2014 was a great year for big ideas in Toronto, and we've been excited to tell you all about them.

In January, we spoke with entrepreneurs who are developing adaptive technologies to assist the blind. Among these was 23-year-old Sherene Ng, who founded a company that seeks to make shoes which can detect if an item is within tripping distance. Ng, who along with several family members suffers a degenerative eye condition that will eventually cause her to go blind, noticed that tripping hazards are an everyday challenge for the vision impaired. She told us: “I thought, why not make something for myself and my family.”

In April, we gave you the inside scoop on artist George Cho's pottery installation, Spectacle, which was on display at the Harbourfront Centre in early Spring and inspired by a two-month residency program completed in Jingdezhen, China. Each piece was intentionally crafted to contain subtle flaws, what the artist would call wabi sabi—or, the Japanese term for acceptance of imperfection. As writer (and past Managing Editor of Yonge Street) Sheena Lyonnais put it: “Now, each time I look at a plate or a ceramic, I become aware of life's beauty and imperfections, some intentional and pure, and I am reminded to open my eyes and see the artistry behind everything.”

Then, in September, we investigated Toronto MADE, a brand platform and network established to promote local manufacturing—which, as it turns out, there's plenty of. Gallant Bicycles, The Leather Atelier and MAKELAB are just a few of the new kids on the locally made block.

Finally, we take a look back at our recent feature on how Toronto startups Hospital Connection, FlipGive and Giveffect are putting a tech-friendly spin on charitable giving.

Thanks for reading us. We look forward to bringing you more stories on the things that quietly put our city on the map in the year to come.