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In regard to effective community building, comprehending your members’ needs and motivations is critical. You need to define and communicate the value your community offers during the establishment of clear goals that resonate with both individual and collective purposes. Cultivating inclusivity and encouraging active participation creates a dynamic environment. Nonetheless, it is important to build trust through transparency and adapt to feedback, ensuring the community remains relevant. What other principles do you think play a significant role in this process? Key Takeaways Understand and address the diverse needs and motivations of community members to foster engagement and belonging. Clearly define community goals and values to align members’ interests with organizational objectives. Promote inclusivity and accessibility to ensure all voices, especially marginalized ones, are heard and valued. Create safe and supportive environments that build trust and encourage open dialogue among members. Encourage collaboration and continuous improvement through shared initiatives and regular feedback mechanisms. Understanding Your Community Members Comprehending your community members is vital for building an effective and sustainable environment. Grasping your community members means actively identifying their needs, interests, and motivations. This approach guarantees the community design resonates with them and encourages participation. Engaged members are more likely to contribute when they perceive tangible benefits from their involvement, highlighting the need to address their evolving needs. Implementing community building tips, like regularly evaluating feedback through surveys and discussions, can provide valuable insights. This practice cultivates a responsive community environment and improves members’ sense of belonging, which is fundamental for long-term engagement and satisfaction. Additionally, knowing your members enables leaders to tailor strategies and initiatives that align with collective goals, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of the community. Defining and Communicating Value Comprehending the needs and motivations of community members is just the beginning; defining and communicating the value of your community is equally important. To effectively define community building, you need to align members’ needs with your organizational goals, creating shared value. Regular assessments help you identify what members find valuable, ensuring ongoing engagement. Clearly articulate the specific benefits your community offers, such as support networks, resources, or collaboration opportunities. This transparency encourages active participation and strengthens trust. Effective communication is vital; consistent messaging that resonates with members’ interests improves commitment. Utilizing tools like community charters can help outline and communicate the defined value, ensuring everyone understands the community’s purpose and goals. Establishing Clear Goals and Shared Purpose Establishing clear goals is crucial for guiding your community in the direction of success, as it aligns everyone’s expectations and promotes a unified focus. By collaboratively defining community objectives, you can create a shared vision that motivates members and improves their engagement. Regularly revisiting these goals guarantees they remain relevant and effectively meet the evolving needs of the community. Define Community Objectives Clearly Defining community objectives clearly is vital for creating a focused and engaging environment. When you establish well-defined goals, you provide direction that aligns member expectations, which improves overall engagement and participation. Shared objectives nurture a collective identity among members, promoting collaboration and a sense of belonging. It’s important to regularly revisit and refine these objectives to guarantee they remain relevant and responsive to your community’s needs and interests. Incorporating member input during the goal-setting process increases buy-in, as individuals feel their voices are valued. Foster Collective Vision Together When community members come together to create a collective vision, they cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and purpose that drives engagement. Establishing clear goals and a shared purpose is essential. Here are three key aspects to reflect on: Involve Members: Engaging everyone in the goal-setting process promotes ownership and commitment, leading to stronger relationships within the community. Define a Mission: A well-articulated mission aligns expectations and provides a framework for decision-making, enhancing collaboration and effectiveness. Revisit Goals Regularly: Regularly reviewing and adapting goals guarantees they remain relevant and reflective of evolving needs, promoting sustained engagement. Effective leaders facilitate discussions around this collective vision, guiding the community toward shared objectives as they nurture inclusivity and collaboration. Align Member Aspirations Effectively Aligning member aspirations effectively is essential for building a cohesive community that thrives on shared goals. Establishing clear objectives helps members understand their roles and promotes engagement. A well-defined mission statement serves as a guiding framework, whereas regularly revisiting goals based on feedback keeps the community relevant. Tools like community charters or vision statements articulate these shared goals, ensuring everyone is aligned. Goal Type Purpose Tools Used Short-term Goals Immediate engagement Action plans Long-term Goals Sustained growth Vision statements Feedback Mechanism Adaptation and relevance Surveys and discussions Shared purpose improves collaboration, encouraging members to contribute to a common vision. Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity Nurturing inclusivity and diversity is essential for building strong communities that genuinely reflect the needs and values of all their members. To achieve this, consider the following key strategies: Equitable Representation: Actively include marginalized voices in decision-making processes to improve community legitimacy and promote innovation. Diverse Perspectives: Guarantee all demographic groups are engaged, avoiding tokenism, so that their unique needs are recognized and addressed. Accessibility: Prioritize accessibility for individuals with disabilities and recognize the intersectionality of identities to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Encouraging Active Participation and Engagement Building on the foundation of inclusivity and diversity, encouraging active participation and engagement is crucial for a thriving community. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities helps cultivate ownership and accountability among members. This clarity empowers individuals to contribute more actively, knowing their efforts matter. Incorporating diverse perspectives improves discussions and stimulates innovative solutions, increasing member involvement and commitment. Regular feedback mechanisms, like surveys and focus groups, let leaders adapt strategies based on members’ needs, ensuring ongoing relevance. Social events, collaborative projects, and recognizing contributions create a sense of belonging and strengthen connections, motivating individuals to participate. Furthermore, utilizing technology—such as social media and online platforms—facilitates continuous interaction, allowing members to connect and collaborate regardless of physical location. Building Trust Through Transparency When you prioritize transparency in your community, you lay the groundwork for trust among members. By sharing regular updates on decisions, funding, and progress, you help everyone feel informed and valued. Here are three key ways to build trust through transparency: Open Communication: Create channels for member input and feedback, encouraging a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. Measurable Goals: Establish clear objectives and track progress. This not only clarifies community aims but additionally demonstrates accountability to your members. Sharing Outcomes: Be transparent about the results of feedback and assessments. When members see their contributions lead to tangible changes, trust grows. Adapting to Evolving Needs and Feedback Adapting to the evolving needs of your community is essential for nurturing a dynamic and engaged environment. Regularly evaluating community needs through surveys and focus groups allows you to gather valuable feedback that informs your strategies and guarantees alignment with member interests. Implementing anonymous pulse surveys can help you gauge the level of inclusion and pinpoint areas for improvement. Transparency about how you utilize feedback cultivates trust among members, encouraging them to engage and share their insights. Moreover, holding brainstorming sessions enables members to collaboratively discuss and propose new ideas and initiatives. This continuous adaptation involves tracking progress through measurable goals, ensuring that your community strategies remain relevant and responsive to changing member dynamics and preferences. Creating Safe and Supportive Spaces Creating an environment where community members feel secure and supported plays a crucial role in nurturing engagement and collaboration. To achieve this, consider implementing the following strategies: Establish Safety Policies: Develop clear guidelines that address harassment and discrimination, ensuring everyone feels psychologically safe and included. Train Facilitators: Providing training for facilitators on how to mediate discussions and uphold respect improves safety during interactions, encouraging diverse participation. Offer Wellness Programs: Create support networks through wellness initiatives that address members’ holistic health needs, contributing to their emotional and social well-being. Additionally, regularly assess community needs through anonymous feedback mechanisms. This promotes transparency and allows for continuous improvement in maintaining a safe and supportive space. Promoting Collaboration and Collective Action To effectively promote collaboration and collective action within a community, it’s vital to establish shared goals that resonate with all members. These goals align the interests of participants, guiding everyone toward common objectives. Open communication is fundamental; it allows members to share ideas, resources, and feedback, nurturing trust and cooperation. Engaging in collaborative initiatives, such as workshops and projects, not just stimulates active participation but also cultivates a sense of ownership in the community’s success. By utilizing diverse perspectives and skills, you can improve creativity and innovation, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. Regularly celebrating collective achievements and milestones strengthens group cohesion and motivates continued involvement. This environment of collaboration guarantees that all members feel valued and invested, eventually contributing to the community’s overall progress and effectiveness. Emphasizing these principles can lead to sustainable and impactful collective action. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Principles of Community Building? Community building relies on several key principles. First, you need to understand your members’ needs, ensuring their active involvement. Defining clear value for participation promotes engagement. A strategic plan outlines roles and responsibilities, as transparent communication builds trust. Emphasizing inclusion and diversity amplifies marginalized voices, leading to richer discussions. Finally, encouraging continuous learning and psychological safety allows members to share ideas freely, ultimately driving community growth and collaboration. What Are the 5 Principles of Community Development? The five principles of community development focus on creating resilient and thriving communities. First, inclusivity guarantees diverse voices are heard in decision-making. Second, collaboration unites individuals and organizations to pursue common goals. Third, sustainability emphasizes long-term solutions that empower communities. Fourth, effective leadership guides initiatives and inspires community involvement. Finally, engaging in continuous learning and evaluation helps communities adapt strategies based on feedback, making certain that initiatives remain relevant and impactful over time. What Are the Six Key Principles of Community Development? When exploring the six key principles of community development, you’ll find inclusivity and diversity at the forefront, ensuring all voices are heard. Collaboration and shared purpose unite members toward common goals. Careful planning and preparation lay the groundwork for effective engagement. Transparency and open communication build trust, encouraging participation. Finally, empowerment and support equip members with necessary resources, cultivating ownership and enhancing collective efforts for community improvement. Each principle plays an essential role in successful development. What Are the 5 C’s of Community Planning? The 5 C’s of community planning are Context, Collaboration, Capacity, Communication, and Continuity. Context involves comprehending your community’s unique characteristics to guide effective planning. Collaboration focuses on building partnerships among stakeholders to guarantee inclusive participation. Capacity refers to the necessary resources and skills to support community activities. Communication emphasizes open dialogues among members to build trust, whereas Continuity guarantees sustainable efforts over time. These elements work together to create engaged and resilient communities. Conclusion In conclusion, effective community building hinges on comprehending members’ needs, defining clear goals, and promoting inclusivity. By creating safe spaces and encouraging active participation, you can build trust and improve collaboration. Regularly adapting to feedback guarantees your community remains relevant and responsive to change. Celebrating achievements reinforces a shared vision, ultimately fortifying connections among members. By applying these key principles, you can cultivate a thriving community that aligns individual motivations with collective objectives. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Are Key Principles of Effective Community Building?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In regard to effective community building, comprehending your members’ needs and motivations is critical. You need to define and communicate the value your community offers during the establishment of clear goals that resonate with both individual and collective purposes. Cultivating inclusivity and encouraging active participation creates a dynamic environment. Nonetheless, it is important to build trust through transparency and adapt to feedback, ensuring the community remains relevant. What other principles do you think play a significant role in this process? Key Takeaways Understand and address the diverse needs and motivations of community members to foster engagement and belonging. Clearly define community goals and values to align members’ interests with organizational objectives. Promote inclusivity and accessibility to ensure all voices, especially marginalized ones, are heard and valued. Create safe and supportive environments that build trust and encourage open dialogue among members. Encourage collaboration and continuous improvement through shared initiatives and regular feedback mechanisms. Understanding Your Community Members Comprehending your community members is vital for building an effective and sustainable environment. Grasping your community members means actively identifying their needs, interests, and motivations. This approach guarantees the community design resonates with them and encourages participation. Engaged members are more likely to contribute when they perceive tangible benefits from their involvement, highlighting the need to address their evolving needs. Implementing community building tips, like regularly evaluating feedback through surveys and discussions, can provide valuable insights. This practice cultivates a responsive community environment and improves members’ sense of belonging, which is fundamental for long-term engagement and satisfaction. Additionally, knowing your members enables leaders to tailor strategies and initiatives that align with collective goals, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of the community. Defining and Communicating Value Comprehending the needs and motivations of community members is just the beginning; defining and communicating the value of your community is equally important. To effectively define community building, you need to align members’ needs with your organizational goals, creating shared value. Regular assessments help you identify what members find valuable, ensuring ongoing engagement. Clearly articulate the specific benefits your community offers, such as support networks, resources, or collaboration opportunities. This transparency encourages active participation and strengthens trust. Effective communication is vital; consistent messaging that resonates with members’ interests improves commitment. Utilizing tools like community charters can help outline and communicate the defined value, ensuring everyone understands the community’s purpose and goals. Establishing Clear Goals and Shared Purpose Establishing clear goals is crucial for guiding your community in the direction of success, as it aligns everyone’s expectations and promotes a unified focus. By collaboratively defining community objectives, you can create a shared vision that motivates members and improves their engagement. Regularly revisiting these goals guarantees they remain relevant and effectively meet the evolving needs of the community. Define Community Objectives Clearly Defining community objectives clearly is vital for creating a focused and engaging environment. When you establish well-defined goals, you provide direction that aligns member expectations, which improves overall engagement and participation. Shared objectives nurture a collective identity among members, promoting collaboration and a sense of belonging. It’s important to regularly revisit and refine these objectives to guarantee they remain relevant and responsive to your community’s needs and interests. Incorporating member input during the goal-setting process increases buy-in, as individuals feel their voices are valued. Foster Collective Vision Together When community members come together to create a collective vision, they cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and purpose that drives engagement. Establishing clear goals and a shared purpose is essential. Here are three key aspects to reflect on: Involve Members: Engaging everyone in the goal-setting process promotes ownership and commitment, leading to stronger relationships within the community. Define a Mission: A well-articulated mission aligns expectations and provides a framework for decision-making, enhancing collaboration and effectiveness. Revisit Goals Regularly: Regularly reviewing and adapting goals guarantees they remain relevant and reflective of evolving needs, promoting sustained engagement. Effective leaders facilitate discussions around this collective vision, guiding the community toward shared objectives as they nurture inclusivity and collaboration. Align Member Aspirations Effectively Aligning member aspirations effectively is essential for building a cohesive community that thrives on shared goals. Establishing clear objectives helps members understand their roles and promotes engagement. A well-defined mission statement serves as a guiding framework, whereas regularly revisiting goals based on feedback keeps the community relevant. Tools like community charters or vision statements articulate these shared goals, ensuring everyone is aligned. Goal Type Purpose Tools Used Short-term Goals Immediate engagement Action plans Long-term Goals Sustained growth Vision statements Feedback Mechanism Adaptation and relevance Surveys and discussions Shared purpose improves collaboration, encouraging members to contribute to a common vision. Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity Nurturing inclusivity and diversity is essential for building strong communities that genuinely reflect the needs and values of all their members. To achieve this, consider the following key strategies: Equitable Representation: Actively include marginalized voices in decision-making processes to improve community legitimacy and promote innovation. Diverse Perspectives: Guarantee all demographic groups are engaged, avoiding tokenism, so that their unique needs are recognized and addressed. Accessibility: Prioritize accessibility for individuals with disabilities and recognize the intersectionality of identities to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Encouraging Active Participation and Engagement Building on the foundation of inclusivity and diversity, encouraging active participation and engagement is crucial for a thriving community. