China's WeChat is all-encompassing but low-key − a Chinese media scholar explains the Taoist philosophy behind the everything app's design

The design philosophy of the everything app WeChat may seem paradoxical, being simultaneously pervasive and inconspicuous. But this idea of “everythingness” goes back to ancient Taoist philosophy.

Jianqing Chen, Assistant Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures and of Film and Media Studies, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis • conversation
Oct. 4, 2023 ~8 min

'Design of Coffee' course teaches engineering through brewing the perfect cup of coffee

In an engineering course at UC Davis, students learn all the nuances that go into brewing ‘a truly excellent cup of coffee.’

William D. Ristenpart, Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis • conversation
Sept. 25, 2023 ~5 min


Shelters can help homeless people by providing quiet and privacy, not just a bunk and a meal

As US cities struggle to reduce homelessness, two scholars explain how planners can reform shelter design to be more humane and to prioritize mental health and well-being.

Heather Ross, Clinical Associate Professor in Nursing and Clinical Associate Professor, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University • conversation
Sept. 13, 2023 ~10 min

Animal architecture: why we need to design buildings for wildlife as well as people

Our lives are intertwined with animals, insects and birds – we should consider them more when we design our cities.

Paul Dobraszczyk, Lecturer in Architecture, UCL • conversation
March 2, 2023 ~6 min

Five human technologies inspired by nature – from velcro to racing cars

Humans often look to nature for the solutions to complex problems – here are five times where biological processes have inspired innovation.

Amin Al-Habaibeh, Professor of Intelligent Engineering Systems, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Dec. 30, 2022 ~7 min

How 'living architecture' could help the world avoid a soul-deadening digital future

The late Christopher Alexander’s groundbreaking work on patterns has informed the development of technology for decades, but it’s the architect’s later work that holds the key to a healthier digital life.

Tim Gorichanaz, Assistant Teaching Professor of Information Studies, Drexel University • conversation
Aug. 9, 2022 ~14 min

Fish fins are teaching us the secret to flexible robots and new shape-changing materials

Fish fins are extremely flexible yet also strong. A special segmented fin design is the key to this useful combination of properties and could inspire new morphing materials.

Francois Barthelat, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Aug. 18, 2021 ~6 min

How a professor learned to bring compassion to engineering and design

A mechanical engineer brings her personal experiences to address human-centered problems and encourage 'compassionate design.'

Tahira Reid, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University • conversation
April 28, 2021 ~5 min


Prince Philip's funeral hearse is a modified Land Rover Defender – symbolic of a pioneering, practical Britain

The Defender's modifications were partially designed by the duke himself.

Aamer Mahmud, Associate Professor in Automotive Design, Coventry University • conversation
April 16, 2021 ~7 min

Cities need to embrace the darkness of the night sky – here’s why

Dark skies have value. They are a profoundly wonderful yet highly threatened natural asset.

Nick Dunn, Professor of Urban Design, Lancaster University • conversation
Nov. 11, 2020 ~8 min

/

2