From compostable markers to the modernisation of a beloved mascot, here are some things that made us say “That’s interesting!” in the studio this week.
Natural marker.
Turin-based studio Carlo Ratti Associati (also known as CRA) has designed a concept for the first ever compostable pen marker, the Scribit Pen. A cool, eco addition to the pencil case, with a selection that features wood, bioplastic or anodised aluminium bodies, which are designed for repeated use. But what makes the marker compostable? lt’s the fact that the actual felt/ink element is made of natural fibres and water-based, edible colours which break down within six months. This makes it safe for the environment as well as young children.
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Doses that stick.
Sometimes the most simple and easy solution really is the best one! South African-born designer Ricky Stoch has designed FebriSol, a sticker that is attached on pill bottles and has scratchable circles that help users keep track of the doses taken. When you scratch off a marker, a green tick appears underneath, which indicates that the dose has been taken for the day. The design idea is driven by the needs of patients with HIV/AIDS, who need to take their medication daily, but it has a clear potential for scalability to different medicines or even categories also relying on similar routines.
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Making it pop.
The mascot of one of the most iconic crisps brands has just undergone a refresh, and he certainly pops! Of course we’re talking about the Pringles mascot, the famous Mr. P, who has been rocking the same look for 20 years and was deemed ready for a small makeover. The new Mr. P ditches his unfashionable, middle-parting hairdo, gains a pair of expressive eyebrows and simplifies and amplifies the iconic moustache. Mr. P now has a modern, clean and contemporary look, supported by design tweaks to the can graphic, which now emphasises the stackability of the chips and the ingredients. A design update that fits the wider simplification trend and can help it stand out more in the digital world.
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Spread the love!
‘Tis the season to count your blessings, to (hopefully and somehow!) spend time with your loved ones and to spread love in the world! Coca-Cola’s latest Christmas ad manages to convey this sentiment in a way that truly resonates. They have launched two Christmas videos, both with important and inspiring messages. The first one taps into the nostalgia of the “Holidays Are Coming” and expresses the importance of giving something back. The second is a heart-warming video which shows the story of “The Letter ” to Santa Claus and the importance of gifting something that only you can give to your loved ones: your time. Like the rest of 2020, this will probably be a very different Christmas for many, so it is a good time to remember the core values of the season.
Watch Holidays Are Coming, or read The Letter.