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities helps cultivate ownership and accountability among members. This clarity empowers individuals to contribute more actively, knowing their efforts matter. Incorporating diverse perspectives improves discussions and stimulates innovative solutions, increasing member involvement and commitment. Regular feedback mechanisms, like surveys and focus groups, let leaders adapt strategies based on members’ needs, ensuring ongoing relevance. Social events, collaborative projects, and recognizing contributions create a sense of belonging and strengthen connections, motivating individuals to participate. Furthermore, utilizing technology—such as social media and online platforms—facilitates continuous interaction, allowing members to connect and collaborate regardless of physical location. Building Trust Through Transparency When you prioritize transparency in your community, you lay the groundwork for trust among members. By sharing regular updates on decisions, funding, and progress, you help everyone feel informed and valued. Here are three key ways to build trust through transparency: Open Communication: Create channels for member input and feedback, encouraging a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. Measurable Goals: Establish clear objectives and track progress. This not only clarifies community aims but additionally demonstrates accountability to your members. Sharing Outcomes: Be transparent about the results of feedback and assessments. When members see their contributions lead to tangible changes, trust grows. Adapting to Evolving Needs and Feedback Adapting to the evolving needs of your community is essential for nurturing a dynamic and engaged environment. Regularly evaluating community needs through surveys and focus groups allows you to gather valuable feedback that informs your strategies and guarantees alignment with member interests. Implementing anonymous pulse surveys can help you gauge the level of inclusion and pinpoint areas for improvement. Transparency about how you utilize feedback cultivates trust among members, encouraging them to engage and share their insights. Moreover, holding brainstorming sessions enables members to collaboratively discuss and propose new ideas and initiatives. This continuous adaptation involves tracking progress through measurable goals, ensuring that your community strategies remain relevant and responsive to changing member dynamics and preferences. Creating Safe and Supportive Spaces Creating an environment where community members feel secure and supported plays a crucial role in nurturing engagement and collaboration. To achieve this, consider implementing the following strategies: Establish Safety Policies: Develop clear guidelines that address harassment and discrimination, ensuring everyone feels psychologically safe and included. Train Facilitators: Providing training for facilitators on how to mediate discussions and uphold respect improves safety during interactions, encouraging diverse participation. Offer Wellness Programs: Create support networks through wellness initiatives that address members’ holistic health needs, contributing to their emotional and social well-being. Additionally, regularly assess community needs through anonymous feedback mechanisms. This promotes transparency and allows for continuous improvement in maintaining a safe and supportive space. Promoting Collaboration and Collective Action To effectively promote collaboration and collective action within a community, it’s vital to establish shared goals that resonate with all members. These goals align the interests of participants, guiding everyone toward common objectives. Open communication is fundamental; it allows members to share ideas, resources, and feedback, nurturing trust and cooperation. Engaging in collaborative initiatives, such as workshops and projects, not just stimulates active participation but also cultivates a sense of ownership in the community’s success. By utilizing diverse perspectives and skills, you can improve creativity and innovation, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making. Regularly celebrating collective achievements and milestones strengthens group cohesion and motivates continued involvement. This environment of collaboration guarantees that all members feel valued and invested, eventually contributing to the community’s overall progress and effectiveness. Emphasizing these principles can lead to sustainable and impactful collective action. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Principles of Community Building? Community building relies on several key principles. First, you need to understand your members’ needs, ensuring their active involvement. Defining clear value for participation promotes engagement. A strategic plan outlines roles and responsibilities, as transparent communication builds trust. Emphasizing inclusion and diversity amplifies marginalized voices, leading to richer discussions. Finally, encouraging continuous learning and psychological safety allows members to share ideas freely, ultimately driving community growth and collaboration. What Are the 5 Principles of Community Development? The five principles of community development focus on creating resilient and thriving communities. First, inclusivity guarantees diverse voices are heard in decision-making. Second, collaboration unites individuals and organizations to pursue common goals. Third, sustainability emphasizes long-term solutions that empower communities. Fourth, effective leadership guides initiatives and inspires community involvement. Finally, engaging in continuous learning and evaluation helps communities adapt strategies based on feedback, making certain that initiatives remain relevant and impactful over time. What Are the Six Key Principles of Community Development? When exploring the six key principles of community development, you’ll find inclusivity and diversity at the forefront, ensuring all voices are heard. Collaboration and shared purpose unite members toward common goals. Careful planning and preparation lay the groundwork for effective engagement. Transparency and open communication build trust, encouraging participation. Finally, empowerment and support equip members with necessary resources, cultivating ownership and enhancing collective efforts for community improvement. Each principle plays an essential role in successful development. What Are the 5 C’s of Community Planning? The 5 C’s of community planning are Context, Collaboration, Capacity, Communication, and Continuity. Context involves comprehending your community’s unique characteristics to guide effective planning. Collaboration focuses on building partnerships among stakeholders to guarantee inclusive participation. Capacity refers to the necessary resources and skills to support community activities. Communication emphasizes open dialogues among members to build trust, whereas Continuity guarantees sustainable efforts over time. These elements work together to create engaged and resilient communities. Conclusion In conclusion, effective community building hinges on comprehending members’ needs, defining clear goals, and promoting inclusivity. By creating safe spaces and encouraging active participation, you can build trust and improve collaboration. Regularly adapting to feedback guarantees your community remains relevant and responsive to change. Celebrating achievements reinforces a shared vision, ultimately fortifying connections among members. By applying these key principles, you can cultivate a thriving community that aligns individual motivations with collective objectives. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Are Key Principles of Effective Community Building?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Apple CEO Tim Cook says the company just had "its best launch week ever" for customers picking up a Mac for the first time, as the MacBook Neo, M5 MacBook Air, and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pros went on sale. It sounds as though people are switching to the Mac in significant numbers, with the $599 MacBook Neo likely to be having the most impact. If you're one of those responsible for Apple's record-breaking launch week for first-time customers, you might be wondering where to get started with macOS—and how it differs (or doesn't differ) from the Windows OS you're already used to. Windows is the operating system I grew up with, right from the early days of Windows 95, but as a tech journalist I've had to write plenty of articles on macOS. I use both operating systems pretty much every day, so here's my guide to familiarizing yourself with Apple's desktop operating system if you've only ever used Microsoft's. MacBook Neo (256GB) $599.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $599.00 at Amazon Macs have a menu barPerhaps the biggest interface change that you need to adapt to in the beginning is the menu bar. If you've only ever known Windows, you'll be used to having a taskbar down at the bottom, and app menus nearer top, attached to the programs they're with. macOS has a menu bar that combines these various elements together. It takes the app shortcuts, time and date display, and notifications pop-ups from the bottom-right corner in Windows, and puts them in the top-right corner. This same top bar also includes the menus for whatever app is currently active. So, whether you're using Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop, or Spotify, the menus aren't attached to the program windows—they're right at the top of the screen. It can take some getting used to, but the name of the currently active program is always shown in the top-left corner, and to the left of that is the Apple menu—which I'll get into next. Macs do not have a Start menuThere's no Start button and no Start menu on macOS—instead, different parts of the Start menu are spread out in other places. For example, if you're looking for the OS settings or for shutdown and user account options, these are in the Apple menu: That's the Apple logo that always sits right up in the top-left corner of the screen. Go here to find About This Mac (info about the computer you're using); the options for Sleep, Restart, and Shut Down; and controls for locking the Mac or logging out. Also of use here is Force Quit, which can close misbehaving apps for you. The Apple menu also gives you access to the macOS App Store, and any app updates that might be pending there. The Recent Items submenu, meanwhile, fulfills some of the uses of the Windows Start menu, giving you convenient access to recently launched apps and recently opened files. You can get at your apps through Spotlight. Credit: Lifehacker How the macOS app experience differs from WindowsAs on Windows, you can install apps on macOS through the official App Store, or by downloading them through your web browser. There are multiple ways to find and launch apps, which can be a bit confusing at first: The method I tend to use the most is launching Spotlight (via Cmd+Space or the magnifying glass on the menu bar), then typing out the name of a program. Then there's the Dock at the bottom of the screen, which is largely equivalent to the Windows Taskbar. You can switch between apps and launch recent apps from here, as well pin app shortcuts permanently (right-click on an app icon and choose Options > Keep in Dock). Open