Curated: winter olympics, strategy & design
articles, reports, magazines, movies, podcasts
Playground readers,
2026 just keeps rolling. Lately, whether I’m reading the news for work or pleasure, I keep landing on the same thought – the big global bubble is bursting into smaller ones. It’s a curious time to be alive and watch that shift happen in real time.
What the internet once promised – one big global society – doesn’t feel like the dream for many anymore. The year ahead is giving me 2008 vibes (not in a “we’re stuck in the past” way, and not the 2016-style nostalgia loop either) but in the simplest sense: we’re craving cosier circles. Who isn’t, when politics seem to be failing no matter where you look? Comfort starts to feel like a baseline need.
Of course, none of us exist in isolation – we co-exist. But the tech-bro-built version of society is losing its shine. I’m finding myself curious about the return of forum-like communities, smaller places to meet in real life, better-run streaming platforms with clearer ethics, and all the in-between experiments that might replace what isn’t working.
These are the kinds of observations that come from reading. And it’s been a good few months. Here’s what I’ve read, noticed, and picked to share with you this month.
Articles/reports
How do you design … the Olympic Games? - something is missing
Highlight read for the winter games I’m really looking forward to. Starting this Friday in Milan, it’s a beautiful gathering to watch. This interview with the director of the “Look of the Games” (!) for Milano Cortina 2026 was really curious to read. What a project to accomplish!
Fifty People Control the Culture - TheHonest Broker
An eye-opening read that made me question where I’m actually collecting inspiration from – and how narrow that stream can get. “Broaden your sources” is the simplified takeaway from a much more complicated reality. Must read.
Gen Z is Rewriting Brand Relevance - Dazed Studio
I’m a bit sceptical of amplifying “a generation” to prove a point. In my experience, the people who gather in these circles tend to be a certain type – and honestly, I meet the same type among people aged 65/70+. The belief that business relevance matters (sometimes more than anything else) isn’t exclusive to Gen Z. Yet the quotes shared are interesting to read.
How to Found a Biennale, Berlin Edition - something is missing
Reflections on Maison & Objet Paris - The Design Journey
I’ve never been to Maison & Objet design fair in Paris, but it’s been on my radar – so it was fun to read a proper, in-depth review. If you’re design-curious, it sounds like one to add to your reading & visiting list.
Listen to This: Some Audiobooks Are Outselling Hardcovers - The Wall Street Journal
What Happened to the Library - TheHonest Broker
The surprising survival of fashion catalogues - Financial Times
Everything I Learned the Hard Way About Strategy - thinking out loud
“If you are entering the (strategy) field now, the greatest temptation is to mistake articulation for insight. Go beyond the surface. Strategy is the thinking that happens long before anything goes in a post.” WORD!
The EU single market’s elephant in the room - Financial Times
Quite an incredible story – and a sharp critique of how sustainability requirements get mismanaged across borders – illustrated through the label ‘tail’ of IKEA’s elephant toy.
Substack Print - an app that lets you turn your Substack into a newspaper (which pairs nicely with our open call to get it printed for free – try it, go ahead!).
Reports
Report: Pinterest Predicts
White Paper: Highsnobiety’s Guide to Good Product Storytelling
Podcasts
Our Interview with MONOCLE - had the pleasure of chatting on Monocle’s The Stack – my must-go-to podcast. If you’re curious what we’re up to (and what’s ahead), tune in.
36 predictions about culture in 2026 - the culture journalist
Print
Sålå Magazine – a new magazine (I found at the local Papercut) dedicated to Finnish design only. I love how niche it is – and how cosy the read feels. A beautiful window into the design scene in the North.
Kinfolk: The Winter Issue is about (drum roll…) money. Lately, I’ve felt Kinfolk is having a bit of a revival – this issue has loads of energy, and I read it back-to-back.
Movie
Marty Supreme - I’ll just be one more voice among many (and I’m writing this because I sometimes need the push too): it’s so pacey, so fun – you’ve got to see it in the cinema, on the big screen.
Highlight
Our Notebook - I started writing in it early January, and I’ve already begun a new one (yes, I take ALL my notes on paper). Every page in this notebook is completely different, so you never have to start from an empty one. I am so happy we did this collaboration, it really is a notebook made with love.
Playground x Newspaper Club Open Call is open for the last weeks. Get your idea made into print for free. I’m a bit jealous of whoever gets to have this experience – go on, try. The time is yours ;)
Last minute call! We have a Stockholm Event tomorrow, February 5th, 2026 - RSVP here, join us!
Housekeeping
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Auste & studio playground team
Thank you so much for including us 💌
Thanks so much for mentioning my substack in this great overview 🥰🥰