Need to Know
15 : 02 : 22

Sweden – As part of its campaign to recruit fresh technology talent, the Swedish retailer is challenging candidates with 3D printing its iconic meatballs.

To inspire potential candidates to think outside of the box, the retailer has launched the Taste The Future campaign, including a short film that encourages applicants to think outside the box when it comes to plant-based food solutions. The recruitment drive shows that the brand is ramping up its efforts to disrupt the eco-friendly food and drink category in the coming years.

‘We’re looking for down-to-earth data scientists, future architects, cyber-guardians, unboxed engineers and common sense-makers. People who want to co-create a better everyday life at home for the many with thin wallets,’ explains Karen Rivoire, employer brand leader at Ikea.

A playful take on the traditionally dry hiring process, the recruitment push also acts as an advertising campaign for the company’s principles. Empowering employees to break from convention, Ikea is showcasing how brands are Reworking the Workplace.

Brent Cross – The London district has unveiled an eye-catching wayfinding project that guides people from the tube station to the Brent Cross Town development. Designed to echo the net zero pledges of the new London development, the bendy yellow signs show cyclists and walkers how many minutes are left in their eco-friendly journey.

Created by design studio Fieldwork Facility, the project intentionally avoids the conventional designs associated with signposts, instead creating intrigue with snake-like signs that appear wrapped around lamp posts and growing out of kerbside grass. By doing this, the wayfinding demonstrates how practical and informative urban elements can be created to complement the intended values of particular areas. As Robin Howie, founder of Fieldwork Facility, notes: the project aims to ‘capture the spirit of play and bring a little bit of joy to the neighbourhood’.

While we’ve previously explored the Positive Barriers put in place to aid health and safety during the pandemic, this project shows the evolution of wayfinding for long-term tourism and placemaking purposes.

Streaming service Netflix is experiencing a decline in youth viewership in the UK, while older audiences show more interest in its content. According to a report from Enders Analysis, in 2021, all age brackets under the age of 55 watched less Netflix than in 2020.

Meanwhile, between 2019 and 2021, the amount of Netflix watched per day by over-65s doubled from less than five minutes to about 10 minutes. Similarly, 55–64-year-old viewing increased to 15 minutes per day. These figures indicate new opportunities for Netflix to explore ways of courting older consumers through more diverse content that appeals to their tastes, rather than focusing its efforts on Gen Z.

To tap into this group, streaming services can take inspiration from the humble medium of radio. Despite being a traditional entertainment channel, the sector has been able to successfully diversify in recent years – leaning into strategies such as localising content or using strategies to boost relaxation.