As we all try to adapt, cope, be safe and do our part to control and overcome the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to find ways to stay motivated and positive. That is why, over the last few weeks, That’s Interesting has been focusing on initiatives and ideas that are uplifting and inspiring in these challenging times.
So, from ultra-hygienic cinema seats to an app that exposes racist monuments, here are some things that made us say “That’s interesting, and uplifting!” in the studio this week.
It’s finger lickin’ good!
How does a brand with a 64-year old slogan (and numerous campaigns) all about being finger lickin’ good keep its comms relevant during a pandemic, where we are constantly being reminded to keep our hands clean and clear of our mouth? Easy: you use design to tweak it with a little creative wit! The latest campaign from KFC does exactly that, featuring visuals that censor the Corona-inappropriate part but still stay true to the spirit and tone of voice of the brand.
Keep it clean here
Sequel Seat.
Airplane and cinema seats have a few things in common, including the fact that their structure, layout and materials do little to follow social distancing rules. The designers at Layer have decided to address this and make cinema seating safer during a pandemic. The Sequel Seat features upholstery that is 3D knitted from antibacterial copper threads, granting it antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. And to keep the magic of movie-going alive, the colour palette is Wes Anderson-inspired.
Pass the popcorn, not the germs here
Cleaner chores.
Household cleaning eco-brand Seventh Generation (owned by Unilever) has chosen to switch to plastic-free packaging. Recognising the problem-riddled reality that plastic recycling currently represents, its Zero Plastic range is sold in reusable, more recyclable (compared to plastic) steel tins. A logical, coherent move to match the brand’s existing sustainability commitment to making mineral-based, biodegradable cleaning products.
Choose Zero Plastic here
Invisible hate.
Ever since #BlackLivesMatter came to the fore of the global discourse, there has been a drive to finally acknowledge the endemic racism of many of our societies. And so people have started to recognise and do something about the racist statues and monuments that look over parks and plazas in many towns and cities. For example, in the US there are over 700 Confederate monuments still standing. The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) in Atlanta has created an app – Invisible Hate – featuring an interactive map that locates all these monuments and provides information about the racist history of what they commemorate.
Learn the truth here