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The Formula

How It Works

The hidden mechanics behind everyday systems — from supply chains to social rituals.

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How It WorksMindMoneyThe Edge

Latest How It Works

The Formula for a Hit Song
How It Works

The Formula for a Hit Song

Music executives have been searching for the hit formula for a century. It turns out there is one — and it involves calculus, neuroscience, and a very specific tempo.

Simon WhistlerSimon Whistler · June 1, 2026
Why Every Coffee Chain Copies the Same Floor Plan
How It Works

Why Every Coffee Chain Copies the Same Floor Plan

There is a precise, replicable formula for how coffee chains arrange their space — and it has nothing to do with aesthetics.

Simon WhistlerSimon Whistler · May 14, 2026