As we’re getting close to ending what was one rollercoaster of a year, we’ve decided to pay an ode to our faithful companions. Companions who kept our spirits up during the endless days of lockdown restrictions and social distancing. Here’s a round-up of the most interesting books, movies, videos, documentaries, podcasts, and articles that provided us with much-needed mental stimulation.

Must Watch Movies and Documentaries of 2020

The 100 Years Show

One can merely stand back and express awe at this 105-year-old artist who’s been active for much of the past century, but sold her first painting in 2004 at the age of 89! Watch Carmen Herrera’s inspiring story to learn how to value your artistic talents from within, sans validation from the outside world. If there’s one thing Ms. Herrera teaches us, it is that the secret to finding happiness is to keep doing more of what you love, no matter what.

The Social Dilemma

The Social Dilemma talks about the consequences of our growing dependence on social media – the way it influences what we see, read, and going by that, the way we think. This documentary created is worthy of the buzz it created and the conversations it provoked when it was released this year.

Milton Glaser: To Inform And Delight

Milton Glaser, the man behind the iconic I ♥ NY design is remembered for his sublime graphics as he is for his thoughtful reflections on the role of design as a whole. This wonderful documentary takes viewers on a journey through Glaser’s personal life, his creative process, and his lasting design legacy.

Must-Read Articles and Papers in 2020

Frame the Problem

Designing the right solution calls for identifying the right problem to solve, before anything else. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to frame the problem well. One can only do that by asking the right questions, the answers to which lead to framing the right problem to solve. This short article lists out those pertinent questions.

10 Experiments You Can Try to Improve Discovery

The design process begins with research or the discovery phase. This is the phase that sets the tone for the entire process to follow. Roadblocks in this stage can muddle the rest of the process, sometimes irreparably so. These 10 experiments throw light on how you can manage to offset those glitches.

The Hidden Traps in Decision Making

Bad decisions can be attributed to a variety of reasons – unclear alternatives, lack of data, or more. But sometimes the fault does lie in the hands of the decision-maker itself. This paper details 8 psychological traps that are particularly likely to affect the way we make business decisions, and how to steer clear of them.

Top Podcast Recommendations of 2020

99% Invisible

99% Invisible is like an ode to the definitive quality of good design, invisibility. This series takes you behind the most intriguing origins of products and services that have seamlessly blended themselves into our lives such as Murphy’s beds, highways, coin mints, and more.

Design Matters

Design Matters is one of the oldest and most revered podcasts that started out as a radio show in 2004. Ever since, it has been having insightful conversations with the most brilliant creative minds of our time, including actors, musicians, writers, architects, art historians, and more, besides designers across disciplines.

Adventures in Design

AID is a fun, happy, every day show that talks about everything under the (design) sun. From pathbreaking design to dealing with real-life design challenges, this podcast covers all the topics concerning the discipline and its professionals. The conversations are fun, humorous, and practical, and you’re sure to find something that delights you every day.

2020 is going to be a memorable experience for all of us. It packed in enough action and bumps to last us for another 5 years at the very least. What kept us sane were these fine pieces of content and entertainment which led us to think and expand our creative horizons. Do make sure you share your recommendations in the comments section! Also, we have published an updated version of

UI design checklist for designers

“Edge cases define the boundaries of who [and] what you care about. They demarcate the border between the people you’re willing to help and the ones you’re comfortable marginalizing. That’s why we’ve chosen to look at these not as edge cases, but as stress cases: the moments that put our design and content choices to the test of real life. It’s a test we haven’t passed yet. When faced with users in distress or crisis, too many of the experiences we build fall apart in ways large and small.”