the Apple menu and select System Settings > Desktop & Dock to set the Dock position and behavior. To find all the apps installed on macOS, you can launch Spotlight (as above), then click the App Store icon to the right of the search box. You can also launch the Finder app and choose Go > Applications from the menus (or select the Applications link in the left-hand navigation pane, if it's visible). The Mac's "Finder" is your new "File Explorer"Finder is the place to manage everything saved locally on your system, and while it can feel different from File Explorer to start with, it doesn't take long to get used to. Like any other app, you can launch it from Spotlight or the Dock. By default, there's a navigation pane on the left that lets you jump to key areas on your system, including the desktop and your Downloads folder (as well as the Applications folder). As normal, the main menus are up at the top, but drop-down menus for controlling the layout of Finder can be found across the top of the current window. A lot of Finder operations work the same as they do in File Explorer—so drag a file from one window to another to move it between folders, for example. One neat feature in Finder that you don't get on Windows is Quick Look, which lets you press Space to quickly preview a selected file, without opening it up. How to control the settings on your new MacThere are lots of ways to customize on macOS, and you can get started by opening the Apple menu and choosing System Settings. From here you can manage everything from software updates and Siri access, to wifi connections and battery life (if you're using a MacBook and not a desktop Mac). Head to Wallpaper to set your desktop background (you'll see dynamic backdrops that change over time are supported), Notifications to control how often you're distracted by app alerts, and Menu Bar to change the elements and shortcuts that appear right at the top of the screen. If you're wondering about how to tweak something in macOS, you'll usually find it here. Options for individual programs are typically handled by clicking on the name of the program on the menu bar (like Chrome or Spotify), then choosing Settings from the menu that appears. System Settings on macOS. Credit: Lifehacker Keyboard shortcuts take some getting used to on macOS Keyboard shortcuts are a crucial part of getting around both Windows and macOS as efficiently as possible, but you're going to have to retrain your muscle memory when you switch to Apple computers. If you use both Windows and macOS together, like me, you may need to take a second to remember which keys to hit when. In a lot of cases, you can replace Ctrl on Windows with Cmd (Command) on macOS: Use Cmd+C to copy (instead of Ctrl+C), Cmd+V to paste (instead of Ctrl+V), and Cmd+W to close down browser tabs (instead of Cmd+W), for example. Sometimes the combination is a little different. If you're used to using Alt+Tab to cycle around your open apps in Windows, you need to use Cmd+Tab for this on macOS—though you can install a utility to replicate Alt+Tab if you miss it. There are utilities available that can help you learn all the relevant shortcuts you need. The Apple ecosystem integration is seamlessIf you already have an iPhone or iPad to go along with your new Mac, then there are a lot of cool features to explore. As long as your mobile devices and your Mac are using the same Apple Account and signed into the same wifi network, they'll work together. There's a universal clipboard, so you can copy an image on macOS and paste it on iOS. You can also mirror your iPhone screen on the macOS desktop, control an iPad with your Mac's keyboard and mouse, use your iPhone as a webcam, and even use an iPad as a second screen for your Mac. If you're on the Android side of the fence, your phone won't play quite as nicely with macOS—though Apple Music and Apple TV are available on the Google Play Store. The best ways I've found of using Android, macOS, and Windows together involve tools that are cross-platform, including Dropbox, just about everything Google makes, and web apps. View the full article

The latest generation of anti-money laundering software uses agentic AI to help alleviate AML alert fatigue. Experts say this use of the technology is promising, though they offer some caveats. View the full article

First-quarter increase comes as Chinese rival BYD’s electric vehicle sales fell 25% amid intensifying competitionView the full article

In this first half of 2026, we see that marketers are increasingly channeling the Australian songstress Olivia Newton-John and her 1981 hit that called the world to “get physical.” The big shift we see is that brands are rediscovering the power of the physical experience, the touch, the communal moment, the atmosphere, and the desire for human connection. As AI-generated content floods screens with efficiency, creativity, and personalization, more brands are also leaning into the physical experiences that offer this human energy. These experiences are real, memorable, and shareable—and they anchor brands in lived moments that blur into culture rather than drifting into potential artificial insignificance. This is something that Vogue Business sees most deeply with the Gen Z audience (which now has a spending power in the U.S. of $360 billion). This generation is demanding experiential retail, emotional connections, and immersive experiences as part of omnichannel strategies. Vogue states that for this audience, the linear marketing funnel is now obsolete, and that a real-life connection to a brand is the key weapon of choice for modern marketers. Even with our world living online the latest data suggests that consumers are out and about more and that brands are increasingly spending to win a share of wallet by bringing value to consumers’ lives. According to Statista, global experiential marketing spend exceeded $128 billion in 2024, up from $116.1 billion the year prior, rising above pre-pandemic levels for the first time. And this is before the mega global “physical” communal moments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic games land on the horizon. A WIDE TREND. We see this trend of marketers playing in physical experiences across nearly every category. There is an unbridled rise of glamour in physical experiences by nearly every fashion brand including massive investments in marketing spectacles from Loewe and Louis Vuitton, to the thematic touch-points and pop-ups from a Summer of Lacoste, to the rising trend of the whole fashion industry seemingly wanting to get into food. We see this scale and creative playfulness also play out way beyond fashion with brands like Lego creating life-size F1 racing cars, to the Jordan brand taking over the NYC skies with a drone show, and last year’s global Squid Game takeover by Netflix alongside an investment in its Netflix Houses experiences. THE MOVE INTO PHYSICAL So why are brands investing more in the physical now as part of their omnichannel planning? An antidote to tech tiredness: As we become more inundated by AI-driven ads, personalized feeds, and virtual influencers, the need for constant information is balanced by a desire for more inspiration in the real world. Brand physical activations slice through the noise and deeply connect with audiences by grounding consumers in the tangible and authentic. We love the real, real: Physical activations feel inherently real—hard to fake or ignore. And in our daily lives we love this interruption in our repertoire. IRL experiences spark emotions, encourage social sharing, and create cultural moments—helping brands build deeper, more visceral connections. And they show up on our feeds and in our lives in a more meaningful way. Deep community craving: Physical experiences emphasize community, craftsmanship, and purpose—all counterpoints to AI’s precision, but sometimes viewed as hollow efficiency. As humans we crave this connection to each other with a belief in a broader community, and real-life experiences reflect purpose and presence. The best of both worlds: Physical activations now often double as digital content engines—wired for social virality while delivering memorable, multi-sensory engagement. They bridge digital and physical worlds—AI poems, AR try-ons, QR-activated benefits—but are delivered in person. They create layered engagement and the dual impact strategy means brands and consumers connect in the best of both worlds. THE CATEGORIES BENEFITING FROM THIS TREND With such a desire for deep community craving, and a love of the real, real, the sports industry is a huge beneficiary from the power of unlocking this deeper human connection. In the 2025 State of Sports Marketing report, analyst Brian Weiser of Madison and Wall estimated that the cost of sports rights should grow almost 8% annually compared to the last 20 years. Paul Woolmington, the Canvas CEO, and report author, said of the real driver: “The opportunity is to participate in cultural moments of genuine significance—to be part of the conversations that matter.” This is something we see at our company, 72andSunny, with the increased numbers of marketers coming to Sports Beach in Cannes each year to learn, or with our key sports partner clients like the NFL or NASCAR, or the brands we work that invest in sports, like United Airlines through their Wrexham sponsorship or e.l.f. cosmetics and its NWSL partnership. We see these partners winning because they are leading with real meaning, a true story-telling narrative, and a clear belief in the power of fandom to drive brand love. They understand the perfect alchemy of connection, community, content, and creativity, building experiences that make their consumers want to belong with the brand. So as we enter the next couple few years of mega sporting moments, and as the marketing world continues to get more physical, finding a way to unleash the power of the physical experience, the touch, the communal moment, the atmosphere, and the desire for human connection will be key. Chris Kay is CEO international of 72andSunny. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Google Pixel 9 128GB (Unlocked) has dropped to $499 (originally $799), its lowest price yet. That “unlocked” label does more than look good in a listing—it means you’re not tied to a single carrier, which makes switching networks or using a second SIM while traveling much easier. The Pixel 9 isn’t the newest device in Google’s lineup anymore, but it doesn’t feel outdated either. It lands in a comfortable middle ground where you get most of what makes Pixel phones appealing without paying flagship prices. Read more in our review of the Pixel 9. Google Pixel 9 Unlocked phone in Porcelain $499.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $499.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $300.00 In day-to-day use, the phone holds up well. It runs on Google’s Tensor G4 chip paired with 12GB of RAM, which keeps things moving smoothly whether you’re juggling apps or leaning into Google’s AI features. Some of those tools still feel like they’re finding their footing, but they’re usable and improving. The 6.3-inch OLED display refreshes at up to 120Hz, so scrolling and animations feel fluid without draining the battery too quickly. Speaking of battery, the 4,700mAh cell lasted close to 12 hours in PCMag’s video test, which translates to a full day for most people. Charging is fine, but not fast by today’s standards. You get 27W wired speeds, no charger in the box, and up to 15W wireless charging with Google’s Pixel Stand. The camera setup is where the Pixel 9 still punches above its price. It uses a 50MP main sensor and a 48MP ultra-wide, and the results are consistently sharp with reliable color processing. It skips some of the Pro model’s autofocus upgrades, but most users won’t notice the difference unless they’re shooting fast-moving subjects. The build also feels solid, with an aluminum frame, matte finish, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Add in seven years of software support, along with 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and dual SIM support, and it’s clear this phone is built to last. If you’re not chasing the latest release, this deal makes the Pixel 9 a practical upgrade that should stay relevant for years. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $202.00 (List Price $249.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

