My only two design tools:
[1] "What is the experience we're trying to create" is the first & constant question
[2] To make something seem more like anything, put it next to the opposite (big guy/lil guy, happy thing/sad thing)
did you hear about the marvel sets that will be released apparently in 2025? It's not looking good for mtg as a game, tbh.
I saw someone try to call it hypocritical to be upset at all the universes beyond stuff when Arabian Nights and Frankenstein's Monster and other cultural things were in the game, and I just had to walk away before I got rude.
I'm just glad I decided not to buy anything when I came back to the game in 2019.