From environmentally conscious masks that turn into flowers to hyper-realistic video chat experiences that build stronger human connections, here are some things that made us say “That’s Interesting” in the studio this week.
So, we see design being a force of good by offering biodegradable solutions to the mask problem caused by the pandemic, digital platforms taking video conferences into a more Star Wars-esque era, online retailers moving into brick and mortar in new categories, and more proof that inclusivity is no longer a trend but a way of being.
Blooming masks.
Since the pandemic started, face masks have become a necessary part of our life, but they are also a big problem for the environment. The disposable masks that we have all been using contain plastics which pollute water and can harm wildlife, and they are often not recyclable. Time for a design-driven solution… Netherlands-based designer Marianne de Groot-Pons has created masks from rice paper which are biodegradable in every way. From the glue that holds the cord to the mask (made from potato starch) to the rice paper of the mask itself, the design is designed to go back to nature. Indeed, the fabric of each mask is also filled with flower seeds that can be buried in the ground to grow and bloom. Single-use is a bane for the planet that requires a real change in consumer behaviour, but “softer” solutions like this can help us along the way. Read more about alternatives to single-use in our Earth Matters article.
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The new together?
Google has been working on a new project which will probably change our lives forever and will bring us closer, no matter the distance. The new initiative is called Project Starline and aims to bring a new era of hyper-naturalistic virtual connection. Starline features a breakthrough light field display system that creates a sense of volume and depth that can be experienced without the need for additional glasses or headsets. Tapping into pandemic Zoom fatigue and the human desire for connection, Google has developed a magic window that creates a life-size, three-dimensional, interactive rendering of the person the user is talking to online. Technology innovation during the pandemic has changed the way we work and interact – for more on how C-19 has influenced and shaped the way we do business, see our Different Voice article.
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Amazon Salon.
Amazon has been expanding and shaping the offering for physical and online retail, and has just announced a move into a new category: the City of London (Spitalfields, to be precise) will soon be welcoming the first Amazon Salon! The 1500 square foot space will be a five-minute walk from Amazon’s UK headquarters and will initially only be open to Amazon employees, with plans to open to all customers later on. As one would expect, the hair salon will convey the tech-powered character of the mother brand: for example, it will use augmented reality to allow customers to try out different hair styles before they make a decision. We can’t wait to try it! How can brands continue to explore different categories and experiment with new phygital experiences to keep retail relevant?
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Inclusive camera.
Like many other brands, Snapchat has been reassessing its values, and it has concluded that it is not doing enough to include all communities and skin tones. So it joined forces with photographers and filter experts to rebuild the application’s camera so that it works for all skin tones. Photographic technology has been primarily developed for white/light skin tones and the outcome is not the same when the focus is on people of colour. It’s still a work in progress, as there is a lot of technological work to be done around the camera, but the dedication and commitment are definitely there. How can brands evolve to make inclusivity more than a trend or niche offering, turning it into a much needed given?
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