Is the World Getting Uglier?
Summary
Ezra Klein and designer Debbie Millman explore why modern design feels increasingly drab or vulgar, contrasting the minimalist "sameness" of mass-produced goods with the garish maximalism of figures like Donald Trump. They discuss how market logic, efficiency standards, and the attention economy have flattened aesthetics, leading to a loss of individuality and emotional resonance in everyday objects. The conversation highlights the tension between convenience and personal expression, arguing that while functional optimization creates uniformity, true design requires intentional differentiat…
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