President Donald The President said U.S. forces will keep hitting Iran “very hard” in the next two or three weeks and bring the country “back to the Stone Ages,” even as he touted the success of U.S. operations and argued that all of Washington’s objectives have so far been met or exceeded. The President said Iran would continue to face a barrage of attacks in the short term. “We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” The President said. “We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.” The President didn’t say anything about negotiations with Iran or bring up the April 6 deadline he set for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway for global oil and gas transport. He has threatened to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure if the strait was not reopened. The President also did not offer a clear path to end the supply disruptions that have sent energy prices soaring. He did not mention the possibility of sending U.S. ground troops into Iran, or NATO, the trans-Atlantic alliance he has railed against for not helping the U.S. secure the waterway. Oil rose more than 7% and Asian stocks fell after the comments. Oil prices were sharply higher following The President’s remarks. Brent crude, the international standard, jumped 7.4% to $108.69. per barrel. Benchmark U.S. crude rose 7.1% to $107.24 a barrel. In early European trading, Britain’s FTSE 100 was down 0.2% to 10,342.28. France’s CAC 40 was 0.8% lower at 7,917.81, and Germany’s DAX lost 1.6% to 22,935.01. U.S. gas prices jumped past an average of $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 on Tuesday, as the Iran war continues to push fuel prices higher worldwide. Analysts say those high fuel costs will trickle into groceries as businesses’ transportation and packaging costs pile up. —Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. DJI built its reputation on drones and creator gear, but the brand has been making serious moves in the portable power space. The DJI Power 2000 is the company's most capable standalone power station yet. Think of it as a large rechargeable battery you can take anywhere—camping, a job site, an outdoor movie night, or just kept in the garage for when the power goes out. At $799, it's currently down $500 from its original $1,299 price tag. That's a solid discount for something that sits in the higher end of this category. DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station Electric generator for home, camping & RVs $799.00 at Amazon $1,299.00 Save $500.00 Get Deal Get Deal $799.00 at Amazon $1,299.00 Save $500.00 It's about the size of a carry-on suitcase and weighs close to 50 pounds, so it's not something you'd strap to your back, but it fits easily in a car trunk. The battery itself is built to last, rated for 4,000 charges before it starts losing any noticeable capacity. Performance-wise, DJI says the 2,048Wh capacity can keep a refrigerator running for up to 40 hours during a home power outage, charge a laptop 18 times, or power a projector for 18 hours. Those numbers line up with what you’d expect from a unit this size, and they make it useful for both emergencies and planned outdoor use. You also get a solid mix of ports—there are three AC outlets, a 30-amp port for heavier appliances or RV setups, multiple USB-C ports (including a 140W option for laptops), and DJI’s own SDC ports for direct drone charging. If you use DJI gear, that alone makes life easier in the field, notes this Mashable review. Recharging is also fast for a battery this size. Plugged into a wall outlet, it can go from empty to full in about 90 minutes. You can also top it up with solar panels or from your car, which makes it workable for longer trips. Rounding out its features is its companion app, which lets you check its battery level from your phone without having to walk over to it, a small thing that turns out to be pretty convenient. Note that this unit has no built-in light, which is something many competing power stations include. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $202.00 (List Price $249.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

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Most of the markets are down today after President The President’s address to the nation last night failed to alleviate fears about America’s war with Iran dragging on. But one relatively small tech company is bucking the downward trend in premarket trading this morning: Globalstar. The satellite communications company is reportedly an acquisition target for Amazon, yet its relationship with Apple could complicate any potential deal. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? Shares in the relatively small satellite communications company Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: GSAT) are rising today after a Financial Times report yesterday said the ecommerce giant Amazon was in talks to acquire the company. As of the time of this writing, GSAT shares are up nearly 14% to around $78 apiece—making it one of the only tech companies to see significant gains this morning in premarket trading. The company’s share price closed yesterday at $68.53, putting its valuation at around $9 billion. While Globalstar is not a household name, the company has been in operation for over 35 years. It is the operator of a network of low Earth orbit satellites that provide communication services to companies across industries, from defense to Big Tech. Why does Amazon want to buy Globalstar? It’s important to note that while Amazon is rumored to be in negotiations with Globalstar, a deal could still fail to materialize, according to the FT. That being said, the obvious main driver behind Amazon’s interest in Globalstar would be to gain access to its network of satellites so Amazon can better compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, which is operated by Musk’s company, SpaceX. Amazon is currently building out its competing high-speed satellite internet service, Leo, which aims to challenge Starlink’s dominance in the space. However, Leo currently lags significantly behind Starlink in the number of satellites each company operates. While SpaceX has over 10,000 satellites in its Starlink network, Amazon’s Leo has a constellation of less than 200. By acquiring Globalstar, Amazon could play catchup not just by adding the company’s satellites to its existing fleet, but by acquiring the technology, talent, and expertise that the 35-year-old company possesses. That’s something Amazon needs as it expands its Leo service. Yesterday, the company announced that Leo would power in-flight Wi-Fi for Delta Air Lines in 2028. Apple’s relationship with Globalstar could complicate things Unfortunately for Amazon, if it wants to acquire Globalstar, it doesn’t only need to negotiate with the satellite provider itself. Amazon also needs to deal with Apple. That’s because Apple actually owns 20% of Globalstar. The iPhone giant made a $1.1 billion investment in the satellite firm in 2024, giving it partial ownership of the company as part of the deal. As 9to5Mac reported at the time, Apple made the investment to help Globalstar expand its infrastructure, which Apple uses to power its “Emergency SOS” features on the iPhone and Apple Watch. The feature allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to make emergency phone calls and send emergency texts from their devices, even when they have no standard cellular signal. This is possible due to the satellite connectivity Globalstar provides. The Financial Times reported that Apple’s 20% ownership of Globalstar was a “complicating factor” in the current negotiations. Fast Company has reached out to Amazon, Apple, and Globalstar for comment. GSAT stock jumps while AAPL and AMZN fall It’s little surprise that GSAT is surging on rumors that the deep-pocketed Amazon was in talks to acquire Globalstar. As of this writing, it is up 14% in premarket trading. That’s on top of yesterday’s 3% gain for GSAT. And even before today’s premarket price jump of nearly 14%, GSAT shares have been on a roll. As of yesterday’s close, GSAT shares were up more than 12% for the year, and over the past 12 months, they have risen an astounding 230%. Globalstar’s stock price gain contrasts starkly with the fall in Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) shares today. The stock prices of both tech giants are down in the low single digits as of the time of this writing. But those price declines likely are a reflection of the broader market selloff after The President’s address to the nation on Wednesday, which did not alleviate fears about the Iran war dragging on. And as for Starlink, Reuters reported yesterday that SpaceX, the Amazon Leo competitor’s parent company, has confidentially filed for its initial public offering, which is expected in June. View the full article

