We’re a curious bunch.
We notice things.
Things about design.

Then we share what we notice with you all in hopes that you might notice them too.

Desktop Wallpaper Euphoria

Desktop Eutopia! I’ve been longing for pre-OSX and pre-Vista days, when customizing my desktop and UI (Mac or PC) was a pleasurable distraction that I devoted a certain amount of time to every day, like reading a good book... continued »

Note Taking Retake

Mike Rohde takes note-taking to a higher level with his fantastic and engaging sketch notes. I first became aware of Mike’s sketchnotes from the first, and surely not last, Seed Conference featuring Jason Fried 37signals, Jim Coudal Coudal Partners... continued »

POV - When Upside-Down is Right On

Renewing an interest in music listening is prompting a restoration in-progress for my long-neglected, uninformed, audiophile-wannabe, hi-fi. I’m sure many of us have found ourselves awkwardly bent over the backs of stacked players, preamps and amplifiers in dark, cramped... continued »

Principles of PROCEDE® #4 - Inclusive Rather Than Exclusive

PROCEDE® is the R.BIRD method for exploring creative strategies and greater possibilities. Its principles are drawn from more than a quarter century of experience and, not, merely invented for the sake of marketing. Our work at R.BIRD respects our... continued »

Energy Drinks: Blow

Imagine our surprise and shock to see the energy drink bonanza taken to a new high with the introduction of Blow Energy Drink. continued »

Real Simple: This Ad is Unacceptable

Skipping through a recent issue of Real Simple magazine over lunch with R.BIRD creative director, Joseph Favata, our page-flipping was unavoidably interrupted by the stiffness - and thickness - of an “yellow tail” advertising insert (top-left-inset). Pulling on a... continued »

Bang & Olufsen Earphones

It’s been a a few years since I purchased a first-generation pair of B&O ear-“pieces” at a pricey boutique in Greenwich, Connecticut. I paid too much for the privilege, but took the risk. I’ve not been disappointed. I still... continued »

Looking for Mr. Colorbar

Deriving color palettes from found imagery is not a new idea, at least for most professional designers. So, what else is new? Technology assistance in color hunting is now just seconds away. Not too long ago, I posted Floor... continued »

Any to Any. End to End.

I recently came across a job posting by Avenue A Razorfish that blew my mind (you can see the original here … at least for a while). In just one classified ad listing, I found this incredible list of... continued »

NHS: Nerf Herder with Speedo

Zack & J.C. continue to amaze with their ability to exceed expectations within expected limits. This Star Wars spoof and music video created for Comcast proves so. Wow! continued »

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About Design is produced by R.BIRD, a New York identity and design consulting firm with more than 25 years of experience creating brand identity, packaging, corporate identity, and more...