Ideas on Design | David Mendes | Substack

Insights

If Your Brand Isn’t Changing, It’s Already Dying

Brands lose their power when the world stops seeing them as new. Isn’t the role of Design to help them stay alive?

Nov 3, 2025

Ana Freitas on Design

A conversation with Lisbon-based designer Ana Freitas on the importance of learning, experimentation, and collaboration.

Oct 12, 2025

Superhuman Design

How AI Is Redefining What's Possible in Branding

May 14, 2025

A toothbrush with AI, really?

Why AI shouldn't be treated like a marketing buzzword.

Jun 23, 2024

Why IKEA's vision is BS.

How my son and IKEA taught me something about the power of BS in brand strategy.

Mar 24, 2024 • David Mendes

Can we prevent design decay?

Getting old, maintaining cars, and keeping design from getting out of hand.

Sep 20, 2023 • David Mendes

Are there original ideas?

"If you have an idea you’re excited about and you don’t bring it to life, it’s not uncommon for the idea to find its voice through another maker.

Aug 14, 2023 • David Mendes

Brand is a Paella in the mind

What is a good brand if not a memorable dish like a paella?

Jul 28, 2023 • David Mendes

Newsletter

What's New in Design Tools

Design Digest #16

Jan 4 • David Mendes

Not for Everyone (And That’s the Point)

Design Digest #15

Sep 17, 2025 • David Mendes

Rituals and Creativity

Design Digest #14

Aug 10, 2025 • David Mendes

The Bigger They Are, The Harder They Fall

Design Digest #13

Jul 7, 2025 • David Mendes

The Commoditization of Taste

Design Digest #12

Apr 20, 2025 • David Mendes

Brand Frameworks

Expand human capabilities through advanced AI.

Apr 4, 2024 • David Mendes

To give everyone a voice and show them the world.

Mar 7, 2024 • David Mendes

The catalyst that makes the work work better

Feb 25, 2024 • David Mendes

To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Feb 24, 2024 • David Mendes

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