12 Impactful design projects that inspired us.
2023 marked a significant shift in consumer culture, with heightened expectations for brands to embrace sustainability and design products that appeal to a broader audience. Amidst this evolving landscape, a growing number of brands have stepped up, taking the initiative to craft exceptional consumer experiences that challenge conventional thinking.
Here’s a look at some of the most impactful design projects that have left a lasting impression on us in 2023:
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United Repair Centre
While many brands are still hesitant to embrace circular models, citing difficulties or the need for new networks, pioneers like United Repair Centre are proving that a sustainable future is not just a possibility, but a present reality.
Poppy seed
Poppy Seed’s app is a shining example of how digital experience design can make a significant difference in healthcare. By seamlessly connecting pregnant individuals with nurses, midwives, and doulas, Poppy Seed Health supports well-being but also challenges stigmas around mental health issues related to motherhood.
Lalaland
This innovative platform allows fashion brands to create lifelike AI models for fashion brands to show their collections for any size and skin tone. In one fell swoop, Lalaland.ai is enhancing online shopping experiences, promoting diversity, and reducing waste in the fashion industry with its digital model agency.
Framework
With their repair-friendly, customizable laptops, Framework challenges the trend of wasteful, hype-driven tech releases with its durable, repair-friendly laptops, advocating a cultural shift towards valuing and cherishing technology for longer.
Birdie
Drawing on the “canary in a coal mine” concept, Birdie stands out as a non-traditional tech product, eschewing digital displays for an analog, story-driven approach that engages users in a unique, interactive narrative about air safety.
Ansa
Ansā redefines coffee roasting with its compact, radio wave-powered roaster, offering an efficient and planet-conscious experience from bean to cup. Its AI-driven, dielectric heating technology makes it the first consumer-centric home roaster, paving the way for sustainable, next-generation coffee enjoyment.
Ambessa Play
Ambessa Play’s DIY flashlight kit, with its upbeat ID and CMF, makes STEM accessible to children, including those displaced. Their one-for-one model ensures that for every kit purchased, a displaced child also receives one, fostering creativity and curiosity without borders.
Releaf paper
Releaf Paper offers an innovative, eco-friendly solution to paper production by converting fallen leaves into sustainable packaging materials. This Ukrainian startup aims to replace wood cellulose in paper mills and prevent air pollution from leaf burning, addressing two major environmental issues with one ingenious approach.
Jolie
Jolie Skin Co innovates in the wellness sector with a new collection inspired by Forest Bathing, offering shower filters in minimalist designs like Birch, Pine, and Spruce. Emphasising natural healing, they also provide free water reports, enhancing their commitment to community well-being.
Maia
Pippy Sips’ Maia revolutionises breastmilk storage with a patented system that cools, monitors, and stores breastmilk in a compact, stylish form. Designed for convenience and safety, Maia eliminates the need for bulky coolers or awkward fridge storage, providing peace of mind for new parents.
Patch
Patch, in collaboration with Ali Hansen Studio, is redefining communal workspaces by transforming empty local spaces into vibrant hubs, reflecting the evolving ‘Work Near Home’ era that promotes happier societies and healthier high streets.
Assa
With its unique gel midsole embedded with 3D-printed sensors, Assa Studio Limited‘s Evolve shoe provides personalised biofeedback to enhance fit and guide future designs, representing a major advancement in the industry.
Inspired? Let’s talk about how your brand can turn insights into impactful design.