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You may have heard dumbbell exercises are better than barbell ones because they work more of your “stabilizers,” or that free weights are better than machines for the same reason. But what are stabilizer muscles? And do you really need specific exercises to train them? It turns out there are a lot of misconceptions around this term, so let me set things straight. What are stabilizer muscles?This is going to get fuzzy, because there isn’t really agreement on what stabilizer muscles even are. This 2014 study searched the literature for mentions of stabilizer muscles and attempted to put together a definition. Here’s what they came up with: "muscles that contribute to joint stiffness by co-contraction and show an early onset of activation in response to perturbation via either a feed-forward or a feedback control mechanism." Okay, stabilizer muscles are muscles that, well, stabilize. Which muscles are those? That’s a harder question. A muscle might stabilize a joint while doing one type of exercise or motion, but that doesn't mean it always acts as a stabilizer. Just as an actor can play a supporting role in one movie and a starring role in another, muscles don't have to be limited to just a "stabilizer" role. Stabilizers thus aren't a type of muscle, but rather a role that a muscle may or may not play in a given context. Taking this back to the scientific literature: you can find plenty of research on “lumbar [lower back] stabilizers” or “trunk [core] stabilizers” or “knee stabilizers.” But these don’t turn out to be specific muscles that only stabilize joints. This study on knee stabilizers names four muscles that are part of the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups (the big muscle groups on the front and back of the thigh, respectively). Are those stabilizers, or are they simply muscles that move the legs? One exercise’s stabilizers may be another’s main moversThis is why I don’t worry too much about a certain exercise routine (say, one that sticks to weight machines) neglecting “stabilizing” muscles. If you do a variety of quad exercises and a variety of hamstring exercises, you’re pretty much guaranteed to hit the quad and hamstring muscles that act as knee stabilizers when you’re running and jumping. Or to use another example: Single-leg exercises like step-ups and lunges are great for working your abductors (hip muscles) and adductors (inner thigh muscles) because those muscles work to keep your leg steady as you put weight on it. But if a person never did single leg exercises, they could still hit those muscles by doing exercises that target them as main movers, like the adductor and abductor machines. Being stable is about coordination, not just strengthIf we look again at research on knee stabilizers, scientists have a theory that it’s good for injury prevention if your body uses those stabilizer muscles while running and jumping. This isn’t just about the strength of those muscles, but also your ability to activate them when they’re needed. So the way you keep your knees stable is not just by doing free weight exercises—although those are great—but also by doing running, jumping, pivoting, and cutting exercises. (Think soccer players running around cones and rope ladders.) In other words, practice is important to joint stability, not just strength. If you want to be steady and stable while performing certain motions, you’ll need to train your brain to drive those muscles at the right time and in the right order. Strength and stability are sometimes at oddsSo what should you do in the gym? You may notice that strong people usually train with a mix of exercises. They might squat and bench with a barbell, but finish off their sessions with a dumbbell bench press or the leg extension machine. There is a continuum to working out, with strength on one end and stability on the other, and each of those exercises falls at a different point on that continuum. Let’s use bench press as our example. In a barbell bench press, you need to use your legs to stabilize your torso, your torso to make a stable platform for your arms, and your arms to move the weight. Even though you’re training your pecs and triceps as the main movers, you’re getting a lot of shoulder, core, back, and leg muscles involved as stabilizers. We can involve our stabilizers more if we were to do something like a dumbbell bench press with our back on a yoga ball. We would have to work harder to keep everything steady, but as a result, we wouldn’t be able to use nearly as much weight. We would be training stabilizers more but the main movers (chest and triceps) less. The opposite end of that spectrum would be a chest press machine. There, you don’t have to do much stabilizing at all—just whatever it takes to sit in the chair without falling out. The pecs and triceps are no longer limited by what our stabilizers can handle, so we can “lift” even more weight. (That of course comes with the caveat that you can’t compare machine labels to barbell or dumbbell weights; the mechanics are different.) So do you need to “train” your stabilizers?My take is this: If you train every part of your body, no matter how you do it, you will end up training all your stabilizer muscles. Yes, even if you do an all-machine routine. The routine only has to be well-rounded. If you’ve been sticking with “functional” exercises that require a lot of stabilization, you are probably doing plenty for your stabilizers without really thinking about it. The tradeoff is that you may not be giving the main movers of each exercise as much work. You can easily get the best of both worlds by doing a variety of exercises. If you never do anything that makes you feel unstable, add some single-leg exercises, carries, or other slightly unstable work to your routine. (No need to stand on a bosu, although you can if you want, I guess.) And if you do a lot of stability work, try out some machines or barbell exercises once in a while to make sure you’re building strength too. View the full article

Burritos should be celebrated, because they are ingenious inventions that wrap deliciousness in a handy tortilla for extra convenience. National Burrito Day (today, Thursday, April 2, 2026) was created to do just that. Here’s a little history about the origins of the yumminess before we dive into the freebies and deals to observe this glorious unofficial holiday. A brief history of burritos Burritos hail from Northern Mexico and were invented in the early 20th century. The region’s climate was ideal for wheat, so larger tortillas were made out of the crop. This bigger vessel set the scene for a new culinary delight. The first burritos contained meat, beans, and cheese. The word “burrito” in Spanish literally means “little donkeys.” In Northern Mexico, donkeys were used to carry people and important cargo, much like the tortilla carries the filling of the burrito. It is believed that this is where the name comes from. The burrito was especially popular in California. America put its own stamp on the dish, adding ingredients such as sour cream, guacamole, rice, and more. In 1960s San Francisco, the “mission burrito” was popular among workers. Decades later, this same dish would inspire Steve Ells, founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill, to open the first store in Denver, Colorado, in 1993. These days, it’s fair to say the burrito is fully immersed in the cultural zeitgeist. List of National Burrito Day 2016 freebies and deals The best way to celebrate National Burrito Day is through your stomach, of course. Lots of restaurants have deals to help you do just that. Chipotle Mexican Grill rewards members have the opportunity to get free delivery on the big day via the restaurants’ website or app. Use the code DELIVER for the burritos to come to you. El Pollo Loco wants you to celebrate with friends. It has a buy one, get one free (BOGO) burrito deal. At Del Taco, reward members are eligible for a free classic burrito with a $3 purchase. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant rewards members will get 50% off of any burrito. This includes the El Jefe Burrito, which includes three different meats, and the Burrito Vegetariano, which has none. If you are craving a breakfast burrito, head to Torchy’s Tacos. It is offering a $5 option until 2 p.m. for customers who dine in. Red Sox Fans can even get in on the action. David “Big Papi” Ortiz has teamed up with Anna’s Taqueria to create the Big Papi Burrito, which will debut on the big day. This burrito gives back, as $1 from each burrito sold will be donated to the David Ortiz Children’s Fund. This organization helps provide “lifesaving heart surgeries and care to children in the Dominican Republic and New England.” Wherever you decide to celebrate, enjoy your burrito! View the full article

What if you didn’t actually decide to buy that last thing in your cart? A report from Visa released on Thursday suggests that, in some cases, you might not have. According to a survey from the financial services company, artificial intelligence is no longer just helping people shop. In many cases, AI is starting to shape what people buy, and in some cases, even act on their behalf. The research is based on surveys of both U.S. consumers and business decision-makers. It shows that AI systems are moving from assistants to participants in commerce. That influence is already showing up in everyday behavior. Nearly 40% of Americans say they have made a purchase they would not have otherwise considered because of an AI tool. The impact tends to happen early in the shopping process, where AI surfaces options, compares products, and narrows choices before a person checks out. AI becomes a new kind of customer For Visa, this shift represents a new type of customer. “AI is not just technology. It’s a new customer segment. Your next cancelation or your your next review or your next booking of travel will increasingly be made by an agent, or at least with the help of an agent,” Visa CMO Frank Cooper III tells Fast Company. As that dynamic takes hold, companies are no longer just competing for human attention. They are also competing for machine selection. The report refers to this next phase as “B2AI,” where companies are selling not just to people but also to AI agents acting on their behalf. Businesses are already preparing More than half of business leaders surveyed say they would allow AI systems to negotiate prices or terms directly with other AI systems. Many are also willing to share data, such as pricing and inventory, to support those interactions. At the same time, most organizations say they are already using AI in some capacity or testing it across functions like marketing, e-commerce, and payments. The shift is also changing how companies think about persuasion. Traditional approaches that rely on emotion or limited attention don’t translate the same way when the “customer” is a machine. “Well, the machine has no emotions, right?,” says Cooper. Instead, companies are focusing more on making information clear, structured, and easy for algorithms to process. Consumers are on board, but cautious Consumers are open to using AI in shopping, but with limits. According to the report, most people are comfortable letting AI handle tasks like comparing prices or applying discounts. More than half say they are okay with those uses. That comfort level drops pretty dramatically when it comes to AI actually spending money. Only about a third are