On the research front, we expect to discuss the correct recentering of design as a research practice, with creation existing in subservience to the research. We got a little far away from what design is, right? What you design is only as good as your ability to research.

We’ll also cover some of the more positive ramifications of platform collapse. Their conscious decision to fuck up their software is our opportunity. Look no further than design tooling, where an entire suite was built on the ability to buy it with no subscription. The door is again open there. In fact, there are doors open everywhere.

We’ve talked a little about calm companies before, but now that we’re in a few we can’t get enough of it. In fact, we seek calmness exclusively now. Fortunately, we see it everywhere. And we think calm, high-margin companies will survive what’s coming. We look forward to exploring this idea further.

Finally, we’ll be discussing the global separation of design practices that will continue to occur as American society collapses and is replaced by a broader global relationship. Not enough work is devoted to analyzing this, but we believe it to be essential. Like, century-defining essential. Wild how people are too busy playing defense to notice it happening everywhere.

The era of spaceholding has concluded and our standards have only increased. It is necessary to come correct, to arrive with poise & reciprocity. There’s fire, of course, but I also see a tremendous amount of opportunity to rebuild, to create new systems of living.

We’re excited to see who arrives to our practice in the coming year. Perhaps it’ll be you.

Some logistic things:

• Draft will close for the year on December 19, and reopen on January 05. We will be completely inaccessible during that time.
• New book shipments will pause from December 19 until February 15.
• We’re presently considering new clients for consulting work starting in mid-March.
• We love you.

Thanks for all of your support this year. It means the world to us. We look forward to seeing what we’ll make in 2026.