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An Epic Exhibition of Ashtrays!
It’s the latest exhibit at the Museum of Dinnerware Design — where you can also try to pull a tablecloth from under a bunch of dishes!
14 hrs ago
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Paul Lukas
24
3
A Museum Devoted to Everyday Items
Mexico City is home to an institution that’s right the Inconspicuous Consumption wheelhouse.
Feb 18
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Paul Lukas
and
Scott Teplin
46
17
5
What the Hell Is an Addressograph?
How a small vintage item led me down a very deep, very enjoyable rabbit hole.
Feb 3
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Paul Lukas
36
26
2
The Most Puzzling Part of Your Stapler
The familiar device has a feature that almost nobody uses — and with good reason. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
Jan 14
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Paul Lukas
40
19
3
What Makes a Good Package Design Even Better?
Answer: A good package design with a depiction of that same package on the package!
Nov 11, 2025
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Paul Lukas
39
20
3
A Whole New Subcategory of Stick Figures in Peril!
How have inhalation warnings escaped our notice until now? Plus a new miracle fish!
Oct 30, 2025
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Paul Lukas
23
5
2
My Personal Sign Shangri-La
I recently got to attend two amazing sign-related events in a 24-hour span. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup and a whole lot more!
Oct 21, 2025
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Paul Lukas
39
13
1
An Easily Overlooked Detail of Spatula Design
You might think all spatulas are basically the same. But as I recently learned, that’s definitely not the case.
Sep 30, 2025
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Paul Lukas
35
22
1
Go This Way — No, Wait, Go That Way!
Some confusing airport signs could easily send you off in the wrong direction. Plus possibly the last batch of stick figures in peril.
Sep 25, 2025
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Paul Lukas
23
12
2
Oh. My. God.
The mind-blowing intricacy of origami bloom patterns.
Aug 22, 2025
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Paul Lukas
25
5
2
A Close Look at Security Envelope Patterns
These classically inconspicuous designs, which are hiding in plain sight, have inspired collectors, artists, and at least one architect.
Aug 19, 2025
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Paul Lukas
36
20
6
The Endless Comedy of Stick Figures in Peril
What’s funnier than a stick figure experiencing misfortune? Hundreds or even thousands of them. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
Aug 14, 2025
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Paul Lukas
37
19
1
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