Mozilla’s New Logo

Using the symbols :// instead of the “ill” in Mozilla, Johnson Banks’ new logo for the company is causing a bit of a stir. While the symbols come from a full URL (aka http://) some are seeing the pre-emoji slant-face emoticon, which traditionally was a meant to express being skeptical, annoyed or undecided. Regardless, Johnson Banks’ design (called Protocol 2.0) has made an impact, and …

Interview: Kevin Hunter, President of Toyota’s Calty Design Research

We talk cars and design process with the head of California's original car design center

For the last decade Kevin Hunter has been the president of Calty—Toyota’s design research center in Newport Beach—but he’s worked there for nearly 35 years. When Calty opened its doors in 1973, it was the first Southern California-based design center for any major auto manufacturer and the beginning of a deeper recognition that the California market is both important and distinctive. Calty employs 100 designers …

Six New Wristwatches Pushing The Craft Forward

Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève debut timepieces with extraordinary merit

After years of uncertainty and dipping sales in the luxury watch industry, optimism appears to be running high again. The troubles faced by wristwatch brands—some triggered by smartwatches and wearables flooding consumer feeds—were due in no part to lack of innovation. From prestige brands to Kickstarter projects, exciting new pieces debuted last year—and with the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève (SIHH) taking place …