The Observatory

A weekly dose of ideas to help you better see the world, featuring essays, news, opinions, and observations curated by the Design Observer editorial team.

Sep 21, 2026

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6 min read

If Emmett Till Lived

A new exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago

Ellen McGirt

A Google UX researcher responded to digital fatigue by founding a newspaper

Sep 14, 2026

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4 min read

A Google UX researcher responded to digital fatigue by founding a newspaper

Amid the decline of the local news, the Sunday edition finds a second life

Ellen McGirt

We're joyfully receiving your feedback. Here's where we're headed:

Sep 8, 2026

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4 min read

We're joyfully receiving your feedback. Here's where we're headed:

We're glad you're here

Ellen McGirt

Encontrar tu propia voz toma más tiempo que hacerse viral

Sep 8, 2026

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2 min read

Encontrar tu propia voz toma más tiempo que hacerse viral

Plot twist: the newsletter is in Spanish today. Scroll down for a link to the English version.

Rachel Paese

Sep 8, 2026

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1 min read

“It’s time to take back the baton”

Leaders and investors are ready to start planning, and it's time for design to lead.

Ellen McGirt

Sep 8, 2026

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2 min read

Wracked with doubt? Good

Commentary from AKQA's CEO and Harvard Business School's Linda Hill

Ellen McGirt