News 05.02.2021

Need to Know

Colourful packaging to entice healthier habits, Neuralink takes visual inspiration from science textbooks and why Chinese tourists are embracing local ski trips.

Bold branding for tempting healthy treats

Gigantic! designed by Gander, US
Gigantic! designed by Gander, US
Gigantic! designed by Gander, US

US – Gigantic! low-sugar confectionery bars are using nostalgic branding cues to tempt adults away from conventional chocolate brands.

The brand identity and packaging by Gander fuse bold typography with contrasting colours to ensure the range stands out on the shelf. Meanwhile, its logomark and fonts are intended to evoke associations with childhood superheroes, playing into nostalgia to steer shoppers towards making healthier snack choices.

‘In contrast to most better-for-you brands, we were inspired by classic candy brands that emphasised brand awareness, bright colours and taste appeal over health claims or nutritional callouts,’ reads a statement from Gander. ‘Candy should always be fun, so we wanted to reinforce that there's truly no compromise when you reach for a Gigantic! Bar.'

While health continues to underpin many consumers' food choices, a combination of childhood flavours and nostalgic branding is helping to promote food innovations.

Biodegradable packaging made from animal skin

Bioplastic Skin by Valdís Steinarsdóttir, Iceland Bioplastic Skin by Valdís Steinarsdóttir, Iceland
Bioplastic Skin by Valdís Steinarsdóttir, Iceland Bioplastic Skin by Valdís Steinarsdóttir, Iceland

Iceland – Material designer Valdís Steinarsdóttir hopes to reduce waste by transforming animal by-products into food packaging.

To make the Bioplastic Skin, Steinarsdóttir sources animal hides from slaughterhouses, boiling them to collect gelatine, which is then combined with bioplastic. The resulting film can then be used to safely package the same animals' meat, biodegrading over a number of weeks once discarded.

While the designer has previously made food containers from animal bones, this latest project takes a more circular and sustainable approach by using the animal in its entirety. Steinarsdóttir says her intention is not to increase demand for animal products, but 'rather use what is already there to reduce waste and experiment with disposed materials to discover their full potential’.

Packaging innovators are targeting the food industry with earth-friendly alternatives. Explore a range of greener storage solutions in Eco To Go.

Approachable aesthetics for Elon Musk’s Neuralink

US – Design agency Play has used familiar graphics and pastel tones for an update to Neuralink's visual identity.

Aiming to make the neurotechnology firm's work and ambitions easier to grasp, Play has selected phrases that are simple to understand, while drawing on influences such as old science textbooks for supporting graphics.

Combined with a specifically chosen colour palette of muted greys, pinks and blues, the aesthetic is purposefully designed to evoke feelings of calmness. The imagery highlights Neuralink’s work in neuroscience, showcasing diagrams of brains intertwined with futuristic illustrations.

‘Ultimately, our goal was to find a balance between traditional science textbooks and the seemingly limitless possibilities of the Link,’ explains Casey Martin, the agency’s founder and creative director. She adds: ‘The company is rooted in science, the brand needed to be too.’

Technology is being demystified via thoughtful design directions that communicate subjects like algorithms and AI-enabled systems in ways that consumers can understand.

Neuralink visual identity by Play, US

Stat: Domestic skiing soars among Chinese staycationers

Ufogel Ufogel

Chinese tourists are embracing local ski trips and mountain breaks in lieu of international travel, according to Dao Insights.

It reports that bookings for skiing activities have increased more than 350% since November 2020 on Chinese travel platform Ctrip. This surge in interest comes as winter sports receive an injection of funding from regional and national governments in China, following the announcement that the 2022 Winter Olympics will be held in Beijing.

While many Chinese skiing enthusiasts may have ordinarily travelled to Europe, the US or other parts of Asia for their ski trips, Covid-19 travel restrictions have forced people to stay local. As a result, The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) predicts that China’s ice and snow tourism industry will generate £330.06bn ($451.76bn, €376.87bn) in the upcoming 2021/2022 season.

With many Chinese tourists beginning to embrace post-pandemic exploration, domestic travel brands have an opportunity to generate new interest in local travel.

Previous News Articles
Volkswagen puts authenticity first in new social storytelling campaign

News

Volkswagen puts authenticity first in new social storytelling campaign

Volkswagen has launched a social-first campaign, YourVolkswagen, spotlighting the authentic stories of real owners and their enduring connection to...
Visual : Mobility : Volkswagen
Fairmont amplifies luxury with Devialet soundscapes

News

Fairmont amplifies luxury with Devialet soundscapes

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is elevating its global hospitality experience through a new partnership with French audio innovator Devialet.
Hospitality : Sound : Travel And Hospitality
Stat: Regular personal care emerges as a preventive health tool

News

Stat: Regular personal care emerges as a preventive health tool

Personal care routines are being reframed as a tool for holistic wellbeing, according to a new report from Kenvue, the parent company of brands suc...
Stat : Statistic : Beauty
Sephora and Lady Gaga reframe beauty through belonging

News

Sephora and Lady Gaga reframe beauty through belonging

Sephora has unveiled a campaign with Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, spotlighting beauty as a force for belonging and self-acceptance.
Sephora : Beauty : Inclusivity
Foresight Friday: Fiona Harkin, director of foresight

News

Foresight Friday: Fiona Harkin, director of foresight

Every Friday, the Future Laboratory team offers an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and viral moments we’re all talking about. Here...
Foresight Friday : Fragmenting Societies : Misinformation
Stat: Great wealth transfer looms for young Americans

News

Stat: Great wealth transfer looms for young Americans

A new survey from insurance agency Choice Mutual reveals that two-thirds of Americans aged 18–43 expect to receive, or have already received, an in...
Stat : Statistic : The Great Wealth Transfer
KitKat launches commuter camouflage hoodie for uninterrupted travel breaks

News

KitKat launches commuter camouflage hoodie for uninterrupted travel breaks

KitKat has released a limited-edition Commuter Camouflage hoodie that blends into the patterned seats of Australian public transport, designed to g...
Advertising : Food : Australia
Spotify becomes more social with in-app messaging update

News

Spotify becomes more social with in-app messaging update

Spotify is rolling out a new in-app messaging feature. Designed to keep sharing within its own eco-system, the tool allows users to chat one to one...
Technology : Discovery : Spotify
Stat: P.Louise live shopping breaks record on TikTok Shop

News

Stat: P.Louise live shopping breaks record on TikTok Shop

Make-up brand P.Louise has reinforced its dominance on TikTok Shop, breaking records with its Christmas Showcase Live and generating £2m ($2.7m, €2...
Beauty : Retail : TikTok
Anya Hindmarch opens Anya’s Tuckshop for back-to-school season

News

Anya Hindmarch opens Anya’s Tuckshop for back-to-school season

Fashion and accessories brand Anya Hindmarch has unveiled its latest London concept store, Anya’s Tuck Shop, transforming back-to-school rituals in...
Retail : Fashion : Nostalgia
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN