Target’s social space, A Mind for Design, was an ode to brainwaves. With projected brainwaves on the wall, plus couches crafted to look like them, this quickly became a favorite hang-out area at TED2013 to stop and … think.

Attendees enjoy a lunch in The Sanctuary, one of the outdoor social spaces at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center.

In the Imaginarium social space, attendees could play with scenes from the upcoming Syfy series “Defiance.”

A look at aviation design, courtesy of Delta.

Speaker Rodney Brooks of Rethink Robotics introduced us to Baxter on the stage, and then let people interact with him.

Attendees excitedly watch a session inside the Imaginarium.

A tableau in the Workspring meeting spaces, which offered a retreat for anyone with important things to discuss. Or just a deep love of office supplies.

The view from the TEDx Action Lab, another popular viewing lounge.

The Park, sponsored by the Tiffany and Co. Foundation, was a great place to sit in the sun, amid greenery.

TED-Ed set up a booth, with the help of Kohl’s Cares, where anyone could flip a lesson.

An attendee plays with The TED Machine, a spin-board containing the name of each speaker.

Jet lag—be gone. Delta offered any weary travelers a Photon Shower.

The color-soaked experience inside the shower.

TED Fellow Louisa Preston hangs out in the Global Village social space.

Another view of the brainwave-shaped couches at Target’s A Mind for Design lounge.

Across from the couches, conference-goers flexed their mental muscles at the Brainscope challenge. Taking the challenge here: TED founder Richard Saul Wurman!

A viewing room for one, inside a shipping container.

The Creators Project Wall formed a backdrop of bright photography.

Perhaps the best laptop decal we saw at TED2013.