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Design can make you feel things

Design can make you feel things

Fast Company4 days ago

Lyse Martel is a Berlin-based 'Color, Materials, and Finish' (CMF) designer and strategist in the mobility and consumer electronics industries. Her work combines craftsmanship and emerging technology to shape design strategy, drive material innovation, and create new sensory experiences.
Lyse is fascinated by design's power to shape how people feel and act. She believes design can foster emotional connection and wellbeing at a time when AI and automation are making their way into many new consumer product experiences, from the car to the living room. Below, Martel explores the emotional dimension of circular design and how the CMF field is evolving to meet the global challenges of circularity and sustainability.
Lyse Martel: I'm Lyse Martel, a CMF designer and design strategist, working primarily in automotive and consumer electronics. CMF, which stands for Color, Materials, and Finish, is about how a product looks, feels, and connects emotionally. So my work focuses on those elements as well as on strategy, brand identity, and sustainability.
The final deadline for Fast Company's Brands That Matter Awards is this Friday, May 30, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.

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Klarna CEO says company will use humans to offer VIP customer service
Klarna CEO says company will use humans to offer VIP customer service

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Klarna CEO says company will use humans to offer VIP customer service

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2026 BMW M3 Pricing Leaked; Up $1700 from Last Year
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2026 BMW M3 Pricing Leaked; Up $1700 from Last Year

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2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review, Pricing, and Specs
2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review, Pricing, and Specs

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2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview The Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a rare combination of performance and refinement for a relatively affordable price. This hot hatchback has been a staple of its segment for nearly a half-century, and time has only bolstered its position as the ultimate amalgam of driver enjoyment and boxy practicality. Motivation is delivered to the front wheels by a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that provides plenty of verve. While a manual gearbox is no longer offered, the GTI is still a hoot to drive with its quick-shifting seven-speed-dual-clutch automatic. The combination of twisty-road proficiency and spacious seating for five in a practical hatchback body is a formula that the GTI helped invent and continues to execute brilliantly. What's New for 2026? A refresh last year granted the GTI new headlights, taillights, and improved interior tech features, including a larger touchscreen, an improved voice assistant, and less-infuriating steering-wheel buttons. 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The only transmission choice is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which delivers quick shifts but is ultimately a bit less engaging than the discontinued six-speed manual transmission. Fortunately, even the automatic GTI is a fun car to drive, thanks to a firm brake pedal and an eagerness to change direction that makes it a blast to drive on a curvy road. During our test drive of a 2025 model, we found the GTI to provide the same entertaining dynamics as it always has, although its steering could provide more feedback for harder-core track driving. 0–60-MPH Times The previous GTI with a dual-clutch automatic got to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds in our testing, and we expect a similar result for the new model. We'll update this section with test results as soon as we get a chance to test it. 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We were previously annoyed by the unintuitive infotainment touchscreen and fussy touch controls, but both have been improved following the GTI's refresh last year. The steering wheel features real buttons rather than touch-sensitive sliders, and the infotainment system is snappy and responsive. As has been the case for years, the GTI has spacious front and rear seats, plus a surprisingly generous cargo area enabled by the GTI's boxy hatchback shape. View Interior Photos Volkswagen Infotainment and Connectivity The Golf GTI features a large infotainment screen that measures 12.9 inches and runs on Volkswagen's newest MIB4 software. A voice assistant can be used to give commands to the system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the front-seat area features a wireless charging pad and four USB-C ports. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The GTI comes with a host of standard driver-assistance technology as well as optional upgrades. Notably, VW's system is available on all trims and, in addition to traditional features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, includes Emergency Assist, which brings the vehicle to a stop and turns on the hazards in the absence of driver input. For more information about the Golf GTI's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage VW includes an above-average limited warranty, but its powertrain protection trails behind most competitors. The company does sweeten the deal with complimentary scheduled maintenance that is similar to what Toyota offers. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback PRICE Base: S, $33,670; SE, $38,645; Autobahn, $42,105 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3 Power: 241 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 103.6 in Length: 168.9 in Width: 70.4 in Height: 57.7 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 51/41 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 35/20 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 3250 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 5.5 sec 100 mph: 13.3 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec Top Speed: 130 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 27/24/32 mpg More Features and Specs

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