort to incorporate post-consumer recycled content into its products. This small detail speaks to a larger commitment to reducing virgin material use across its product lines.At 14.55mm thin and a feathery 2.76 pounds, its surprisingly portable for something that looks like it should be displayed in a museum. The weight distribution is also remarkably balanced, making it comfortable to use on your lap without feeling top-heavy despite the glass lid.Now You See Me, Now You DontThe true magic trick of the Yoga Slim 9i is its disappearing webcam. Lenovo has somehow managed to hide a 32MP camera under the displayno notch, no punch hole, just pure, uninterrupted screen. This camera-under-display (CUD) technology is a first for laptops, and its enhanced with Visionary.ai image processing to compensate for the challenges of capturing light through display pixels.This technological sleight of hand enables a 98% screen-to-body ratio that makes the 14-inch display feel like its floating in space. The camera stays completely hidden until summoned, like a digital genie, and even includes IR sensors for Windows Hello facial recognition.In practice, the image quality is better than I expected for a first-generation implementation. While theres some inevitable softness compared to traditional webcams, the 32MP resolution compensates by capturing more detail. The camera performs admirably in good lighting conditions, though it does struggle somewhat in dimmer environments. For video calls in typical office lighting, its more than adequate, and the tradeoff for that seamless display is one Im personally willing to make.Theres also a physical privacy shutter because even invisible cameras occasionally need blindfolds. This e-shutter provides peace of mind for the privacy-conscious, allowing you to electronically disable the camera when not in usea thoughtful addition that doesnt compromise the clean aesthetic.A Display That Makes Other Screens Look OrdinaryThe 14-inch PureSight Pro OLED display is so gorgeous that it makes my TV at home contemplate early retirement. With 4K resolution (38402400), 120Hz refresh rate, and color accuracy that would make professional photographers nod approvingly (Delta E<1, 100% coverage of sRGB, DCI-P3, and Adobe RGB), its a creators dream and a content consumers delight.At 750 nits peak brightness, its visible even in bright environments, while VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification means blacks are deeper than a philosophers late-night thoughts. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides additional vertical space compared to traditional 16:9 displays, which is particularly useful for productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing.Whats particularly impressive is how Lenovo has managed to implement touch functionality without adding a visible layer that compromises display quality. The glass surface is responsive and smooth, with excellent palm rejection when typing. Multi-touch gestures register accurately, and the screens coating does a reasonable job of minimizing fingerprintsthough theyre still visible at certain angles, especially on dark content.The display is also certified by TV for low blue light emission and carries Eyesafe certification, which reduces potentially harmful blue light without compromising color accuracy. After several hours of use, I noticed less eye fatigue than I typically experience with other laptops, suggesting these certifications arent just marketing fluff.OLED technology itself is also more energy-efficient when displaying darker content, as pixels can be completely turned off rather than blocked by a backlight as in traditional LCD displays. This contributes to the laptops overall power efficiency, especially for those of us who prefer dark mode interfaces.Speakers That SurpriseLaptop speakers are typically an afterthought, like those little paper umbrellas in tropical drinkscute but functionally questionable. The Yoga Slim 9i, however, houses a quad-speaker system with tweeters under the keyboard and woofers on the base, all tuned with Dolby Atmos.The result? Audio that doesnt remind you of tin cans connected by string. Bass has actual presence, dialogue comes through clearly, and music has dimension. Ive caught myself nodding along to tracks while working, momentarily forgetting Im not wearing headphones.What makes this speaker system particularly effective is the thoughtful placement of the drivers. The upward-firing tweeters provide directional clarity for high frequencies, while the downward-firing woofers use the surface the laptop sits on to amplify low frequencies. This arrangement creates a surprisingly immersive soundstage that belies the laptops slim profile.The Dolby Access app lets you tweak audio profiles for different content typesmusic, movies, games, or voiceand includes an equalizer for more granular control. I found the music profile added a pleasant warmth to most genres, while the voice profile enhanced clarity during video calls.Brains and BeautyUnder its fashionable exterior, the Yoga Slim 9i packs an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor with Intel Arc Graphics 140V. This combination represents Intels latest architecture, designed with AI acceleration in mind. The processor features 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.8GHz.My unit came loaded with 32GB of remarkably fast 8533 MHz LPDDR5x memory (soldered, unfortunately) and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. This hardware configuration handled everything I threw at it effortlesslyfrom basic productivity tasks to more demanding creative workloads like photo editing and light video processing.While not a replacement for dedicated gaming GPUs, the Intel Arc Graphics 140V provides enough graphical horsepower for creative applications and casual gaming. In Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, the system handled large files without noticeable lag, and even some light 4K video editing in Premiere was manageable with proxies.Given the slim profile, the laptops thermal management is impressive. During sustained workloads, it gets warm but never uncomfortably hot, and fan noise remains relatively subdued. Lenovo has clearly put significant engineering effort into the cooling system, balancing performance with acoustics in a way that doesnt distract during everyday use.The 75Wh battery supports Rapid Charge Express, providing 3 hours of runtime with just a 15-minute chargeperfect for those oh dear, I forgot to plug in last night