comfortable with AI completing a purchase, and fewer are willing to let it spend without approval. That gap points to a broader issue: trust. “Agentic commerce does not scale unless consumers cross that trust threshold,” says Cooper. While 53% of consumers are already using AI to help them shop, only 27% are comfortable with fully autonomous behavior. The hesitation often comes down to control, visibility, and risk. Trust is the sticking point Trust is likely to determine how quickly this type of commerce grows. “That trust is the scarce commodity in this new AI agentic commerce environment,” Cooper says. Similar patterns have played out in earlier shifts in financial technology, where adoption picked up once systems became more familiar and widely used. “And so we think something similar is happening here,” he says. Consumers say they want the ability to intervene, reverse transactions, and control spending. They also tend to trust AI systems tied to financial institutions or payment networks more than independent tools. Brand still plays a role in that environment. “Brand is always important because it’s shorthand for something meaningful to people,” says Cooper. That matters especially when people are unsure how systems work or what happens if something goes wrong. Humans still shape the experience The report also suggests AI is unlikely to fully replace human-driven shopping—at least not for a while. “I do not believe, and we’ve seen no evidence, that people, consumers, want exclusively an experience where AI agents are buying everything,” says Cooper. Instead, different types of purchases may be handled differently. Routine or low-stakes items may be delegated to AI more often, while more personal decisions remain hands-on. “The more it’s just a basic commodity with no emotional energy in it . . . the more the machine or the agent will buy it,” he says. So while you might use AI to buy your next bottle of laundry detergent, you might be less likely to have it buy your summer wardrobe without okaying the purchase. For now, businesses are building toward a future where AI plays a larger role in transactions, while consumers are gradually deciding how much control they are comfortable handing over. View the full article

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Ali Hewson, like many women, was unprepared for the intensity of perimenopause. “I initially thought I would just grin and bear it, as my mother did,” she says. But the symptoms piled on: brain fog, hot flashes, mood swings, dryness, exhaustion. “One minute you are happy and content, then suddenly you are anxious and irritable followed by intense heat and sweating,” Hewson says. At their worst, her hot flashes were happening hourly. The symptoms began to take a toll on her rich and varied responsibilities as a humanitarian activist, fashion entrepreneur, mother of four, daughter to aging parents, and wife to world-famous rock star Bono. Even after deciding to seek relief, Hewson faced challenges in finding the right care. She visited four different gynecologists, each of whom prescribed a different version of hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. “It was a journey over 10 years to find the best doctor and formula that works for me,” she says. “I felt like an experiment.” It’s this very scenario that inspired the development of a new wearable for women in perimenopause, dubbed Peri, which Hewson has backed as an angel investor. (In 2023, I wrote about the booming business of menopause and the ways in which entrepreneurs were pursuing the $16 billion opportunity.) Launching stateside this week, Peri attaches to the torso and uses proprietary algorithms to monitor—in a first for a wearable—hot flashes and night sweats. The device, which is about the size of a flattened AirPods case, stays in place with a sticker and is designed to be worn all day, night, and even in the shower. In addition to perimenopause’s signature vasomotor symptoms, it also captures sleep, exercise, anxiety, and periods. In a companion app, women can log lifestyle variables, like caffeine and alcohol consumption, as well as supplement use and medication. Over time, Peri packages this data into insights designed to help women as they progress toward menopause itself, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. “When I heard about Peri, it was a light bulb moment,” Hewson says. “Of course busy women can’t be expected to record every single anxiety attack, hot flash, or sleep disturbance accurately.” Instead of guesswork, she imagined that Peri would be able to provide individualized answers to the question of how hormones, lifestyle, and symptoms interact. That same vision is what brought together Ireland-based Peri cofounders Heidi Davis and Donal O’Gorman, experienced scientists with a shared interest in women’s health and longevity. “For us, it was all about getting real data for women to navigate [perimenopause] with more confidence, and to not waste their money on things that aren’t working for them,” says Davis, who is CEO. Demand for wearables continues to grow, thanks to consumers’ interest in optimizing their health and wellness. Whoop, the wristband wearable built for fitness, raised $575 million at a $10.1 billion valuation earlier this week. Last fall, Oura, which makes a ring wearable, raised $900 million at an $11 billion valuation. Oura, like some other wearables, offers some data related to women’s health, such as period and peak fertility prediction. Peri aims to capture a more mature consumer market: the estimated 1.3 million to 2 million women in the U.S. who enter perimenopause each year, with their symptoms lasting as long as a decade. Wearables like Whoop, endorsed by star athletes, promise performance maxxing; most women in the perimenopause demographic, in contrast, would be happy to just feel like themselves again. New research, old problem Once considered an afterthought, perimenopause is now believed by scientists to set the stage for risk factors later in life, with severe vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes correlated with cardiovascular and other diseases. That shift in thinking is shaping new research, but reciprocal changes to clinical practice have been slow, at best. “Women are quite intuitive, they know something is not right, but they’re not getting the help they need,” Davis says. She and O’Gorman hypothesized that personalized data could bridge the gap between women’s experiences and their clinicians’ recommendations. Thus far, personalization has played little role in the booming menopause market, which is expected to grow from $18 billion in 2024 to $27 billion in 2030, according to Straits Research. Much of that growth has come from menopause influencers peddling lotions, serums, lubes, and supplements. But there are signs that women are eager for solutions that integrate with providers, particularly as interest in HRT continues to rise. In the U.S., women’s telehealth startup Midi Health raised $100 million in Series D funding at a $1 billion valuation in February. Peri has been operating lean. To date, the startup has raised 3 million euros (roughly $3.5 million) from Hewson, other angels and strategic investors, and Ireland-based impact fund WakeUp Capital. Davis and O’Gorman started testing an early version of Peri six years ago. “We had done the science and believed that if we had sensors in the right location, we could build algorithms for hot flashes and night sweats,” Davis says. They approached hardware specialist Analog Devices, which sent them a sensor circuit. “It was big and clunky and really ugly,” Davis says, but the data was “really good.” A first prototype followed a month later, setting the stage for Davis and O’Gorman to partner with Ireland’s Health Innovation Hub, which helps startups run trials. A WEARABLE FOR WOMEN Peri contains four sensors: motion, optical, electrodermal, and temperature. The noisy data that they generate can be used to infer heart rate variability and a host of other data points, using a methodology now common to Oura rings, Apple Watches, and other devices. To meet women’s specific needs and offer value beyond established wearables, Davis and O’Gorman decided to first isolate night sweats. Women in Peri’s trial manually logged their night sweats while wearing the prototype, and then Peri built algorithms capable of identifying the symptom’s biosignature. Crucially, Peri needed to be able to distinguish between symptoms and activities like exercise or household chores. “People sweat, their temperature goes up, their heart rate might change: Was that exercise or not?” says O’Gorman, who serves as COO. Initially, O’Gorman and Davis envisioned that Peri would function as a medical device delivered to patients through clinicians. But the trials changed their plans. Among the women participating, “the frustration was palpable,” O’Gorman says. They wanted a direct understanding of their own symptoms and the chance to regain a sense of control. The data “has clinical utility,” O’Gorman says. “But it will actually have a more impactful utility if it is put in the hands of women who can then decide what they want to do with that information.” PUTTING PERI TO THE TEST Last month I tried Peri for myself. At 42, I’m starting to think about perimenopause and regularly hearing from friends who have started on HRT. Earlier this year I wondered if I was having a first hot flash. At first glance, Peri is larger than wearables like a ring or the face of a watch. But once on, it’s almost invisible. The device is incredibly light and thin enough to seamlessly fit under most clothes. At bedtime one night, it nudged against my ribs when I rolled over and I realized I had forgotten about it entirely. If my symptoms were to progress, I can imagine wearing it for long stretches of time, as Peri advises. It’s safe to wear the device while showering or bathing, and the sticker that holds it in place can last up to two weeks. Many wearables require a subscription, but Peri is opting for a different model. The device costs a onetime fee of $449 (it’s HSA and FSA eligible), and it comes with two rechargeable batteries, a charger, and enough stickers for several months of wear. Simple charts in the app summarize symptom incidents each day and over time. In particular, I liked a feature that would allow me to compare my symptom incidence to that of the Peri population. For example, a symptom like anxiety can be difficult to pin down and quantify. With Peri, data enters the picture: Is my anxiety low or high compared to my peers? Has it increased over time? Without that contextualized information, I might feel hesitant to seek help from a clinician. As Peri goes live in the U.S., with Ireland and the U.K. to follow later this year, Davis is already looking ahead. She would like to make the device even smaller, in keeping with her mantra of helping women live their lives as normal while Peri works in the background. She’s also eager to refine the tailored insights that Peri plans to provide about when and why symptoms might be changing. “We’re building a database that doesn’t exist, and this database is going to help women overall,” she says. View the full article

