Everything designers need to know about mentorships
We speak to both mentors and mentees to find out what benefits mentorship programmes offer, and how to get the best out of them.
How&How crafts animalistic identity for conservation charity On the Edge
The new design work aims to reconnect us with nature at a critical time for biodiversity around the world.
Twitter founder’s company Square rebrands to “create room for further growth”
Financial payments company Square was set up by Twitter founder and ex-CEO Jack Dorsey in 2009, and will now be known as Block.
Elmwood to merge with Holmes & Marchant following acquisition by MSQ
The move aims to create a new agency model, according to the marketing group, specifically designed to help brands in a “dynamic media environment”.
Design Museum’s new exhibition offers an “intimate connection” with Amy Winehouse
Two immersive installations at Amy: Beyond the Stage from set designer Chiara Stephenson seek to show a different side of the troubled singer.
Design events to catch in December
As the year draws to a close, here is our pick of festive and not-so-festive design events that are not to be missed in December.
The growing illustrator-led puzzle movement: “why use stock imagery when this exists?”
Illustration-led puzzle companies speak with us about how they have capitalised on a market which has been supercharged by pandemic lockdowns and a desire to “switch off”.
Design inspiration: our favourite projects from November
From colour charting the Beach Boys to a characterful pet food rebrand, these were some of our favourite projects from the past month.
Marina Willer, Ilse Crawford among 2021 Royal Designers for Industry
Nine designers have been recognised with the accolade, which is awarded each year by the RSA and has previously included James Dyson and Vivienne Westwood.
Norwich City’s “progressive” new crest designed by SomeOne
The old crest had not been touched since the 1970s and was seen by the club to not be communicating well in the modern world.
“It’s not about competing with men”: how design can support women’s sport
We speak to designers about how their work is helping women’s sport grow and make more of an impact.
Creative UK launches brand identity following merger
The new organisation comprises Creative England and the Creative Industries Federation, with the identity developed by Multivitamin.
Remembering Bob Gill: “There’s no such thing as a bad client”
We look back at the life of graphic designer Bob Gill, a founding member of Fletcher/Forbes/Gill as well as D&AD, who has died at the age of 90.
Dyson opens virtual reality store for customers to test out products at home
The platform draws on many of the visualisation and simulation technologies that Dyson designers use during their development process, according to the company.
Explore Design Week
John Lewis launches £1m fund for projects that “rethink waste”
Set up with environmental group Hubbub, the Circular Future Fund aims to support projects across home products, textiles and food waste.
New Sunderland place branding positions it as a “smart city”
The identity has been developed by Studio Blackburn and is informed by the city’s continued work towards encouraging digital transformation across communities and businesses.
Design for Planet: Design Council to offer designers tools as part of climate strategy
With the Design Council’s flagship festival dedicated to fighting climate change wrapping up last week, we speak to CEO Minnie Moll about next steps.
Morrama boxes clever with connected at-home punching bag
The Boxx punching bag is designed to offer people at-home convenience without the danger of knocking over pets, plants or children.
DBA to assemble diversity and inclusion council
The initiative will be the first of many “vibrant communities” which will be set up to help designers address areas of concern.
Making sense of mental health: how can brands enter the conversation?
Reed Words writers Andrea Dunne and Gemma Wilson share tips on how copywriters and designers can help brands get to grips with the nuances of communicating mental health messages meaningfully.
Interiors inspiration: Design Week’s pick of spaces using natural materials
From reclaimed wood, to stone and copper some of this month’s projects use naturally occurring materials to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor.
Dn&co “decodes complexities” with branding for Harwell science campus
The science and innovation campus based in Oxfordshire has adopted the new identity as it looks to expand its offering.
Moves & changes – the latest design industry news
Moves, changes and appointments happening across the design industry.
Remembering Nicholas Thirkell: “he took ideas to their ultimate expression”
Mike Dempsey looks back at the life and work of Nicholas Thirkell 1942-2021 and speaks to those who knew him.
These handheld products aim to better support parents through pregnancy
Developed by product design studio Morrama, the Prenatal Care concept project features three devices to help parents bond with unborn children.
Tijuana and San Diego announced as first ever joint World Design Capital
The two cities will assume the mantle in 2024, following in the footsteps of former title holders including Lille Metropole, Taipei, Mexico City and Cape Town.
UK government unveils EV chargepoint design in electrification push
The charging point, designed by PA Consulting and the Royal College of Art, hopes to be “as recognisable as the red post box or black cab”.
Design for Planet: using storytelling to reframe the climate crisis
By shifting the focus towards storytelling, designers can reposition their own work and thereby effect change in consumers.
Design for Planet: why waste is a “design flaw”
Designers need to consider how products are made, not just where they end up, according to designer Sophie Thomas.
Disappearing packages and desert robots lead Global Grad Show 2021
At this year’s global graduate show, 150 shortlisted projects aim to solve social problems from overworked vaccine providers to short-lived baby shoes.