I’m Arun Venkatesan, and this is the arun.is newsletter, where I share my current obsessions, inspiration from around the web, behind-the-scenes content, and more. 

This week’s issue covers a few things:

• Can design be measured?
• Recommendations

Can design be measured?

In the last issue, I spoke briefly about the new project I’m working on. It doesn’t yet have a name, so think of it as a design-focused Wirecutter.

As I have been reviewing and writing, I’ve been pondering how I want to evaluate products. I thought about what I liked about my favorite objects and how Dieter Rams’s ten principles may apply to them. Out came these four criteria:

Aesthetics

Are its aesthetics honest and unobtrusive? Do they suit their setting, both when in use and when not?

Utility

Is it useful? Is it immediately understandable? Is it innovative, unlocking a new level of utility or simplicity?

Craftsmanship

How precisely executed are the details, both visible and invisible? Is the design reduced to as little as needed?

Sustainability

Will it last as long as it is needed? Is it environmentally friendly?

I hope it’s clear that these aren’t objective criteria. There’s no way to measure them numerically. Judgement will take time and careful consideration. I haven’t found any other way to do it.

The first two sets of products I have been reviewing are everyday wired earphones and iPhone stands for iOS 17 StandBy mode. I hope to share more soon.

Recommendations

Tims Vermeer

I finally got around to watching Tim’s Vermeer after adding it to my list years ago. Created in part by Penn & Teller, the documentary follows inventor Tim Jenison as he tries to reverse engineer the painting techniques of Johannes Vermeer with nothing more than the paintings themselves. The film feels to me like an episode of Tested — a cross between narrative and behind-the-scenes process.

Che-Wei Wang (CW&T) on The new role of the designer in generative design

Che-Wei Wang is the CW in CW&T, a design duo based in New York. They are a rare couple much like modern Eameses in breadth of work and how closely they collaborate. Che-Wei gave a talk years ago that feels ever more relevant now. Much of what he painted as the future for AI in creative work is becoming true today.

Venba

Venba is the first game I have seen that represents Tamil culture (the culture of my parents and extended family). It’s a beautiful narrative that will be relatable not just to those of Indian descent, but to immigrants and children of immigrants. The art, music, and story are all exquisite. I have enjoyed playing short stints before bed.

That's it for this issue.

As always, this is my personal email, so feel free to respond directly.

Stay curious,
Arun Venkatesan