All Blog Posts

We come across some pretty amazing things all the time at DesignGood: from inspiring design-trepreneurs to nonprofits and Kickstarter campaigns with world-changing dreams. We’re lucky that part of our job is to find those people, companies and organizations and bring them to you. Because of this, we’re starting Design9 – a new series that will highlight nine of the most awesome people, brands and organizations of the week. We’re kicking off with 9 Companies Doing Things Differently – and we mean really differently. Whether they created a game-changing design or a “why didn’t I think of that?” idea about social contribution, these are brands after our own originality-loving hearts. Keep your eye on these guys!

It’s not just billionaires like Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates who can change the world with their giving. It’s folks like us who chip in a little to put a meal on the table for a family going through hard times or to get someone in the developing world the healthcare he needs. These nine nonprofit organizations have found innovative ways to help, and to vividly show you how your support makes a big impact.

When you’re feeling blah, meh or just generally uninspired, there’s a quick cure: the TED website. The TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conferences started back in 1984, and today TED Talks are known for launching the most innovative, mind-blowing ideas into the world. Here are nine TED Talks we love. Side effects may include laughter, tears and sharing them with everyone you know on Facebook.

Regardless of your definition of design, we can almost all agree on smart design when we see it. Whether it’s in the form of a car that’s using less to create more, an innovative community using natural resources to inspire change or an artistic movement that’s bringing attention to the causes that need it most, to all of us at DesignGood, smart design describes anything that’s using creativity to make something better than it was before.Here are nine of our favorite examples of smart design in all forms:

If you haven’t changed out your desktop wallpaper in a while, it’s time to give your eyes something new to feast upon. Only the most creative wallpapers will do for DesignGooders’ desktops, so we’re sharing the sources we’re addicted to. (Tip: Choose the screen resolution closest to your current display to get the most out of your new desktop wallpaper. Have fun!)

Whether with a collection that uses only natural fibers or a woven basket design passed down over generations, these fashion designers bring substance to the world of style. And to us, that’s always in fashion. With a few exceptions (we’re looking at you, nudist colonies) we all have to start our days getting dressed. But just like the food you choose to eat, the clothing you buy – and whom you buy it from – is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Our purchases have an impact — remember the devastating 2013 factory collapse in Bangladesh?

We champion creative entrepreneurs determined to take action through empowerment and sustainable living. Read how you can support the causes of these 9 brands doing good for the environment.

Pop those earphones in for today’s Design9 as we bring you nine podcasts perfect for the creative entrepreneur. Whether you’re stuck in rush-hour traffic or at home planning your next project, tune in to get your fix of inspiration, creativity and business advice from the biggest names in the industry.

Talk about overachievers! These inspiring teen girls show it’s never too early to start making your mark.

An ex-con turned health coach and writer. A paralyzed painter still creating art. An ex-alcoholic turning parenthood inside out. Get inside their heads — and get ready to think differently.

Give those Nikes a rest – there’s a new wave of shoe designers out there who are embracing design and production methods that are friendly to animals, the environment and artisans alike.

This week, writer and creativity blogger Stef Gonzaga has some advice on changing our procrastinating, project-abandoning ways.

Movies aren’t just about escapism. A compelling documentary can make you see the world in a new way and inspire social change. For today’s Design9, we’re highlighting some current favorites that we think everyone should see. Too busy to watch a full-length doc? No worries — this list has powerful short documentaries, too.

In our first gift guide, we shared holiday gifts – from bamboo bikes to books — made by folks we’ve featured here on DesignGood. But one gift guide wasn’t enough for us. There are more socially conscious companies out there than ever, which means you have more options than ever for selecting beautiful, meaningful gifts that give back. Now let’s finish up that shopping!

We get busy, lose focus, drift away from our True North. Life coach Mike Rinehart of Your Beyond has a suggestion to help you find your center.

From Singapore, MATTER co-founder Renyung Ho tells us about the journey of starting a business that puts values first.

What’s holding us back? Our own Robin Reetz has been there, and today she’s sharing her experiences and tips for dealing with the scary things.

Jennifer Hirsch, founder and “chief enthusiast officer” at Marked Point, gives some straightforward advice on doing work that inspires and that changes the world.

Reggie Black shares some of what he’s learned on his own creative journey as the creator of the Sticky Inspiration Project, which spreads encouragement on Post-it notes.

Kevin Leahy teaches witnesses how to present best to jurors and executives how to present best to their teams. In this post, he shares a surprising tip to try the next time you’re angry.

Shanna Covey, the author of A Call to the Heart: Shifting Out of Ego Into Spirit, tells us what’s really going on with that ugly voice in our heads and how to respond to it.