LMNT

“Privacy” is not a new buzzword, but it should be the most scrutinized buzzword in every industry. Whenever a new service, site, or app launches— especially when the words “private” or “privacy” are used—I check the privacy policy. What I find is often truly awful. Data collection, retention, and sharing. Go check one yourself. Companies will often claim they’re “not in the business” of selling yo...

It’s once again time to consider the Trolley Problem . The classic version is a trolley is barreling down the tracks, about to kill 5 people. You can flip the track switch and kill one person instead. The implications, of course, are that you are actively participating in the death of that one person if you flip the switch, but you’re implicitly responsible for the deaths of the five people if you...

Once again, the topic of designers learning how to code has come up. It doesn’t matter what the reason is this time. It is the same message I’ve heard so many times before. Put simply, I think this discourse has run its course. I’ve been at this a while. I’ve been designing and making art for 20 years. And in that time, people around me have told me a bunch of things that I “should” or “shouldn’t”...

The term “green bubbles” is used when referring to SMS messages that are sent and received between an iPhone and a non-iPhone. But beyond the literal meaning, it really refers to the stigma of not using the most popular communication app for your social circle. I saw a remark online that Japan is immune to the green bubble / blue bubble debacle entirely, but I think the more accurate way to look a...

You know, it would not seem so terrible for developers to distribute via the App Store if Apple had put any effort into making the App Store the best way—not just the only way—to distribute apps. The primary reason Apple is being required to change their policies for specific businesses or countries is due to their own monopolistic behavior. They could’ve simply not found themselves in this situat...

In my life as an artist, one belief really stands out: When I create for myself, I don’t have anyone to satisfy but me. No one else can meaningfully appraise my personal work. I alone know what I want to make, and only I can judge whether it achieves that standard or not. Feedback from others rarely feels applicable, because it’s not for them . It’s only for me . Every day, I see new things. And e...

Japan really only has one rule: Don’t inconvenience others. But when you’re a foreign tourist, you’re not necessarily aware of all the ways that might be happening. By adapting to Japan—rather than expecting Japan to accommodate you—your visit will be smoother for both you and everyone else. Don’t want to read this long post? Use a Suica card to pay for things, follow the flow of people, avoid eat...

This past week has been rough. It’s been tough to be online lately. There’s an overwhelming, dreadful feeling that washes over me whenever I unlock my Mac or iPhone. A heavy sigh, then, “What now?” It’s always something. There’s always something. Someone’s always up to something. And it’s not good. It never is. And it won’t be ever again. It’s not so much that everything suddenly broke. It’s more...

Steve Jobs was notorious for not following rules. He drove his car without plates. He parked in the handicap spot at Infinite Loop. Many people assumed he didn’t use a badge. But he did. I can personally attest that he carried a badge. While almost every employee had it pinned or on a lanyard, Steve kept his in his wallet. When badging in, he took out his wallet and held it to the reader. After se...

I wish there were more browsers, and I wish they were more unique. I appreciate that Arc attempted to innovate, but their ego and hubris are a little frustrating. They believe their product is so great that everyone should use it, including their own family and friends. However, when they don’t, they are left feeling perplexed. But I’m not confused why so many people don’t use Arc. I believe most...