NY / Shopping Innovation / Return of Buttons/Flying Vehicles I’m back—safe and sound!
It wasn’t the easiest trip, but somehow we pulled off what felt nearly impossible. Now that it’s behind us, I finally have a moment to sit down and share a few thoughts. After attending my child’s graduation in Rhode Island, we made a quick stop in New York City for my younger daughter, who had never been there before. Let’s just say—this trip was no walk in the park. We had four people, nine large suitcases, and two different destinations to manage. You can imagine how much coordination that took.
The drive from Rhode Island to New York usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. But with heavy rain coming down so hard that even the windshield wipers struggled to keep up, it felt like we were driving through a wall of water. Honestly, pushing through that kind of weather felt borderline crazy. Unlike California drivers, folks in Rhode Island seem totally unfazed by bad weather—they were flying down the freeway in the pouring rain like it was nothing... seriously! |
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If you ever find yourself in the Rhode Island or Boston area, be sure to check out a steakhouse called Texas Roadhouse. You won’t find prices like that in California—affordable and satisfying. Maybe it was because we were starving and soaked from the rain, but honestly, the food was incredible. Highly recommend! |
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Here’s a summary table of our 3-day trip in New York. As an ultra super T(MBTI), I originally planned to map out every 30-minute block 😆, but thinking of my poor family, I scaled it back a bit. Unlike past trips, this time I organized everything by landmark first, then asked ChatGPT to review the daily itineraries—checking if any adjustments were needed based on route efficiency or the traveler's vibe.
One fun discovery: I had originally planned to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from the Financial District to DUMBO. But ChatGPT suggested flipping the route—crossing from the Brooklyn side toward Manhattan—for a better skyline view. And honestly, that tip was spot on, so I made the change.
At first, I also tried categorizing restaurants by area and cuisine type... but let’s be real—that was just too much. It turned out to be more practical to use Yelp during our breaks to find good places nearby, rather than chasing down “must-try” spots that were too far out of the way on foot.
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Prices in New York felt about the same—or maybe even slightly higher—than in California, so we mostly skipped breakfast or grabbed something light from a deli (sandwiches, soup, salad, that kind of thing), and focused on having proper meals for lunch and dinner. Part of it was just the packed schedule, but honestly, it also felt more efficient—both in terms of time and budget. Plus, it just felt like what New Yorkers might do?
I don’t think I’ll be heading back to New York anytime soon, but if I ever do, there are a few places I’d definitely go back to:
- DUMBO + Pebble Beach + Brooklyn Bridge: These three make a great combo. Personally, I don’t think DUMBO has that much to see, but it’s such a popular photo spot that it’s worth checking out. After snapping a few shots, you can stroll around Pebble Beach, grab lunch, and then walk back into Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge. We had great weather, and that walk was just so refreshing.
- The Lobster Place at Chelsea Market: Prices have definitely gone up since the last time I was there, but the lobster roll was somehow even more tender and flavorful than the ones we had in Boston—go figure. If your budget allows, I recommend trying the oyster sampler. You can taste oysters from all over the U.S., and though they’re tiny, each one costs about $3.50. Worth the splurge!
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Museum Picks: One or Two at Most
Last time I was in New York, the Guggenheim really left an impression on me—mainly because they had an incredible collection of Picasso’s early works. But this time, the exhibits had completely changed, and honestly, it was a huge letdown. (Even the famous golden toilet was gone!)
If I were to go again, I’d definitely choose the MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum instead. MoMA, in particular, is great—not only are there tons of iconic works to see, but there are also plenty of spots where you can just sit, relax, and take it all in without feeling rushed.
This trip also gave me a chance to check out the Whitney Museum for the first time. It’s located near Little Island and pairs perfectly with a visit to the Vessel. On the top floor, there’s a viewing deck and café with a beautiful view of the Hudson River—an ideal setting to take your time and enjoy the exhibits at your own pace.
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A New Discovery in Central Park
Every time I’d been to New York before, it was either snowing, raining, or just plain gloomy—so that’s the memory I had of Central Park. But this time, the weather was perfect. Actually, a little too sunny! Still, it made for such a beautiful experience.
My daughter really wanted to visit Central Park because it’s where the main characters from Gilmore Girls met up in a few scenes, so we made sure to check that off her list. There were joggers, families with strollers, and people just soaking up the sun everywhere.
