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Design Readings

Watch John Hodgman’s “Design, explained” talk at TED

John Hodgman, comedian and resident expert, “explains” the design of three iconic modern objects. (From The Design Studio session at TED2012, guest-curated by Chee Pearlman and David Rockwell.) […]

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Design Innovation

Watch Chip Kidd’s “Designing books is no laughing matter… OK, it is!” talk on TED

Chip Kidd doesn’t judge books by their cover, he creates covers that embody the book — and he does it with a wicked sense of humor. In one of the funniest talks from TED2012, he shows the art and deep thought of his cover designs […]

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Design Innovation

Architecture & Design in Brazil: list of the world’s most innovative projects highlights houses in Brazil

Residential projects have become much more than places to live. Angles that seem impossible, unusual materials and shapes are some of the impressive aspects found in the experimental buildings that illustrate the volume two of the book 100 contemporary Architects, launched by the German publisher Taschen […]

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China Economics Trend Watching

Living in China: Foreign expert numbers on the rise in Shanghai

Some 81,000 foreign experts were working in Shanghai at the end of 2011 – a third more than in 2005, the local labor authority said recently […]

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Design Innovation

Watch Sunni Brown’s “Doodlers, unite!” talk at TED

Studies show that sketching and doodling improve our comprehension — and our creative thinking. So why do we still feel embarrassed when we’re caught doodling in a meeting? Sunni Brown says: Doodlers, unite! She makes the case for unlocking your brain via pad and pen […]

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China Trend Watching

Living in China: Major cities suffering months of hazy days

Shanghai and Beijing are among a number of major Chinese cities which experienced “hazy” days for up to half of last year […]

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Design Innovation

Watch Graham Hill’s “Less stuff, more happiness” talk at TED

Writer and designer Graham Hill asks: Can having less stuff, in less room, lead to more happiness? He makes the case for taking up less space, and lays out three rules for editing your life […]

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China Economics Information Technology Trend Watching

Internet in China: Who Owns the Chinese Internet?

In an article in Caixin, George Washington University Law Professor Donald Clarke looks at the contractual role of foreign IT companies operating in China […]

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Consumer Behavior Economics Trend Watching

Watch Carolyn Steel’s “How food shapes our cities” talk at TED

Every day, in a city the size of London, 30 million meals are served. But where does all the food come from? Architect Carolyn Steel discusses the daily miracle of feeding a city, and shows how ancient food routes shaped the modern world […]

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China Consumer Behavior Economics Trend Watching

China, Socialism & Consumer Behavior: Super-rich in growing passion for investment

Demand for art, watches, rare wines, vintage cars and other offbeat investments expanded in 2010 as the world’s super-rich rebounded from the financial crisis, according the latest World Wealth Report […]