Boring B2B; Arakkinnam; NFC for Focus

Issue 38 of This&That

🎙️ When B2B Meets Beautiful Design

Lenny's latest podcast featuring Nan Yu, Linear's Head of Product, is a masterclass in B2B product thinking. As someone who's often navigated the challenging waters of enterprise design, hearing Linear's approach to user experience feels like a breath of fresh air. Their commitment to being opinionated while maintaining momentum in product delivery resonates deeply. If you're a product designer fighting the "B2B means boring" battle, this conversation isn't just inspiring - it's ammunition for your next product meeting.

📚 Facebook Tales, Bound

I'm excited about Deepu Pratheep's new book (Arakkinnam Kuliru / അരക്കിണ്ണം കുളിര്) that compiles his Facebook stories. The writing is light, engaging and simply fabulous. It's great to see Orion doing the cover design - they've done a wonderful job! Looking forward to more books from Deepu (Especially his blog stories) and more covers from Orion.

🎬 Anantharam: A Movie That Demands Documentation

Some films leave you with more than just impressions - they leave you with homework. My recent rewatch of Anantharam (Available in Youtube) has spawned a long analysis floating between my notes app, voice memos, and mental space. The depth of storytelling has me torn between writing a detailed log, recording a video essay, or perhaps just an audio deep-dive. For now, it sits on my todo list!

&Thats

• M.T.'s Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha is getting a re-release. The classic comes with with razor-sharp dialogues and masterful storytelling, stands as a testament to what Malayalam cinema can achieve. (Interview of Mammotty on re-release)

• Sometimes the best concerts are the ones you're least prepared for - caught Coldplay live recently, and despite not knowing any lyrics, the sheer spectacle and energy made it an unforgettable experience.

• Foqos is interesting, an app that let’s you block distracting apps with NFC!

• If you're wondering whether to watch the new Malayalam release Identity - here's your answer: don't. Unless you're studying how to make everything interesting about a movie disappear.

• For those looking to upgrade their typing skills beyond thumb-gymnastics, KEYBR offers a refreshing return to proper keyboard mastery.

• Design Spells has become my go-to source for web interaction inspiration lately - definitely worth bookmarking if you're in the digital design space.

• If you are looking for access to the 200+ UX Resources library, check what Simonas Maciulis has to offer. It’s free.

• Kindle is out-of-market, and audible is still offering one-month-free to new subscribers. Something is fishy?

• Watch : Portfolios that win interviews.