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A newsletter about the state of the product job market recently went viral in the design corner of the internet. It’s exposing a widespread debate about whether the role of the designer is narrowing in the age of AI. On March 24, Lenny Rachitsky, a former Airbnb product developer and author of the business Substack Lenny’s Newsletter, published an article featuring exclusive data on the state of tech hiring in early 2026. The data was collected by TrueUp, a tech job marketplace tracker. Overall, it paints a positive picture for the tech job market. But for designers it points to a moment of hiring uncertainty. TrueUp found that design roles have plateaued since early 2023, and ever since then, demand for product managers (PMs), the professionals who help guide a product from ideation to completion, has risen. These findings have ignited a debate online about how AI might be fundamentally changing the organizational chart at tech companies—and whether it’s making designers obsolete. Everyone from tech CEOs to designers at AI companies and Marc Andreessen, the cofounder of one of the world’s largest venture capital firms, are weighing in. Here’s what you need to know about the data and the larger debate. Inside the data: Design roles are hitting a plateau TrueUp’s data is collected by tracking job openings at “the majority of tech companies and top startups,” which includes more than 9,000 companies (not including consultancies or non-tech companies). According to Rachitsky, who has analyzed that data for the past four years, 2026’s outlook is, “surprisingly, the most optimistic” so far. To start, open PM jobs are at the highest levels they’ve reached since 2022: around 7,300 roles globally. Software engineer jobs are also trending up since a recent low in 2023, with 67,000 jobs available globally and 26,000 in the U.S. alone. “We don’t know if there would have been more open roles if not for AI or if AI is actually leading to more open roles, but since the start of this year, the increase in open eng roles is accelerating even more,” Rachitsky’s newsletter reads. And “AI jobs,” which include open roles at AI-driven companies as well as AI-specific roles at non-AI companies, are skyrocketing. There are currently 36,686 open AI jobs, compared to sub-10,000 numbers in early 2023. Amidst this general upturn, design jobs are having a less optimistic moment. Unlike PM and engineering, Rachitsky’s analysis notes that open design jobs have been relatively flat since early 2023. At the time of the newsletter’s release, TrueUp found just 5,700 roles available globally. From a macro perspective, the ratio of demand for PMs versus designers has flipped: In mid-2023, open PM roles overtook open designer roles, and the disparity has been increasing ever since. “I don’t know exactly what’s going on here, but it does feel AI-related,” Rachitsky writes in his newsletter. “Unlike PM and eng, which started growing in 2024 (two years post-ChatGPT), design didn’t. If I had to venture a theory, I’d say that because AI is allowing engineers to move so quickly, there’s less opportunity—and less desire—to involve the traditional design process.” How the design community is responding In the week following Rachitsky’s post on X, his analysis has been reposted hundreds of times and attracted an influx of discourse from the online community of designers, PMs, and engineers. Some responders see this industry data as a signal that AI is fundamentally changing designers’ workflows, and those who fail to adapt to the times are getting left behind. “Designers have designed themselves out of the equation because of design systems,” Roger Wong, head of design at BuildOps, commented under Rachitsky’s original post. “But, IMHO, the secret sauce has never been the UI. It was the workflows and looking across the experience holistically.” Claire Vo, founder of the AI copilot ChatPRD, added, “Often design teams & designers are the most resistant to change org in the EPD triad, with highly vocal AI opponents, and little skill or interest in the art of campaigning for influence or resources.” Most teams, she continued, treat design “like a tax they don’t want to pay.” “If a PM or engineer can get 85% there with tailwind and a dream, you better come to the table with more than ‘I represent the user,’” she concluded. Others believe that, in the long run, a greater reliance on AI tools will make human designers more important as tastemakers. “Design seems to be viewed as dispensable in this very moment,” wrote Jordan Singer, CEO of the computing company Mainframe. “But the reality that will become clear, as time has shown, is that design is what will make you rise above the rest.” On March 30, Rachitsky followed up on his newsletter through an interview with Andreessen, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz. Andreessen likened the current atmosphere to a three-way standoff among product engineers, designers, and coders: each side of the triad believes that AI has given them enough tools to subsume the roles of the other two. “What’s so interesting about this Mexican stand-off is that they’re all kind of correct,” Andreessen said. “AI is actually now a really good coder, a really good designer, and a really good product manager.” While the future of this stand-off remains murky, it seems clear that the industry is currently in the middle of an organizational flux. New AI tools are constantly blurring the lines between these three roles, creating new positions that blend elements of each. In the future, there will almost definitely still be need for human coding, designing, and product managing skills—but we may not define each of those jobs the same way. In a recent interview for the Fast Company podcast By Design, Anthropic’s chief design officer, Joel Lewenstein, summed up this shift: “I think there’s a lot of role collapse at the very beginning, but there are still pretty clear swim lanes as things get into the later stages of product development.” PMs are still the best at figuring out a product’s business case; engineers are still the best at deploying those products; and designers are still the best at tackling bigger human-computer interaction questions, he said. “It’s like a Venn diagram that’s coming closer together.” View the full article

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Last year, PepsiCo started printing real potatoes onto every bag of Lay’s. The reason? In a world where people are increasingly concerned about the provenance of their food, 42% of the population didn’t realize that the world’s most popular potato chip was made from potatoes. So they put a potato on the packaging. And now, the company is updating Tostitos bags—the most popular plain tortilla chip in the world—with a similar strategy. While Lay’s got a dose of potatoes, naturally, all Tostitos bags feature corn. “We started by being really honest with ourselves. The research was telling us that the old packaging wasn’t working—it was actually reinforcing a lot of the wrong perceptions,” writes Hernán Tantardini, CMO of PepsiCo Foods, over email. “People saw Tostitos as a party brand. The quality and craft story wasn’t coming through at all.” Technically speaking, Tostitos are classified as an ultra processed food, due to their use of refined seed oils. But they still feature a stupid simple and clear ingredient list: Corn, oil, and salt. 71% of consumers are reading labels more closely than before, and the front of the bag is a gateway to the back. The bags used to read “no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives” right up top. Now they promise “Masa made in the traditional way,” with these other notes sidelined. The result is repositioning Tostitos as a more authentic and culturally-born product, anchoring Tostitos in the old way of doing things—which aside from signaling quality and cachet, tends to be more natural. As for the actual corn, that’s presented in an entirely different way than Lay’s. For Lay’s, PepsiCo photographed countless real potatoes in different presentations. For Tostitos, it opted for illustration—to tie it back to that idea of masa production, a complex process known as nixtamalization in which corn is treated with lime to make it more digestible and nutritious for consumption in tortillas, sopes, and other Mexican delicacies. “We looked at photography, but the more we explored it, the more it felt like it belonged to a different brand,” says Tantardini. “Tostitos has this warmth to it—this sense of joy and togetherness that’s been a part of its DNA forever. Photography felt too polished, too literal. It would’ve flattened something that’s actually quite live.” The illustration has an imperfect, hand painted feel—and your eye reads a human touch beneath the perfectly machined Tostitos wordmark. I find myself wishing that PepsiCo went even further, and embraced xilografía (the woodblock printing out of Mexico) with elements like the window frame or even subheading labels. But the two tone kernels and cobs of corn on Scoops and Street Corn varieties really are quite pretty for a mass market snack chip. While many of the colors are technically the same on the old and new packages, the chosen hues are softer and intentionally read warmer, with a basis in earth tones, according to the company. That said, Tostitos doesn’t read like some half-apologetic Trader Joe’s snack brand, unsure if it’s there to party or to apologize for the indulgence. The bags still read like a celebration. In a final, playful twist, the front window—which reveals the actual chips through the bag—now dips itself right into a large bowl of salsa or guacamole sitting below. (The old version featured photorealistic jarred Tostitos salsa on the side, like an overzealous advertisement.) This entire approach to craft could help Tostitos—which has ceded a few percentage points in sales volume since raising prices in 2022/23—compete with smaller batch brands that have cut ever so slightly into its market share. PepsiCo did validate the approach in test stores, while consumers will see the new rollout over the coming months. “From a business perspective, this is really about changing perception where it matters most,” says Tantardini. “If we can use packaging to clearly signal craft, quality, and care, we can rebuild confidence in the brand and lower the barrier for people who’ve drifted away because they didn’t realize the craft and care that goes into our chips and dips. That’s the opportunity. And that’s what we designed for.” View the full article

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