Conversation

I'm enamored by small teams that make products with craft and personality. A few: Hundred Rabbits

100r.co A couple that builds minimalist software from their sailboat. They use simple tech and make spartan design feel cozy.

A screenshot of two software windows. On the left is a drawing app with a circle in the middle and a series of tools along the Botton. On the right is a window with a grid of characters. Some of the characters are simple dots and others are letters. The colors of the UI strongly contrast. The general vibe is brutalist.

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Ian Kettlewell

@kettlecorn

CW&T

@cwandt

cwandt.com Another couple who craft beautifully over-engineered physical products made to last. They design, prototype, assemble, and ship out of their Brooklyn home / studio. Like this ultra-simple utility knife:

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5:52 AM · Dec 2, 2022

Replying to

Panic

panic.com Creators of precisely crafted Mac apps and the playful game console Playdate. Based out of Portland and founded in 1996 they've stubbornly stayed small at around ~26 people.

A picture of the Playdate game console in its packaging.

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Nervous System

n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com A small "generate design" studio based out of the Catskills. They write software (available on their website) that simulate patterns and phenomena from nature. The output is used to craft unique physical products.

A person holding a sculpture in their hand that looks almost like a piece of coral except it is pure white.

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Ian Kettlewell

@kettlecorn

Dec 2, 2022

This list is short and I know I'm missing plenty of great ones. Let me know if you know studios / companies with a similar vibe! I find this type of work immensely inspiring.