Published inThoughtMatter·May 2Finding Our Place in Food SystemsFood has kept us humans going since, well, we first got hungry. But beyond today’s snack runs and our daily breaking bread, food has become a powerful social tool — especially in a metropolis like New York City, where a diverse, dynamic population is reflected in an ever-growing abundance of…Thinking4 min readThinking4 min read
Published inThoughtMatter·Jan 27Invited to the TableExpanding our Taste Horizons — There’s a moment after taking the first bite of a meal when our taste receptors begin their run of show. Salt punches in at the tip of the tongue and acidity kicks in on the sides of the mouth as the bitter notes rush to the throat. As the flavors…Thinking4 min readThinking4 min read
Published inThoughtMatter·Dec 14, 2022A Metafree Year in ReviewHow an experiment in cutting ties contributed to our strongest year yet — Why are we here? When we asked ourselves that question, it wasn’t out of existential pandemic-induced dread but out of plain, old-fashioned curiosity. Facebook and Instagram, the “here” in this scenario, were platforms we’d participated on since the inception of our studio because, well, weren’t we supposed to? As a…Thinking4 min readThinking4 min read
Published inThoughtMatter·Dec 5, 2022Creating Connection Across DifferenceThe unique insight of Gen Z First-generation Americans — Looking for images of resistance and resilience? Open any digital screen of your choosing these days and you’re likely to find a full spectrum of opinions being fiercely shared. Whether interacting online or in person, we are met with the sights and sounds of opposition so incessantly they begin to…Thinking4 min readThinking4 min read
Published inThoughtMatter·Sep 6, 2022Most people have not had a boss who looks like me.A post for the past, present and future me. I look like the woman at the laundromat. I look like the waitstaff at your corporate function. You might look at your home or office cleaning staff and see my reflection. I look like the front cover of the New York…Diversity6 min readDiversity6 min read
Jul 28, 2022Low Rise Jeans, High Cultural ImpactHow nostalgia can be the catalyst for new branding and design opportunities. Gameboys, faux fur bucket hats and Dunkaroos are no longer a thing of the past. Full House came back, so did Saved by the Bell and for better or worse (mostly worse) low rise jeans and JNCOs are…Nostaligia4 min readNostaligia4 min read
Published inThoughtMatter·Jun 2, 2022Design Museum Week RecapThoughtMatter throws its first event since 2019 — Not to brag, but ThoughtMatter really knows how to throw a party. We love bringing people together for conversation, culture and connection. There was the magic-themed design mixer called “Smoke and Mirrors”, the “Shithouse” gallery show featuring work from developing nations Donald Trump audaciously referred to as “shithole countries”, and…Thinking4 min readThinking4 min read
Published inThoughtMatter·May 26, 2022My Journey Back to In-Person WorkshopsExploring Different Tools for Collaboration — As I stood masked and vaxxed in the middle of the large room with a dozen faces staring back at me, I found myself uncharacteristically nervous. I’m no stranger to public speaking or facilitating conversation, but this moment was different. This time I was leading my first in-person workshop after…Thinking4 min readThinking4 min read
Published inThoughtMatter·May 17, 2022What is the Classroom of the Future?In a time where education has undergone so much change, we’re exploring how to move forward. — Before the age of 18, young people spend up to half their lives in school. These days, classrooms have become bedrooms, kitchens, a parent’s office or anywhere with a solid wifi connection. Traditional classrooms haven’t disappeared, though. It’s just that nowadays they stand more and more in contrast to the…Thinking8 min readThinking8 min read
Published inThoughtMatter·Dec 15, 2021Brands That Flipped the Script in 2021How Old Navy, Ford, Taylor Swift and more are overthrowing old thinking — As we say goodbye to 2021 and approach 2022, the dress code is whatever still fits. We spent yet another year in a constant state of uncertainty, and regardless of what shape we’re in, survival equals success. …Thinking5 min readThinking5 min read
