Informed creativity

London – LS:N Global visited the studio of design practice Map to discuss its unique creative approach and close relationship with clients.

• The practice uses strategic insight to inform its projects

• Places focus on co-creation and collaboration

The Shoreditch-based practice was founded by John Marshall, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby and functions alongside its two sister companies – Barber Osgerby which focuses on furniture design and civic projects, and Universal Design Studio, an architectural practice specialising in retail, hospitality and exhibition design.

Although Map’s clients come from a range of industries, from hospitality and travel to food and drink, it is its work with young technology companies that really brings to light its unique skillset and approach. Working with SAM Labs in 2015, Map developed the product identity and an intuitive interface for a system of modular sensors and actors that enabled users to experiment with the Internet of Things. Other projects, such as Hackaball and Kano computer kit, focus on integrating the principles of programming and basic computing into play.