moments before rushing to a meeting. Well be putting the battery through more rigorous testing for our final review, but the quick-charge capability alone is a significant advantage for mobile professionals.Lenovos power management system includes intelligent features that learn from your usage patterns to optimize battery life. The system can automatically adjust performance parameters based on your typical workload, reducing power consumption without noticeably impacting responsivenessanother example of how AI features can contribute to sustainability by extending battery lifespan and reducing energy use.Minimalist Ports (Perhaps Too Minimalist)In its quest for svelteness, Lenovo has been rather conservative with portsjust two Thunderbolt 4 connections, one on each side. While these ports are versatile, supporting data transfer, display output, and charging, the absence of USB-A, HDMI, or an SD card reader means dongles become necessary accessories.This port limitation is perhaps the most significant compromise in the Yoga Slim 9is design. For a device aimed at creative professionals who often work with external peripherals, the need for adapters adds friction to the workflow. I found myself constantly swapping dongles depending on whether I needed to connect a USB drive, an external display, or a wired mouse.Wireless connectivity is cutting-edge with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, which is a small consolation when youre searching for that USB-A adapter at the bottom of your bag. The Wi-Fi 7 support is forward-looking, offering theoretical speeds up to 46 Gbps and reduced latency when connected to compatible routers, though most users wont see these benefits until Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure becomes more widespread.Keys and ClicksThe keyboard offers a satisfying 1.5mm of travel with slightly dished keycaps that cradle your fingertips like tiny hammocks. This is notably deeper than many ultraslim laptops, which often sacrifice key travel for thinness. The result is a typing experience that feels substantial and precise, with clear tactile feedback that reduces typing errors.The keycaps feature a soft-touch coating that provides a pleasant feel while resisting fingerprints and shinea common issue with cheaper keyboard finishes. The backlighting is white with three brightness levels, evenly distributed across all keys without light bleed around the edges.Lenovo has included dedicated Quick Keys for enhanced productivity, providing one-touch access to frequently used functions. These include audio profile switching, performance mode toggling, and camera controls. Its a thoughtful addition that saves time navigating through settings menus.The trackpad is responsive and precise, handling Windows gestures with grace. While not as expansive as some competitors offerings, it provides ample space for navigation and multi-finger gestures. The smooth glass surface offers just the right amount of resistance, making cursor control feel natural and intuitive.Software and AI FeaturesAs a Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, the Yoga Slim 9i comes equipped with Microsofts AI assistant integrated into the operating system. The Intel Neural Processing Unit (NPU) handles AI tasks locally, reducing the need for cloud processing and preserving privacy for sensitive operations.Lenovos AI Core software adds additional intelligence to the system, optimizing performance and battery life based on usage patterns. It learns which applications you use most frequently and allocates resources accordingly. It also adjusts power settings to maximize battery life when youre away from an outlet.The Smart Share feature enables seamless image sharing between your smartphone and the laptop. Simply tap a supported phone on the edge of the screen, and the Smart Share app launches on both devices, allowing for drag-and-drop transfer of recent photos. I tested this with both Android and iOS devices, and while the Android experience was slightly more polished, both worked reliably after initial pairing.Lenovo has thankfully kept bloatware to a minimum, with most pre-installed applications providing genuine utility rather than serving as promotional vehicles. The system comes with a clean Windows installation, enhanced only by Lenovos hardware-specific utilities and the aforementioned AI features.Final Thoughts (For Now)The Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i is a curious creaturepart art piece, part technological marvel, part productivity machine. It represents a refreshing departure from conventional laptop design, embracing materials and technologies that push boundaries without completely sacrificing practicality.The glass lid and hidden camera technology break from the typical laptop design formula. These features deliver real value beyond mere aesthetics. The invisible webcam creates a truly borderless display that points to the future of laptop design.Performance is robust for an ultra-slim device, handling everyday tasks and creative workloads with aplomb. The combination of a stunning OLED display, impressive audio, and capable internals makes it a versatile machine for work and entertainment.Of course, its not without compromises. The limited port selection will frustrate some users, and the premium materials and cutting-edge technology command a premium price. But for those who value design innovation and are willing to adapt their workflow to accommodate its limitations, the Yoga Slim 9i offers a unique computing experience that stands out in todays market.The sustainability aspectsfrom the thoughtfully designed plastic-free packaging to the carbon-neutral certificationadd another dimension to the products appeal. They suggest a future where high-performance computing doesnt have to come at a high environmental cost.Coming off the whirlwind of MWC 2025, where Lenovo showcased even more boundary-pushing concepts, the Yoga Slim 9i feels like the perfect bridge between wild innovation and practical computing. Its unusual in all the right ways, capable where it counts, and distinctive enough to turn heads in a coffee shop full of MacBooks.Is it perfect? No. Is it the right laptop for everyone? Certainly not. But its exactly the kind of bold design statement that keeps the PC market interesting, and Im looking forward to spending more time with it in the coming weeks.The post Teal Glass & Hidden Cameras: The Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i Is a Delightful Oddity first appeared on Yanko Design.

