Eight intriguing articles from December.

It's funny. We ask the team each month to tell us what has been inspiring them, and a pattern always emerges.

Maybe it's just because we're all approaching the end of the year with similar feelings and intent, but this month definitely feels like a moment for reflection.

Whether it's soaking in the stillness of a poem from half a century ago or thinking harder about our relationship with sound design, August's most recent Dev Ops extraordinaire, Vinh Vu, has pulled together a Super8 that seems to ask us to pause, look back, look inside and then finally look forward.

From all the team here at August, have a safe and happy holiday season and we'll see you on the other side.

1. Why handwriting still matters in the digital age.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Vittoria Traverso.
• Contributed by: Doug Ross.

There's a reason every new member at August gets a snazzy notebook and fountain pen on their first day. Recent evidence points to how handwriting 'syncs' our motor and visual information processing with our memory centres in the brain, while typing on a keyboard fails to show the same results. After all, along with visual and auditory stimulus, kinesthetic or tactile feedback has been shown to form the three foundational modes of how we interpret and respond to information. A great reminder to incorporate some pen-on-paper into your day-to-day.

2. The sound of software.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Andy Allen.
• Contributed by: Stefan Imbesi.

Building on the sensory theme, this NotBoring article dives into how sound can breathe life into your software. With a sprinkle of audio magic, apps can shift from “meh” to mesmerising with more emotion, immersion and clarity. It’s full of tips for crafting soundscapes that charm rather than irritate, engage rather than confuse. The takeaway? Thoughtful sound design isn’t just a bonus, it’s the key ingredient for creating experiences that resonate.

3. Google’s DeepMind tackles weather forecasting, with great performance.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: John Timmer.
• Contributed by: Vinh Vu.

Melbourne’s weather might still keep us guessing, but DeepMind’s GenCast is tackling the challenge of forecasts that actually match reality. Merging old-school meteorology with AI innovation, GenCast delivers faster, sharper predictions while cutting down on computational costs. From pinpointing cyclone paths to estimating wind energy, it even beats Europe’s top weather model 97% of the time. While it hasn't been benchmarked against Melbourne's four seasons in a day yet, it’s a major step toward clearer skies in forecasting tech.

4. Poetry unbound - Those Winter Sundays.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Pádraig Ó Tuama.
• Contributed by: Timocles Copland.

Slow down and savour the beauty of language with this thoughtful podcast that gently unwraps each line of 20th century American poet Robert Hayden's 'Those Winter Sundays'. Listen or read the transcript and take a moment to appreciate the majesty of words crafted with intent, gain a fresh perspective on what it is to grow old, and connect with the inner lives of those who made us who we are: our parents. From the first Black American poet to be appointed the Consultant of Poetry to the Library of Congress (now known as the U.S. Poet Laureate), it’s a gentle invitation to pause, reflect and enjoy a master at work.

5. The cognitive cost of AI.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Tara Chklovski.
• Contributed by: Isabel Silvis.

AI is reshaping how we work and think, blending efficiency with complexity. Tara Chklovski unpacks the double-edged nature of generative AI: its power to streamline tasks and spark creativity alongside the mental toll of processing endless possibilities. The antidote? The realisation that relationships, innovation, and human judgement remain at the heart of progress. Dive in to explore how the future of work is evolving before our eyes.

6. Designing (and evolving) a new web performance score.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Harry Roberts.
• Contributed by: Kurt Smith.

Tracking web performance for competitive insights just got smarter with CrRRUX, a ranking system designed for cross-site comparisons. By turning Core Web Vitals into a single, easy-to-understand score, it combines accuracy with simplicity. CrRRUX reflects real-world user experiences while staying completely objective—ideal for both techies and stakeholders. Heads up: The article dives deep into numbers and data, making it a treasure trove for analytics enthusiasts but potentially dense for the average reader. Jump in if you love detailed breakdowns!

7. Mathematical thinking isn’t what you think it is.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Kelsey Houston-Edwards.
• Contributed by: Andrew OKeeffe.

Forget cryptic equations; mathematician David Bessis argues math is a playful dance between logic and intuition. In this interview, he reveals how math isn’t just about numbers — it’s about rewiring your brain, embracing mistakes, and imagining like a child. And here’s the kicker: you’re already doing math daily without realising it. Bessis likens mathematical thinking to a self-help tool, offering clarity, creativity, and a splash of joy. Who knew logic could be this liberating?

8. How 2025’s digital products will evolve.

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• Read the full article here.
• Created by: Brad Weber.
• Contributed by: Mike McCusker.

Our final article of this month's Super8 dares you to peer past the horizon. The winners in next year's digital world will have mastered the art of breaking boundaries, combining features from unexpected places to create seamless, user-driven experiences. From gaming in healthcare to AI-powered shopping tools, it’s not just about what’s new but how categories collide to transform expectations. The real question isn’t about what will come to you, it’s about what you’ll bring to the table. What boundaries will you break? What innovations will you dream up to redefine the digital landscape? The future is wide open. What’s your move?