my theory for 2026 new aesthetics:
the thing what we've been calling ephemera, utilitarian design, micro-design, micro-industrial.
when a culture is shifting fast, language can’t keep up and we end up with different names
objects meant to be purely function suddenly become the stars of the show because they’re honest and unapologetically useful.
this language is showing up in bread tag merch of formula one, viral microsites themed on receipt labels, assembly instructions in high end design, album covers designed like care labels
we’re seeing a shift to hyperlocal (for example, each bread tag is labelled with the day, and there’s a taxonomy for when it’s produced)
we're seeing a shift to the act of noticing, of choosing your attention (when you get to decide “I like this ugly thing, thank you very much”)
when a generation is overwhelmed with polish, and now slop, they crave things that were never meant to deceive. that never had an agenda.
as a designer i feel like there's so much more of me that i don't get to show thr my portfolio. the lil hobbies that fills my weekends & fun creations that never got to see the light of day. will be sending this to any new friends i meet
Introducing my new small side project: https://t.co/wAwQUrQtD7
I decided to interview designers and engineers about their work as I am fascinated by how other people approach their craft.