There are two lakes, tons of fun street performances, and interesting sights throughout the park—like breakdancing, tumbling acts, and more. The walk to Bethesda Terrace is worth it (though, fair warning, your legs might complain a bit).
Below is a video of a jazz musician we stumbled upon right near the entrance to the park. It’s pretty surreal—stepping out of the skyscraper jungle and immediately finding yourself in this peaceful green oasis. New York really knows how to surprise you.
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Central Park and Little Island offer completely different vibes, even though both are green spaces in the city. Little Island is a newly built artificial island park near the Hudson River, but Central Park feels more like a giant gift box packed with everything New York has to offer. My kids said that when they think of New York, this is the place that comes to mind.
- Observation Decks, Observation Decks, Observation Decks
New York is packed with towering skyscrapers, and that means it’s also full of observation decks—each with its own unique twist:
- One World Trade Center (1,776 ft) – The tallest, offering a full 360-degree view
- Summit One Vanderbilt (1,401 ft) – Known for its thrilling glass ledges and immersive experience
- 30 Hudson Yards (1,268 ft) – Features mirrored interiors and interactive art installations
- Rockefeller Center (872 ft) – Classic views, especially of the Empire State Building
- Empire State Building (1,454 ft) – A true New York icon and a traditional night-view favorite
We went with Summit One Vanderbilt, mainly because they offer a military discount. Each deck offers a different view of the city depending on its location, so any of them would be a great choice. We specifically chose the 6:30 p.m. entry so we could enjoy both the daytime and nighttime views. Sunset was around 8:00, but between checking in, lining up, taking photos, and walking through the space, those 30 minutes fly by.
Summit One is famous for its immersive, almost Namsan Tower-like experience. The elevator ride alone features an animated visual display, and there are other fun elements too—like a room full of reflective silver balloons. If you get the upgraded ticket, it even comes with a glass of champagne.
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The photos might make it look like the place isn’t crowded—but trust me, once you're there, it's packed. Still, when you're out on the terrace snapping night views or in the second room playing with the floating silver balloons, everyone turns into a kid again. It was such a fun experience.
As night falls, the whole space transforms—moody background music starts playing, and the lights shift into a vibrant, almost club-like atmosphere. It's surreal and full of energy. |
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Before you get on the elevator, they take your photo—and when you leave, they display it in this floating cloud-like format, kind of like a souvenir. I thought it was pretty cool… although honestly, it also gave off a bit of a memorial photo vibe. Creepy, but fun. 😅
If you’re planning to visit, I recommend wearing something bold and bright—like red. Those colors really pop in the photos! |
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If I had to sum up New York City in one word, it would be vibrancy. No two places feel the same—there’s a constant variety. It’s busy and noisy, yet full of energy. People are expressive, open with their emotions, and because it’s so close to Europe, just walking down the street you’ll hear German, French, Arabic—you name it. This is a city where diversity is the norm, and you’ll see a wide range of cultures, lifestyles, and communities represented throughout. It definitely has a different vibe compared to California
You see everything, yet nothing feels out of place. If only it weren’t so expensive, I’d say it’s absolutely worth experiencing in depth.
One thing I found interesting: in Rhode Island, I didn’t see a single Tesla, but in New York, I spotted a few here and there. And despite the narrow streets, large cars were surprisingly common. When we were heading to the airport with our nine suitcases, Uber was definitely the easiest option. But for sightseeing around the city, walking and the subway were by far the best choices.
Compared to our last visit, it did feel like there were fewer smokers—but still, plenty of people lighting up as they walked down the street.
Next month, we’re off to Maryland—and I’ll be sure to share some fun stories from the D.C. side of the trip! |
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👅 Like the tongue in your mouth? 🎁 A delightful surprise? -The Evolution of the Shopping Experience
Salesforce, the customer relationship management platform that helps companies streamline marketing, sales, and customer service, surveyed 8,350 consumers and 1,700 retail leaders across 21 countries. According to the report, 85% of respondents said AI is transforming retail, becoming the foundation for both automation and personalization.
But beyond convenience—what deeper desires are starting to emerge?
1. SERENDIPITY SEEKER
In a world where algorithms rule and AI predicts nearly everything, shoppers are craving the joy of unexpected discovery.
Salesforce projects that 41% of all purchases will still happen in physical stores by 2026, only slightly down from 45% in 2024. Yet, only 17% of consumers say they’ve had a truly unique experience in-store.
That gap reveals something big: stores need to evolve from mere transaction spaces into places of sensory discovery and surprise—somewhere shoppers actually want to explore.
2. Emotional Connection: Redefining Worth
Price still plays a major role in brand choice, but consumers are increasingly feeling that brands are failing to keep up with their evolving needs. According to the report, 66 percent of consumers have switched brands due to high prices, and 26 percent said brands aren't keeping pace with the level of change they expect.
Additionally, among the 77 percent of consumers enrolled in brand loyalty programs, 35 percent say they don’t use them at all, suggesting that traditional point-based systems lack emotional impact and fail to build genuine connection.
Notably, Gen Z prefers emotional, social, and identity-driven rewards three times more than Baby Boomers. For example, backstage passes, invite-only workshops, and in-store masterclasses — experience-based perks like these are proving far more effective in earning their loyalty.
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📈 Jenna's Insight
Since the digital world became the center of our lives, people have increasingly found themselves trapped in predictable patterns, with the accuracy of these predictions growing more refined every day — and with that, the fatigue only grows. Predictability offers convenience, but unexpected experiences bring excitement. It reminds me of last Christmas.
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Of course, you have to select Santa Mode, but then the usual Tesla icon changes to a Santa sleigh, and other cars turn into reindeer. Passersby become elves, and by swiping, you can even check out the gifts and gold bars on the sleigh. Plus, when you use the turn signal, you hear sleigh bells — making you feel like a child eagerly waiting for a real visit from Santa after a long time.
The EQS automatically changes ambient lighting based on driving mode or time to create a fresh atmosphere. The Polestar 2 enables interaction between passengers and the car through food recognition... All great features, of course, but do we really need new and complicated functions? Beyond features, designs that respond to emotions leave a longer-lasting impression and naturally deepen attachment to the vehicle through settings that reflect the passenger’s tastes.
We’re now at a turning point — shifting from efficiency-focused design to emotion-centered design.
Silent modes without notifications, lighting that reacts to music, and hidden elements that invite discovery make users see the car as its own world.
The serendipity and intentional surprises designers craft come alive in these moments.
Moments that break user expectations are driven by emotion, not just technology, and become crucial touchpoints that strengthen emotional bonds with the brand.
Unexpected joy is what people remember. And those memories make them want to ride that car again.
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🔘 Why the Disappearing Button Is Making a Comeback
Fifteen years ago, when the iPad first arrived, touchscreens were the symbol of future tech. The idea of controlling everything with just a finger felt fresh and revolutionary, and physical buttons seemed destined to vanish. But now, touchscreens are no longer a wow factor—especially in cars, where touch controls are increasingly seen as inconvenient. Having to navigate menus while driving distracts your eyes and exposes limits in response speed and accuracy.
Manufacturers still favor touchscreens because removing physical buttons simplifies production and reduces parts, cutting costs. However, this efficiency-driven choice often sacrifices user experience. Users are now craving intuitive controls that offer tactile feedback and convenience—controls that can be operated without needing to visually focus, proving that physical, instinctive interfaces still hold real value.
Riding this wave, Bulgaria-based Enhance is making an aftermarket Tesla knob with a straightforward name: the “S3XY Knob.”
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The four blank buttons can be programmed exactly how you want, communicating with the car via Bluetooth or Tesla’s API. Mounted on the center console, it lets you control indoor temperature, media playback, and driving modes without having to touch the screen. Plus, a small circular display on top of the knob provides visual feedback. |
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The demand for programmable buttons that let you control functions your way from your preferred spot will likely continue until automakers actually start offering them built into their vehicles. |
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🛸 Flying Ride #1: Air Bike by Volonaut
- Special Feature: A drone-style bike without wings or rotors
A few years ago, all eyes and ears were on eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) as the hottest new mobility tech. Now, we’re starting to see a diversification in eVTOL designs. The Air Bike, developed by Tomasz Patan — founder of Jetson ONE and an inventor from Poland — just had its first successful flight on the 1st of this month. It’s a unique flying machine based on an innovative design.
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No propellers, but jet turbines
Unlike typical eVTOLs that rely on rotor or wing propellers, the Air Bike uses jet turbines. This means no exposed parts, improved safety, and a more compact body. It boasts a top speed of 200 km/h (about 124 mph).
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Super lightweight
Using carbon fiber and 3D printing, the Air Bike weighs only 30-40 kg (66-88 lbs) — about seven times lighter than a regular motorcycle. This makes it fuel-efficient and highly maneuverable.
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360-degree visibility
Its open-frame design around the pilot offers full 360-degree views. Imagine zooming through a windy bamboo forest on this flying bike — thrilling!
Still at the prototype stage, details on commercialization, pricing, and timelines haven’t been announced. I’m really curious about the noise level of this Star Wars–style super bike. Also, questions come up: Will it return to the starting point if GPS signal cuts out, like a drone? Do you need a pilot’s license to operate it? Is maintenance easy? Despite these unknowns, the concept is fresh and exciting. Welcome to the era of personal drones!
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🛸 Flying Ride : Altovolo Sigma
- Special Feature: Hybrid engine allows takeoff and landing in the city, plus long-distance flights with multiple passengers
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Hybrid tilt-jet propulsion system
Combining battery-powered electric propulsion with a liquid-fuel jet engine, this hybrid system offers a range of 260 miles (about 418 km) on electric power alone, and up to 510 miles (about 820 km) total. That means short trips from LA to places like San Diego, Palm Springs, or Santa Barbara—and longer one-way flights to Vegas, San Francisco, or Arizona. It’s a design that overcomes the limitations of typical eVTOLs.
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Transportation built for the city
Unlike many eVTOLs requiring special airports or vertiports, the Sigma can take off and land from a variety of spots—homes, rooftops, yachts—making it highly practical as a personal aircraft. It fits up to three passengers.
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Enhanced safety
If one of the jet propulsion units fails, stable flight is still possible. Plus, an automatic ballistic parachute system activates in emergencies to protect lives in case of an accident.
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Surprisingly quiet (helicopter-level noise, but much more tolerable)
At 100 meters away, noise measures 65-70 decibels—over 80% quieter than conventional helicopters—making it suitable for urban environments. (For reference, typical loud party noise between floors is around 75 decibels.)
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High-performance flying ability
The Sigma can reach a top speed of 290 mph (about 467 km/h) and cruise comfortably at 220 mph (about 354 km/h). It can fly as high as 10,000 feet (about 3,048 meters), outperforming many current eVTOLs.
While these two flying rides have very different strengths, their purposes are clear: if you want leisure and wow-factor, the Air Bike is the choice. For real practicality or business/family travel, the Altovolo Sigma makes more sense. You can think of the Air Bike as a sports car or circuit bike, while the Sigma fits more like an electric SUV or a luxury private plane. Depending on price, my pick would be the versatile Sigma. But if I wanted to feel the thrill of flying for the first time, I’d rent the Air Bike and give it a shot.
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Lately, my daughter has gotten really into surfing. After hanging out with a friend at the beach, she ended up getting a two-hour crash course from a Hawaiian guy, and now she heads to the beach almost every day. She wanted to buy a surfboard, so we arranged to borrow one from someone we know for a month. Since I know nothing about surfing, I naturally assumed folding down the second-row seats would be enough to fit it in the car... but it was a tight squeeze, and I barely managed to close the trunk door. |
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I recently remembered the Tesla credits I got through a friend’s referral. Maybe I should buy a roof rack? Mounting it doesn’t seem too difficult, but the $500 price tag is quite a bit higher than the OEM one, which is around $100.
What worries me the most is accidentally placing the board wrong and having it scrape against the glass roof, possibly cracking it. A friend who owns a Jaguar I-Pace told me about a small chip from a tiny rock that caused damage to his glass roof. That got me thinking about the nearly $1,000 windshield replacement cost I faced after a small crack, and suddenly, lifting the surprisingly heavy board onto the roof rack doesn’t feel so appealing anymore. What if I accidentally cause a crack? My excitement for the roof rack just cooled off.
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Some people have reviewed that Tesla roof racks work perfectly fine even driving at highway speeds of 60 to 120 mph (100-200 km/h), but as a bit of a “bird chest” (nervous newbie), I’m still too cautious about my glass roof to feel comfortable using it.
Of course, I guess having the board up there could give some shade and keep things cooler—so that’s a nice little bonus, haha! |
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For nervous newbies like me, there are now modular boards designed to be taken apart — perfect for those with limited storage space or without the ideal vehicle for transport. These boards can be disassembled and reassembled in under a minute. The Newave board — an excellent choice! |
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101 Peters Canyon Rd. Irvine, CA 92606
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