Pixie

Nespresso introduces a machine small enough for desks and colorful "capsule" cups

For no-fuss espresso, Nespresso‘s straightforward operation and effortless cleanup make their machines the maker of choice for many homes and offices. The Swiss company recently made it even easier to get a fresh brew in just seconds with its Pixie machine, a compact version of the CitiZ that comes in six colors. Its tiny footprint (just over a foot long) means its small enough to …

Jazz: The Smithsonian Anthology

An overhauled primer on the history of jazz in an expansive six-disc compilation

Seven years in the making, Smithsonian Folkways‘ new edition, Jazz: The Smithsonian Anthology represents the new standard, a long-overdue update to Martin Williams’ out-of-print compilation The Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz. While some of the 111 selections on the six-disc set remain the same as the original, Jazz broadens its scope to include Latin jazz and fusion, as well as South African and Vietnamese musicians. …

An Interview with Dirk Vander Kooij

Some words from design's robot-driven Dutchman as he preps his live demo for Milan

Dutch designer Dirk van der Kooij is obsessed with rapid prototyping. Best known for his Endless Chair, made from a continuous string of recycled plastic using a 3D printer, the design has grown into a range of products all with the goal of making the production process more visible. Speaking at Design Indaba recently, van der Kooij explained, “the best thing about recycled plastic is …