Hi Friends! I’m excited to share this week’s Designing Near Future. Here are the latest updates from the design industry, all in bite-sized, easy-to-digest pieces.

Breakdown of what’s in store today:

⭐ 5 Stories: The Newest Happenings in Design

💊 3 Resources: Secret Creative Resources That Pros Use

⚡ 1 Tip: Turn Your Weird Side into an Unforgettable Design Niche

Reading time: 4 minutes

⭐ Stories

1. Scout Motors returns with modern EV concepts

Scout Motors, now under Volkswagen, is reviving the iconic Scout brand with two new electric vehicles: the Terra truck and Traveler SUV. Built on a unique body-on-frame EV platform, these vehicles combine off-road capability with advanced tech features like zonal architecture, over-the-air updates, and bi-directional charging. From what I can see, the design emphasizes a tactile, mechanical feel, with features like bench seats and nostalgic chunky dials, diverging from the minimalist EV trend (à la Rivian). Scheduled for production in 2027, but you can enjoy their pretty awesome and interactive website. (Source)

2. World’s coolest humanoid robot?

EngineAI's new humanoid robot, the SE01, showed realistic human-like movement, setting it far apart from competitors like Tesla’s Optimus. The SE01 achieves smooth, natural walking using advanced neural networks trained with reinforcement and imitation learning, paired with a custom joint system for fluid motion. Its sophisticated frame includes three hip joints, a knee, and two ankle joints per leg, allowing it to walk up to 2 meters per second with flexible, human-like strides. EngineAI aims to mass-produce the SE01 by 2025, with a focus on both industrial and household applications. I highly recommend watching the video below.

3. Notion’s transforming into the only tool you’ll need for your biz

At the "Make with Notion" conference, Notion launched its largest bundle yet, solidifying its position as the ultimate all-in-one solution for modern businesses. Notion Mail allows businesses to fully customize their inbox to meet specific workflows (There’s also AI involved to streamline communication). New forms and layouts enable seamless data collection and flexible page designs, while advanced automations and improved Notion AI connectors turn routine tasks into effortless processes. My bet is that Notion will become, in the coming years, an obvious choice to manage your small business. (1 min video summary)

4. Anthropic’s CEO writes about how AI could radically benefit society

Anthropic's CEO explores how powerful AI could drastically improve human life in key areas if we effectively address associated risks in this 15,000 word essay. He identifies five main areas where AI could make a positive impact: Health and Biology, Mental Health and Neuroscience, Economic Growth and Global Equality, Peace and Governance, Purpose and Meaning. (Machines of Loving Grace Essay)

5. Bose’s new rebrand goes beyond sound

Collins’ rebrand of Bose, while keeping the classic 1960s wordmark mostly untouched, introduces a fresh visual language centered on the concept of sound. Using an eight-color palette inspired by musical notes, the updated brand story celebrates Bose's dedication to acoustic innovation and the evolving ways people connect through sound. Personally, I am so jealous yet inspired by the kind of clients Collins work with. (Case Study)

Hey real quick, I put a lot of effort into sharing only the best for my subscribers. Join 1880+ creatives Designing the Near Future, Here is a link.

💊 Resources

3 links to boost your creativity.

• Good on You is a directory of brands (fashion and beauty) with detailed sustainability ratings.

• Virtual Threads is a free real time 3D animated T-shirt mockup generator

• As someone whose work involves asking questions all the time, I highly recommend watching How to ask questions that make people love you 

⚡ Tip

Turn Your Weird Side into an Unforgettable Design Niche

For designers, success often seems to come from following proven methods and trends. But the real opportunity lies in cultivating your specific knowledge - those rare combinations of skill and curiosity only you possess. Instead of generalizing, focus on what you’re naturally drawn to, even if it seems niche or contrarian. The projects that reveal your unique perspective will attract attention for their originality and resonance.

So in college, I was this weird mix - into metal music but also super into graphic design and art. I started out just making artwork for my own music. Then some people I knew were like "hey, you make cool art, can you do our band merch?" Word got around since there weren't many people doing that kind of thing.

Before I knew it, I was designing for all these different bands and music artists. It turned into a business that kept me going through college. Plus, I learned all about freelancing just by doing it. The whole thing worked out because I wasn't just some random designer - I was a "metal guy" who designed for metal bands, and I actually played music too.

I've noticed many designers hold back from accepting what makes them unique - their weird interests, unexpected skills, or niche knowledge. They play it safe instead of leveraging their authentic selves.

Very simply, here's what I recommend if you are truly trying to find your niche:

1. Write down everything you're genuinely interested in, no matter how random

2. Note the abilities you've picked up that others might not have, even if they seem unrelated

3. Mix these interests and skills in different ways until something clicks

4. Put your experiments out there and tell the story behind them

5. Pay attention to which combinations get genuine interest from others

6. Double down on what works and keep evolving your unique offering

Happy Designing!