PSFK Weekly
Creativity, trends & futures. First published Monday, November 18.
This week’s insights spotlight a blend of innovation, culture, and sustainability shaping our world. From Samurai-inspired design and modular EVs to immersive artistic collaborations powered by AI, these stories reveal how creativity and technology converge to redefine industries and experiences. Explore how businesses are innovating retail, supporting diversity, and leveraging AI for sustainability—all while fostering a deeper connection to heritage and the environment.
And before we start, to remind you of 2 things:
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Piers Fawkes and the PSFK team can help your organization find real and original opportunity in this ocean of ideas. DM him via piers@psfk.com
This Week’s Videos
Piers released not 1 but 2 videos this week which allowed us to mess around with pics of his big head using graphic templates on Canva - and learn about event marketing & new business opportunities for agencies, start-ups and tech firms:
New Vendor Opportunities based on buyer-intent signals in earnings calls:
Flooding the Channels of event content - How and Why:
and if you want to attend the next recording of this on Monday, Nov 25 - RSVP here
This Week’s Key Ideas
Samurai-Inspired Backpack
Japanese craftsman Noriki Okada creates a Samurai-inspired backpack, blending traditional artistry with modern design for a statement piece in functional fashion. Learn More
OP-XY Groovebox by Teenage Engineering
A cutting-edge groovebox featuring synth capabilities, a gyroscope, and Bluetooth MIDI, packed into a sleek matte black design for modern music producers.
Learn More
Reimagined Walkman
A designer transforms a Sony Walkman into a functional storage unit and cassette player, blending nostalgia with modern innovation. Learn More
Revitalizing Rural Spaces
The ‘Rural Rebellion’ exhibition in Berlin highlights sustainable, community-centered architecture as a counterpoint to urban dominance. Learn More
Past Meets Future
Mercedes-Benz and Moncler collaborate on “Project G-Class Past II Future,” inspired by designer NIGO, to showcase innovation through a timeless lens. Learn More
Modular EV Camper Van
Kia’s EV PV5 WKNDR concept van combines modular interiors, solar panels, and a hydro turbine wheel, perfect for off-grid adventures. Learn More
Wild Murals in NYC Subways
Fred Tomaselli brings bursts of color and nature to NYC subway stations with vibrant mosaic murals that elevate public spaces. Learn More
Mutated IKEA Furniture
YET Architecture’s Parasite project upcycles IKEA furniture with 3D-printed designs, showcasing the blend of sustainability and personalization. Learn More
House Music in Chicago
Brendan Fernandes celebrates African heritage on American culture with a vibrant house music installation featuring projections and animated dancers at THE MART. Learn More
Vivif Lake Retreat
Wiki World's Oasis green cabin offers a serene retreat on a Chinese islet, featuring sustainable design and an immersive natural experience. Learn More
AI-Powered Choirs
Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst explore collective creativity with AI and 15 UK choirs, creating innovative compositions beyond human capability. Learn More
A Mushroom Castle in Shenzhen
The Xinrui Art Museum’s mushroom-inspired building offers a blend of modern and retro art experiences, immersing visitors in creative wonder. Learn More
Next Week’s Webinar
More Links of Inspiration
Technology and Innovation
AI in Wearables: Baidu's Xiaodu AI Glasses, powered by a Chinese large language model, offer innovative features like first-person photography and real-time Q&A. Learn More
Generative AI in Packaging: The packaging industry explores generative AI for innovation, improving processes, and optimizing supply chains. Learn More
AI-Driven Shopping: Airbnb's AI feature organizes host photos by category, streamlining the listing process and improving user experience. Learn More
Amazon's Experimental Glasses: Amazon is testing driver eyeglasses to optimize delivery efficiency with heads-up navigation and real-time data. Learn More
Sustainability and Social Impact
Cryonics Subscription Service: Berlin-based Tomorrow Biostasis offers a €50/month cryonics service for individuals seeking future revival through cutting-edge preservation. Learn More
Tilos Island Recycling Initiative: Tilos, Greece, implements a recycling program eliminating trash bins to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. Learn More
KFC China Rethinkis Menus: Yum China's CEO observes KFC and Taco Bell customers to develop innovative menu items like the mashed potato chicken sandwich. Learn More
Culture and Entertainment
Immersive Gladiator Experience: Airbnb offers a unique Colosseum event in Rome, complete with historical tours and gladiator training. Learn More
Fred Tomaselli Subway Murals: Vibrant mosaic murals by Fred Tomaselli bring natural beauty and artistic flair to NYC subway stations. Learn More
Jameson’s Distilled Sounds: Jameson collaborates with musicians to create new music at its Distilled Sounds events, celebrating creative partnerships. Learn More
Johnnie Walker's initiative supports Black women artists through mentorship, bursaries, and performance opportunities, fostering diversity and inclusivity in the arts. Learn More
Business and Retail Trends
Nordstrom's Holiday Innovation: Nordstrom revamps its NYC store and mobile app for a seamless shopping experience, blending physical and digital retail. Learn More
Lowe’s Small Business Fund: Lowe’s allocates $2.5 million to support small businesses in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. Learn More
Amazon's New Discount Platform: Amazon’s “Haul” introduces low-priced items, competing with Temu and Shein in the discount shopping space. Learn More
Technology and Data
Meta’s Ad Opt-Out in EU: Meta now allows European users to opt out of personalized ads, reflecting increasing demand for transparency and privacy. Learn More
Spotify Expands Video Features: Spotify introduces ad-free videos and monetization for creators, challenging YouTube’s dominance in the space. Learn More
Perplexity’s Ad Model: Search engine Perplexity experiments with transparent ads that prioritize user trust and unbiased results. Learn More
Innovation in Food and Beverage
Rao’s Goes National: Campbell’s increases visibility for Rao’s through live sports sponsorships, targeting a national audience. Learn More
Cava’s Gen Z Appeal: Cava taps into Gen Z’s adventurous taste by offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes, achieving consistent growth. Learn More
Walmart’s Healthier Grocery Options: Walmart introduces a “Modern Soda” section and expands better-for-you product offerings to attract health-conscious consumers. Learn More
Art and Culture
Magdalene Odundo Retrospective: A London exhibition highlights the life-like ceramic vessels of Magdalene Odundo, celebrating her career after 20 years. Learn More
Elsewhere Fragrances Design: AWP’s visual and typographic project for Elsewhere Fragrances enlivens the brand experience by connecting sense memory with graphic design. Learn More
Emerging AI and Automation
AI for Climate Change: A report suggests AI could reduce global emissions by 15%, urging companies to adopt the technology for sustainable practices. Learn More
Airbnb’s AI in Search: Airbnb shifts from heuristic methods to machine learning to improve search results and user experience. Learn More
McKinsey on AI for Packaging: Generative AI offers potential for innovation and optimization in the packaging and paper industry. Learn More
Social and Environmental Impact
Microplastics in Health: Scientists investigate the impact of microplastics on human health and ecosystems, calling for urgent action. Learn More
Kimchi Festival in London: The Kimchi Festival celebrates the health benefits and bold flavors of Korea’s national dish. Learn More
Diversity in the Economy: John Hope Bryant emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion to strengthen the U.S. economy and drive innovation. Learn More
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