Design articles

Design stuff, public discourse, and notes about things we love.

Curio

Unlike the laws of physics, the laws of economics are a choice

ByPink Sheep DesignSep 2, 2025
Unlike the laws of physics, the laws of economics are a choice
Extreme inequality is a choice, not an inevitability.

‘Underconsumption core’ is a new term to know and it’s challenging consumer culture

ByOmar H. FareAug 30, 2025
Two people overlook a bay with a cityscape in the background, while wearing backpacks and looking at a map.
Done right, underconsumption can lead to financial stability and a more purposeful lifestyle.

I Can DARE: What is my research?

Close-up of an 'Authorized personnel only' sign on a brown door, indicating restricted area.
As a master’s student in educational technology at the University of Victoria, my project aims to curate, contextualize, synthesize, and promote digital accessibility research in…

Are you really neutral?

ByPink Sheep DesignApr 22, 2025
Are you really neutral?
Police violence is nothing new.

Tick season comes earlier to the Okanagan than we think

ByRyan Elizabeth CopeApr 11, 2025
Purple crocuses emerge among the white winter snow.
At a recent art night with friends in early March, we were adjourning and preparing to leave when one of us exclaimed, “A tick!” And…

When you realize what abuse is, you see it everywhere

ByRyan Elizabeth CopeMar 18, 2025
A pair of glasses sits on a stone ledge overlooking forested mountains at sunset.
There are moments in my life where things change and there becomes a “before time” and an “after.” I think we all have these moments…

Adding Bluesky social icons to headers and footers

BySherwin ArnottFeb 14, 2025
A clear blue sky with a few clouds.
Many of our clients are moving to Bluesky and quitting Twitter/X. If they are in the habit of advertising their social outposts on their websites,…

Maureen Vo chats about her winding career route and why she has become passionate about freediving

ByRyan Elizabeth CopeJan 27, 2025
Maureen Vo peeks her head above the ocean water while wearing a freediving mask, with pieces of kelp floating in the foreground.
What led you to the field of marine biology? I’ve always been interested in nature and the environment. I moved to BC when I was…

Security is a process: new adopters of passcode keepers make us happy

ByRyan Elizabeth CopeNov 22, 2024
Multiple piles of spaghetti noodles in colours of green, red, and yellow.
A lost phone leads Jacqueline McAllister to new awareness about cybersecurity and we learn why changing passwords is a bit like coming up with a better dinner plan.

Karissa Finnigan on emotional intelligence in university, sports, and launching a career

ByRyan Elizabeth CopeSep 12, 2024
Karissa stands between her parents, wearing her softball uniform and a red visor.
Karissa Finnigan has graduated from Concordia College with an interest in genetic counselling. She is passionate about patient care and helping people of all ages…

From stereotypes to sovereignty: How Indigenous media makers assert narrative control

ByDannielle PiperAug 15, 2024
Darla Contois (left) and Lisa Edelstein (right) in the 2023 production of the Crave/APTN TV series 'Little Bird.'
Over the last 30 years, we have seen exponential growth of Indigenous media and Indigenous media makers, especially here in Canada which has one of…

Struggling to discuss climate change with older relatives? These three scenarios can help

ByCrystal ChokshiJul 20, 2024
An older heterosexual couple stand in the forest holding hands. Photo by Magda Ehlers.
Have you ever felt it difficult to express your climate anxiety in conversation with older relatives? You are likely not alone, as climate change is…

External link icon shortcode preference

BySherwin ArnottJul 14, 2023
photo of road signage.
There are a number of WordPress plugins that will allow you to apply external link icons automatically, but that’s not really my preference. I like…

Divorce Party, by Lisa Baird

ByPink Sheep DesignJun 27, 2023
Divorce Party, by Lisa Baird
After ripping each other apart, and your tents, to stay together, when you finally let it drop when the holes and the boat you shared become bigger than your bravest bucket…

Comics creator Sam Hester: How visual storytelling creates better health care

BySherwin ArnottJun 18, 2023
Comics creator Sam Hester: How visual storytelling creates better health care
Sam Hester is a graphic recorder and comics creator in Calgary. This TED talk is a brilliant insight into the power of visual learning. Her…