Modular design, or modularity in design, is a revolutionary approach that involves breaking a product into smaller, independent components or modules that can function individually. This approach divides a product into interchangeable parts where each component is designed to perform a specific function. It is shaping the future of products as it allows complex products to be manufactured in separate modules, which are then assembled into a complete product. Additionally, each module is tested independently to ensure its functionality before being integrated into the final assembly.Modular design gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century, especially with mass production in factories. As a result, this method breaks down complex modules into simple designs that promote the standardization of products and improve the overall design process. It is widely used in different industries and multiple products such as smartphones, furniture, and the automotive sector, to name a few. Some of the prime characteristics of modular product design include:Flexible DesignModular product design moves away from the one size fits all approach and offers flexibility for easy customization and adaptation to market demands. By using standardized modules with consistent dimensions, the products can be tailored to meet a variety of customer needs. This design allows consumers to select components that align with their unique preferences and lifestyles. The flexibility of modular design supports a wide range of product variations. However, careful planning is essential to ensure that all modules are compatible and work together smoothly. Additionally, modular products are user-friendly, with parts that are easier to repair and replace, helping to reduce costs and simplify maintenance.The modular design redefines traditional furniture by offering flexibility and functionality. The Flow table collection exemplifies this approach with its adaptable, interchangeable components. Unlike conventional tables with fixed shapes, Flow tables feature organic, fluid forms inspired by natural elements like water and cells. These tables can be customized to fit various needs, whether used individually or combined to create a larger surface. Their modularity allows for easy upgrades and adjustments, making them ideal for changing spaces or evolving tastes.Each table in the Flow collection features different heights and unique shapes that offer a dynamic look while maintaining practical use. The modular components are designed to work seamlessly together, ensuring both form and function are prioritized. Whether serving as standalone pieces or grouped for a larger setup, these tables provide flexibility and adaptability for modern living. By incorporating modular design, the Flow tables offer endless possibilities for customization, creating a versatile and stylish addition to any space.Scalable Design SolutionsModular design enables production to be scaled up or down based on market demand, making it a cost-effective solution. Standardized parts enhance efficiency and simplify manufacturing processes. The use of interchangeable modules also improves product quality, as each component is individually tested. Continuous improvement is facilitated, as modules can be upgraded, leading to overall product enhancements. Additionally, the independent manufacturing of modules speeds up the production process. Monitoring and maintaining the quality of each module is crucial for ensuring consistent performance. With faster development cycles, products are brought to market more quickly, streamlining production and enhancing the ability to respond to market changes.The Valencia Modular Sofa, designed by the British brand Morgan, is a light and stylish alternative to traditional modular seating. This timeless piece is made up of individual units that can be arranged in various configurations, allowing for versatile customization. The sofa features options with full, three-quarter, or half backrests, each designed to create a rhythmic flow with distinctive V-shaped silhouettes. The tapered backrests and wooden legs enhance its clean, flowing form, reminiscent of rolling hills.The Valencia collection is a scalable design that combines comfort, elegance, and modern appeal. The different modules can be arranged according to ones individual requirements. The tapered backrests reduce bulk, creating a visually airy design. A daybed, side tables, and coffee tables further elevate the collection, making it the perfect addition to contemporary living spaces. The Valencia Modular Sofa seamlessly blends ergonomic design with aesthetics, ensuring it enhances the functionality and beauty of modern homes.Cost-Effective ManufacturingModular design reduces costs by allowing individual modules to be redesigned or replaced without altering the entire product. Also, it lowers production expenses by enabling the same modules to be used across different products. By minimizing waste, modular design contributes to more environmentally friendly and long-lasting products. If a single module is faulty, only that part needs to be replaced, rather than the entire product. This approach leads to faster production cycles and lower overall costs. However, its important to note that modularity in design may have higher initial costs due to the experimentation involved, but it can prove to be cost-effective in the long run.The Industrialized Building System Prototype, developed by Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen Architects and The Andes House, offers a modular housing solution