Trends of 2022: The year in tech
Changes swept through the tech sector this year, leaving a trail of uncertainty across social media, cryptocurrency, and the creative workforce – but opportunity in some corners, too
Inside the world of contemporary board game design
Modern board games can help us understand complex real world scenarios, while also having fun. We take a look inside the current boom for new games and how they are designed
Suzy Chan presents the real ‘Made in China’ story
Graphic designer Suzy Chan has spent the past two years working with kids in a Chinese factory, using co-creation to present what family life is really like in these often-denigrated work environments
What does the future of unboxing look like for tech brands?
It’s time for unending layers of plastic to be designed out, says Here’s Mark Paton, who believes tech and electronics brands are missing a huge opportunity on the packaging front
Why DDB’s new agency banned the word ‘merch’
DDB Fresh promises to bring fashion innovation together with brands in other sectors. Darko Silajdžić, who is heading up the agency, explains why Fresh’s proposition will go further than merch
Form May Follow Function, But Engagement Always Leads
Designers the world over are devoted to the concept of form following function. But, argues We Are Pi’s Rick Chant, the world of the 21st century requires the addition of engagement to truly break through
Why Creativity Matters: How to build a long-term legacy for brands
Speakers from Space10, Ikea’s research and design lab; TBWA\Media Arts Lab, which works with Apple; and adam&eveDDB all join CR editor Eliza Williams to discuss brand legacy in our latest virtual event
Bruce Mau on why human-centred design isn’t enough
Bruce Mau, who spoke recently at Design Week Ireland, talks to CR about his design philosophy, how he defines the role of a designer, and makes a case for optimism in dark times
Creativity Sucks! enters the metaverse
For the latest edition of Creative Review’s new podcast series, we examine the state of the metaverse, and discuss how, why and when brands should be getting involved
Why are digital products so complicated?
The latest edition of CR’s new podcast, Creativity Sucks!, takes a look at the world of apps and digital design with the help of three expert guests
Monzo reveals cheery brand refresh
The banking app worked with Ragged Edge to create an identity that is “more friendly, more human, more Monzo”
How London’s Asian food scene is using design to stand out
After living in the UK for more than 20 years, Filipino-born, CPB London head of design June Frangue has observed how ESEA London restaurants have embraced mouth-watering designs in recent years. Here he picks eight of his favourites
Why Creativity Matters: How to get creative with branded content
The latest talk in our virtual event series explores how branded content can resonate with audiences. Register now to join us on May 17
Butterkist brings giant microwaves to billboards across the UK
The new campaign promotes Butterkist’s microwavable popcorn while reminding people it’s the go-to snack for high drama and gossip
The rise of abstract logos
Many brands are ditching their well trodden logos in favour of a more abstract approach. Here we unpack this trend and examine whether legibility should be a concern
The art of writing a brief
We look into why briefs are so imperative to get right, the difference between advertising and design briefs, and whether visuals have any place in them
Why branding will be vital in the AI race
Pentagram partner Jody Hudson-Powell discusses the visual language that is emerging around AI, and the importance of brand when it comes to building trust in the rapidly developing technology
Creativity Sucks! returns for a new series
Creative Review’s podcast is back and on a mission to tackle the most thorny questions facing creatives and brands today. In this episode we look at whether rebrands are worth the money
Titi Finlay on social, storytelling and sneaker culture
The social media maven and artist discusses the importance of social and content in getting audiences to “believe” in brands, plus how an obsession with sneakers has guided her career
Manchester’s love letter to the Barcelona design scene
First launched in 2013, Dave Sedgwick’s event uniting Manchester with Barcelona returns this week for its swansong. He discusses the parallels between the two cities and the realities of producing an event alongside the day job
Royal British Legion reveals plastic-free poppy design
Design consultancy Matter has created a fully recyclable paper redesign of the charity’s symbolic poppy, which previously used plastic
How to write a great advertising slogan
Here, our advertising correspondent breaks down the methodology for creating a great slogan, by examining some of the iconic endlines of the past. But is there really a formula for brilliant creative work?
How creativity can help demystify unfamiliar concepts
Bas Korsten, global CCO at Wunderman Thompson, talks about using creativity to challenge people to think outside what they know, and why human ideas are still unmatched by AI
Fanta unveils bubbly global branding
Illustrations and typography enhance the soft drink’s first global brand identity, which aims to bring consistency to its designs around the world
Pepsi reveals new branding that nods to its past
The soft drinks brand has announced a new visual identity ahead of its 125th anniversary later this year
Pentagram creates identity for cannabis brand Ben’s Best Blnz
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen has launched a cannabis brand designed by Pentagram’s Eddie Opara. We speak to them about what the brand stands for
