In a world where "professionalism" can mean anything from jeans-on-Fridays to polished Zoom backdrops, it's easy to feel adrift. Early in my career, I steered clear of PowerPoint entirely-back when slide decks ruled boardrooms-and I'm gratified that its limitations are now widely acknowledged. Likewise, the proliferation of online classrooms and virtual collaboration tools has laid bare how technology can foster passivity instead of true engagement.
Finding strengths in the nature of the medium - the bleed and spread of paint on certain canvases - Pauline creates enchanting textures that accentuate her mural-esque illustrations of flying horses, demonic dogs and double-sided tigers.
The researchers note that although the concept is frequently used within Western popular culture to describe an 'intense connection,' there is less supporting academic research, partially due to the lack of a comprehensive definition of the term.
At the heart of connection is the feeling that your thoughts, emotions, and perceptions are not just valid, but also recognized by someone else. This doesn't require total agreement, but it does require enough overlap in how you each make sense of the world.
At the center of the system is TOPI, a device that looks more like a minimalist home sculpture than anything you would expect from a tech product. Set it on the kitchen table or by the entryway, and it becomes a gentle hub for conversation. Instead of sending out alerts or lighting up with endless information, TOPI introduces topics when family members are together, using a display that feels inviting rather than commanding.
