Need to Know
04 : 10 : 21

US – Alternative protein brand Geltor is elevating the communication of its biodesigned products with an updated visual identity. Capturing its motive of offering ‘ingredients as a service’, the updated branding centers around a series of vibrant 3D orbs – each detailing the unique components of ingredients used in its solutions.

These engaging visuals, by creative agency &Walsh, allow Geltor to simplify the communication of its complex process of creating solutions for beauty, nutrition, food and drinks. ‘Geltor doesn't just replicate existing proteins from nature or animals, it can improve on them to develop proteins that are more effective than what's in nature, and produce proteins that would otherwise be impossible to source,’ explains Jessica Walsh, founder of &Walsh. ‘So we dialled everything up in terms of colour, saturation and sharpness in our visuals to show this idea of the enhancements that can be made from life through biodesign.’

We’ve been tracking the evolution of Geltor – and other companies using biodesign – as part of our research into Nature+ Beauty.

US – With conventional hardware often failing to serve the needs disabled communities, the technology giant is stepping up and providing a range of accessible computer add-ons. Its Surface Adaptive Kit features stick-on devices that aid people in opening their laptop screens and tactile labels for identifying keys, among other items.

To create the add-ons, Microsoft worked with people with a range of disabilities to assess the barriers they were facing with existing products. The products can be added to any laptop, offering an instant solution for people currently needing additional hardware support. This initiative also shows how Microsoft is continuing to take steps to create more accessible devices – something that it has also implemented in the gaming sector.

While this kit provides a quick solution for other technology brands to learn from, there is still an ongoing need for innovations that provide an inclusivity update to everyday technology.

Traditionally, conversations about money often make people feel uncomfortable. But a recent study from Mastercard shows that younger generations are breaking away from this mindset and pioneering an open attitude to financial transparency.

The research reveals that fewer than a quarter (24%) of 16–24-year-olds in the UK feel uncomfortable talking about money. This compares to one third (34%) of those aged 45 and over. More generally, almost one third (30%) of UK adults admitted that conversations about money make them feel the most uncomfortable compared to other topics such as relationships (23%), politics (21%) and their health (18%).

These findings indicate positive financial behaviours among Generation Z, with many set to use their money-savvy mindsets to work towards making large purchases like investing in property. Already, we’ve identified the fintech brands that are supporting younger generations to manage their money and become first-time home-buyers.