Another round of favorite things and recent inspirations.
Each item reflects the value of curiosity, craft, and paying attention… whether in design, technology, or everyday experiences.
1. Listening: Daniel Kottke at The Quin
I recently had the chance to hear Daniel Kottke speak, one of Apple’s earliest employees and a close collaborator of Steve Jobs. Listening to his stories firsthand reminded me how much of what we now take for granted in technology came from a small group of people figuring things out in real time.
Awesome to hear about the garage builds, the scrappy production, the bets on products like the Apple I and II. What stood out most was the mindset behind these stories. There was a constant tension between curiosity and conviction, between exploring ideas broadly and committing to a clear vision. It reinforced how much early Apple was shaped not just by technical ability, but by taste, intuition, and a willingness to think differently about how people interact with technology.
One thread that really stuck with me was how interdisciplinary thinking played a role even then. From calligraphy influencing typography to inspiration drawn from Japanese design and spirituality, it’s a reminder that the best ideas rarely come from staying in a single lane. Innovation tends to happen at the intersections.
There was also an interesting contrast between that early era and where things are heading now. The talk touched on emerging work in AI and neuroscience which feels like a continuation of the same core idea: making the invisible visible, and turning complex systems into something intuitive and human.
It was a great reminder that while the tools evolve, the fundamentals don’t. Curiosity, taste, and a deep understanding of people still sit at the center of meaningful innovation.
2. Print: Adam Spitalny’s Zines
I was excited to receive a recent batch of zines from Adam Spitalny, a long-time colleague and friend. Adam has been publishing these for his clients, and they’re a really thoughtful piece of print. Simple, tactile, and full of personality.
Zines were a big part of creative culture back in the day, and as a collector of all things, I love the throwback vibes and the hands-on feel. What feels most relevant now is how they celebrate authenticity and craft in a way digital content can’t. There’s something special about having a hand-curated publication in your hands, and Adam’s work nails that balance between playful creativity and professional polish.
It was a treat to get one in the mail, and I have to give a shoutout to Adam for keeping this format alive and meaningful.
3. Product: Casper Lights
I’ve been using Casper lights since they hit the market in 2019, and they’ve truly stood the test of time. I still turn them on every day, and they continue to show up as a reference point in projects.
A recent brainstorm session brought these thoughts to light, no pun intended, and it reminded me just how much I love this thing. From a design perspective, the interaction and haptic functionality are deceptively simple yet profoundly thoughtful. It’s not just about what the product does but how it feels, how it responds, and how it fits into daily life.
Casper lights are a perfect example of how breakthrough innovation often lives in the details. Subtle moments of touch, feedback, and human-centered design elevate the everyday experience. They are functional, emotionally resonant, and understated, and they continue to influence how I think about interaction, materiality, and creating products that feel alive in the hand.
4. Experience: SXSW
This was my first time attending SXSW, and it was completely overwhelming at first, with literally hundreds of events happening every day. I spent time researching the best things to hit, and used ChatGPT to curate it into a daily schedule. Traveling the city by e-bike and e-scooter made it surprisingly manageable, and it was really helpful to have a daily plan when you want to make the most of a whirlwind like this.
Of course, you do need to fact-check the AI. One afternoon, it led us on a 30-minute bike ride through some beautiful neighborhoods, but when we arrived at our destination, we realized the event was actually only a few blocks from where we started. On the upside, we were able to get outside the city, take in some fresh air, and see new things. Maybe ChatGPT thought we needed a break.
I attended SXSW with Ryan O’Donnell, Sprout’s creative director, and we had a blast exploring both the festival and the city of Austin. One highlight was a talk at the Fast Company Grill with Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s, which focused on using business as a force for social good. AI was everywhere at SXSW, and it was fascinating to hear from a broad range of perspectives in person. As always, we discovered something new that has already sparked ideas we’ve brought into practice at Sprout.
From street scenes and brand activations to wellness pop-ups and interactive demos, SXSW was a reminder that culture, creativity, and technology are deeply intertwined. Overall, it left me thinking about how curiosity, experimentation, and human-centered design continue to drive innovation.
5. Health and Wellness: AG1 Next Gen Formula
I’ve been using AG1 for a while now, and the new formula is a solid upgrade. The biggest improvement for me is how much better it mixes. Between the updated powder and the new mixing wand, it dissolves quickly and smoothly.
What originally drew me to AG1 was simplicity. After doing some testing, I was given a long list of vitamins and nutrients to take, and AG1 covered the majority of them in one place. It replaced what used to be a full stack of pills with a single daily habit.
Now it’s part of a pretty streamlined routine. AG1, a drop of vitamin D, some creatine, and that’s about it. One glass of water and you’re done, making it easier to stay consistent.
