We love reading lists, and we’ve enjoyed sharing our favorite stories about the future of humans, the future of work, and the future of voice-first technology this year. But by the time December rolls around, our brains need a break from reading. That’s why we’re sharing our favorite multimedia — minimal reading required — to inspire you during those short snippets of time between office festivities, holiday travel, or family get-togethers.
These sights and sounds will make you look even smarter at holiday parties, and help you feel more inspired to tackle the new year ahead.
Social hack
Icebreaker a day
If you’re hosting a meetup in 2018, or simply want to avoid awkward pauses at dinner parties and networking events, use Jessica Lin’s amusing and effective conversation starters to get things rolling.
Color
Ultra Violet
Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year is here: “Inventive and imaginative, Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”
Visualizations
Futurism’s infographic library
Sometimes funny, sometimes random, and always interesting: Futurism’s infographics feature digestible briefings on breakthrough technologies and scientific discoveries, from cryonics to killer asteroids.
Podcast
99% Invisible
If you’ve always wondered about the invention of stethoscopes, the design of modern baseball stadiums, and the origin of fortune cookies, this is the podcast for you. 99% Invisible “is about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world.”
VR game
Mars 2030
Suit up for the first manned mission to Mars! MARS 2030 is a virtual reality simulation, developed in partnership with NASA, that gives players the opportunity to explore the mysterious Red Planet.
Shopping list
The TKSST Gift Guide
You waited until the last minute to shop, and “grinch bots” snatched up this year’s hottest toys. Don’t worry — we’ve got your back with a list of more than 300 STEM gift ideas for all ages, curated by educational video platform The Kid Should See This.
Voice tech trick
Alexa Easter Egg
In the old days, family disputes over pop culture trivia were settled by a Google search, which required laborious typing. With a voice-enabled device, you don’t have to lift a finger. Visiting someone who has an Amazon Echo or setting up a new device of your own? Show off by asking this question: “Alexa, what is the difference between ‘Ice Ice Baby’ and ‘Under Pressure’?”
Photo app
Snapseed
Impress the creative director, win your niece’s approval, and get more likes on your next selfie — Google’s free photo-editing app, available for iOS and Android, will take your Instagram game up a notch.
Business satire
The Cooper Review
Sarah Cooper’s satirical blog offers a fresh take on corporate humor, from “tricks to appear smart in meetings” to “innovative ways to innovate your innovation.”
Printable entertainment
End-of-year inspiration for innovators
We’ve crafted printable yet interactive cheer for innovation mavericks to enjoy with colleagues. These activities are easy to share, suitable for regifting, and won’t take up any space in your luggage. They’re also carb-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, low-fat, and vegan … a decidedly un-fruitcake recipe designed to please even the most discerning disruptor.
We’ll share more inspiration for innovators in 2018. Sign up for the Lab Report email newsletter to receive insights in your inbox.