that aims to address the global housing crisis. Built with adaptable, interlocking components, this system allows for flexible design and construction of various housing typologies. The modular pieces function like LEGO blocks, where wooden sub-modules link together through a locking mechanism, creating the structures floors, walls, and ceilings with minimal waste and ensuring maximum efficiency.The modular design is paired with a lightweight, recycled steel structure, forming a compact 80-square-meter home. The systems versatility allows for customization while maintaining an efficient and sustainable building process. With features like a gabled metal roof, solar panel support, and a water-collecting fog catcher, this off-grid home also incorporates a wastewater treatment system. The prototypes simplicity and ease of assembly make it a cost-effective solution for low-cost housing, ideal for rapid deployment in addressing housing shortages.Upgradable Product DesignModular products can be easily upgraded by adding or replacing components, which extends their lifespan and ensures they remain aligned with evolving trends. This approach supports sustainability, as only outdated or damaged modules need to be replaced, rather than the entire product. As a result, the products lifecycle is prolonged through simple upgrades. This design is especially beneficial for products offered in various variants, enabling faster adaptation to market changes without compromising quality. The development time is reduced, and innovation takes place at the module level to enhance the efficiency of the product. Additionally, the quality of the product improves, as each module undergoes detailed testing.Keepsake is a modular digital camera that is designed to adapt to your evolving photography needs. Its core camera is simple and screenless and allows you to focus fully on capturing the moment. You can attach essential modules like a mic, flash, and wide charging hub to customize your overall experience. The modular design keeps the camera compact while offering flexibility for various situations and allows the users to add or remove features as needed.The modular system ensures that Keepsake can scale according to your individual preferences. Whether you need basic functionality for a quick snapshot or advanced features for more detailed photography, the camera adapts effortlessly. Additionally, it syncs with a mobile app for sharing your photos when youre ready. Keepsake combines the simplicity of traditional cameras with the versatility of modern technology, giving users the freedom to enjoy photography without the bulk or distractions of typical devices.The post The Modular Design Advantage: Why Flexibility is the Future of Product Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

This will haunt my dreams forever.

It looks a lot less 'Pepsi'.

On this special episode of Uncanny Valley, we unpack Elon Musk's desire for a government shutdown that could become permanent. Plus: An update on measles misinformation in the US.

The best end-to-end encrypted messaging app has a host of security features. Here are the ones you should care about.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple's expected new Home Hub device has been delayed until after WWDC in June 2025.An artist's rendition of a HomePod with a displayVariously called a Home Hub or a HomePod with a screen, this new device is expected to be a smart home controller that might in fact resemble an iPad. Whatever it's ultimately called, code references to what appear to be it were found in February 2024, and a display manufacturer was reportedly selected in January 2025.One of the few consistent predictions about the device is that it is forever six months away, and one recent report claimed it would now launch in late 2025. Now Ming-Chi Kuo's new claim on Twitter backs that up, and says the delay is because of continuing problems with software development. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's lower-priced iPhone models might seem weak at first, but they're still outperforming nearly every other competitor in the smartphone market.iPhone 16eA recent report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) claims Apple's low-end phones, like the discontinued iPhone mini and SE models, have struggled. They share that the data comprises under 20% of iPhone sales recently and dropping to just 5%.The firm argues that the iPhone 16e also faces an unclear future as it replaces the budget-friendly SE model with a higher price point. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

UC Berkeleyarchitecture professor and 2025 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award recipient Ronald Rael is one of the artists taking part in this years Desert X exhibition with an installation showcasing the power of raw earth materials and their eventual use in promoting sustainable building practices in Los Angeles.In a recent preview of the 3D printed installation with Archinect, Rael, whose San Francisco-based studio practiceEmergingObjectsspecializesin 3D printing architecture using additive manufacturing, talked about its implications and its intentions to change contemporary narratives surrounding its scalability, abundance, and the potential it has to architects as a building product.Rael and fellow Rael San Fratello co-founder Virginia San Fratello are known for their past installation work at the U.S.-Mexico border, which won the Design Museum'sBeazley Design of the Year award in 2020.Photo courtesy Lance GerberWhat is the basis for this work beyond its ability t...