Carl Barenbrug

About:

Carl Barenbrug is a product designer and creative director at Minimalissimo and 099. He is known for his work in product design and creative direction.

Website:

carlbarenbrug.com

Incoming Links:

İsmail Şevik Colin Walker Kevin Wammer Manu Marcin Wichary Nicolas Magand V.H. Belvadi Show more (2)

Outgoing Links:

Derek Sivers Greg McKeown Leo Babauta Manu The Minimalists Tom MacWright Show more (1)

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2025-09-06 • creativity design experience branding taste testing

The article emphasizes the importance of 'taste' in design, arguing that while tools, processes, and knowledge are valuable, it is taste that truly defines a designer's vision and makes their work memorable. Taste allows designers...

2025-10-03 • blogging reflection memory digital library

The author reflects on the concept of blogging, proposing a shift from viewing it as a performance to seeing it as a 'memory space.' They emphasize the importance of creating a lasting digital archive that captures ongoing project...

2025-12-02 • design friction digital experience user engagement cognitive load

Intentional friction in digital design enhances user awareness and decision-making, contrasting with the pitfalls of frictionless experiences that prioritize speed over meaning.

2025-10-04 • technology industry quality assurance software quality product design

The article critiques the decline in quality assurance (QA) in the tech industry, particularly among large companies like Apple, which are prioritizing speed over quality. It discusses how financial cuts often lead to reduced QA e...

2026-03-03 • open source journaling system log design software and tools codex

A digital designer developed Local Log, a minimal open-source journaling app, focusing on privacy and simplicity for personal reflection.

2026-03-05 • entrepreneurship digital minimalism branding digital asset management

The author announces the end of the Minimalism Life® project, emphasizing the importance of the digital assets created and the need for a clear vision moving forward.

2025-12-05 • social experiment communication style voice memos

The author shares a social experiment conducted in November where communication with friends was limited to audio messages instead of text. The goal was to deepen human connections and assess comfort levels with voice notes. The e...

2025-08-03 • productivity apple desk organization workspace ikea hacks

The author shares an update on their desk setup after three years, highlighting the transition to a simpler, adjustable standing desk from IKEA. They maintain a dark aesthetic while incorporating various accessories, including App...

2025-11-01 • reflection personal digital minimalism self care lifestyle

The author shares a series of personal reflections and random facts about their life, including their relationship with DIY, favorite websites, house plants, financial attitudes, wish-list items, exercise preferences, seasonal con...

2026-02-05 • social media email annoyance humor lifestyle

A humorous exploration of everyday annoyances, from social media influencers to email etiquette, highlighting the author's light-hearted complaints about modern life.

2025-06-02 • voice memos creative lab formfeelingfunction

FormFeelingFunction® is launching a private audio guestbook where people can leave anonymous voice notes up to 15 seconds long. The creators are curious to see what kind of messages people will leave when it's private and plan to ...

2025-03-01 • social media marketing email marketing

The power of a strong social media following has diminished, and the alternative lies in building a more direct connection with the audience through email newsletters.

2024-12-31 • social media creativity community mindfulness connection

The author reflects on their use of social media platforms, expressing dissatisfaction with Instagram and Twitter, and praising Are.na for its unique and mindful space that inspires creativity and connects them with people and ide...

2024-12-04 •

The blog post reflects on the author's personal experiences and achievements throughout the year, including travel, career milestones, and personal growth. The author expresses gratitude for the positive moments and acknowledges a...

2024-11-30 •

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2024-11-02 •

The blog post is a personal reflection on the author's inner compass, which guides him through work and daily life. It includes values, mantras, principles, and quotes that influence his design and life. The author encourages read...

2024-10-02 •

Carl Barenbrug is ending Minimalissimo and starting a creative lab called FFF, where he will focus on creating minimalist products and offering web services tailored to architects and interior designers. The main idea behind FFF i...

2024-10-01 •

The blog post discusses the journey of Minimalissimo, a blog dedicated to minimal design, and its eventual closure after 15 years. It highlights the impact of the blog, the challenges faced in the changing landscape of design cura...

2024-09-05 •

The blog post by Carl Barenbrug explores the concept of rituals, distinguishing them from routines by their meaningful nature. Barenbrug shares personal rituals that bring structure and rhythm to his life, such as rock climbing an...

2024-09-04 •

The blog post criticizes the lengthy and demanding application processes in the tech industry, particularly for designers and engineers. The author argues that these processes are excessive and often require applicants to complete...

2024-09-01 •

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2025-08-05 •

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2025-08-31 •

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2025-12-06 •

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