PSFK Weekly
Creativity, trends & futures
This week’s newsletter explores how innovative design, cultural awareness, and sustainable practices are shaping diverse industries—from art installations and architecture to automotive design and music education. By examining impactful collaborations and technological advancements, we reveal how brands and creators are pushing boundaries to redefine public spaces, advocate for social causes, and blend tradition with modernity.
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This Week’s Key Ideas
KAPITZA reframes public infrastucture
Design duo KAPITZA transformed a public structure in Backnang, Germany, with vibrant geometric artwork. Using 3D visualization techniques, the installation turned a flood pump station into a dynamic, colorful landmark, enhancing community engagement and aesthetics. Learn More
Akihito Okunaka's Immersive Balloon Sculpture
A sensory-focused sculpture at Shinagawa's WHAT MUSEUM invites visitors to sit, lie down, and interact, encouraging a deeper connection with art and one another. Learn More
The RealReal & Mythology’s Counterfeit Awareness Installation
A New York installation by Mythology and The RealReal highlights the impact of counterfeit luxury goods on people and the environment, promoting sustainable consumption. Learn More
Lee Bul’s Contemporary Life Sculptures at The Met
Sponsored by Genesis, The Met’s commission by Lee Bul features sculptures exploring the fragmented nature of modern life and technology, inviting reflection on identity and society. Learn More
IKEA’s Awareness Campaign on Homelessness
IKEA’s UK store displays simulate the homes of children living in temporary accommodations, raising awareness about homelessness and inspiring social change. Learn More
Circular 3D-Printed Structures
Expo 2025 in Osaka will feature temporary 3D printed structures that transform into a forest post-event, emphasizing sustainability and environmental awareness. Learn More
Vitra’s First Skincare Product Reflects Campus Values
Inspired by the scents of the Vitra Campus garden, Vitra’s new liquid soap aligns with their sustainability values and innovative spirit. Learn More
Chevrolet & Erewhon’s Juiced Collaboration
Chevrolet and Erewhon collaborate on an experiential campaign promoting sustainability, offering a limited edition “Electric Juice” drink and test drives of the Equinox EV. Learn More
Made to Order Booze
Sylva Labs uses ultrasonic technology to infuse liquids with flavors from spent wood, creating unique taste profiles and promoting sustainable practices in beverage production. Learn More
Computer Vision Gadget Redefines Music Education
ROLI’s Airwave leverages infrared cameras to track finger movements, teaching piano through a digital interface and creating unique sounds like a Theremin. Learn More
Yves Béhar’s AI-Powered Kind Humanoid Robot
Designed by Yves Béhar and Fuseproject, the Kind Humanoid is an AI-driven robot with a friendly face that performs various physical tasks, setting new standards in robotics. Learn More
Google Japan’s Double-Sided Gboard
Google Japan’s unique Gboard features a double-sided design for two people to type or code simultaneously, offering a playful and collaborative tech experience. Learn More
Lotus’s Theory 1 Concept Car
The Lotus Theory 1 is a design manifesto that incorporates immersive tech, robotic seats, and a reimagined door system, signaling a new direction for automotive design. Learn More
Sound Geometry’s Floating Magnetic Sculpture
Sound Geometry's new sculpture, suspended by magnetic levitation, offers an interactive experience that blends art, sound, and vibration. The installation explores the possibilities of floating structures and the sensory effects of sound in space. Learn More
Maison Polita’s Moroccan Craftsmanship
Maison Polita showcases Moroccan craftsmanship with a contemporary red clay decorative piece. The design highlights the beauty of handmade imperfections, bringing traditional techniques into modern decor. Learn More
Pearl Primus Clay Sculpture
A textile and clay installation inspired by dancer and choreographer Pearl Primus explores the themes of movement and gravity. Sculptures appear to defy gravity, representing the strength and resilience of women. Learn More
More Links of Inspiration
argues that AI is going to change the world because of how we can now comprehend the world and react to it. Learn MoreH&M is leveraging music-focused marketing strategies, including artist partnerships and music events, to connect with consumers through cultural influence. Learn More
Grindr is testing an AI 'wingman' tool to help users navigate interactions and suggest conversation starters, making dating experiences smoother and more engaging. Learn More
Coty's 120th anniversary in Paris featured an immersive fragrance event, showcasing the brand’s innovation and legacy as a disruptor in the beauty industry. Learn More
A study by
explores Victoria’s Secret struggle to maintain relevance due to its resistance to changing contemporary values, highlighting the need for inclusivity and representation in fashion. Learn MoreUber introduces an AI assistant using OpenAI's GPT-4 to encourage electric vehicle adoption among its drivers. Learn More
WPP partners with Roblox to form an advisory council, setting new measurement standards and enhancing marketing expertise within the gaming platform. Learn More
Adobe’s Content Authenticity app offers a tool for creators to protect their work and ensure proper attribution, addressing the industry’s need for reliable content verification. Learn More
Nike’s playful “What the Duck” footwear collaboration with the University of Oregon brings humor and brand alignment through unique design elements inspired by the university’s mascot. Learn More
Sam’s Club leverages Scan & Go technology in a new store format without traditional checkout lines, reflecting its commitment to innovation and customer convenience. Learn More
Instacart’s Caper Cart introduces gamification to the shopping experience, using game-like features to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Learn More
Diageo focuses on sustainability by improving its packaging through recyclable and reusable materials to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Learn More
Nespresso pilots a ready-to-drink coffee product in the U.S. to explore expansion in the rapidly growing RTD coffee market. Learn More
Environmental agencies urge Britons to recycle old tech and cables to address the potential copper shortage and reduce electronic waste. Learn More
Burberry’s ad campaign focuses on British heritage and strong characters to blend tradition with modernity, showcasing the brand’s enduring legacy. Learn More
Paris Hilton’s new handbag line for Walmart reflects the power of celebrity endorsements in creating accessible luxury products. Learn More
Netflix’s pop-up shop in London offers memorabilia from popular shows, engaging fans with exclusive and unique experiences. Learn More
Moncler’s ‘City of Genius’ event in Shanghai, will feature collaborations with Nigo and A$AP Rocky, showcasing the brand’s commitment to merging creativity and luxury. Learn More
Major League Soccer partners with OneFootball to distribute match content globally, increasing fan engagement outside North America. Learn More
Toyota considers discontinuing internal combustion engine vehicles for the U.S. market, reflecting the industry’s shift towards electrification and sustainability. Learn More
Chevrolet’s collaboration with Erewhon promotes the Equinox EV through a unique “Electric Juice” product, merging automotive innovation with wellness marketing. Learn More
Lavazza’s “Tales of Italy” collection takes coffee drinkers on a journey through Italy with blends inspired by iconic Italian cities, celebrating its heritage. Learn More
J.M. Smucker aims to expand its popular Uncrustables product line, projecting it will reach a billion-dollar valuation in two years. Learn More
Harlem Shake celebrates SpongeBob SquarePants' 25th anniversary by serving a special Krabby Patty burger, bringing a beloved cartoon food to life. Learn More
KG Motors has launched the Mibot, an ultra-compact, single-seater electric vehicle designed for city dwellers, priced at one million yen (£5,000). This innovative EV blurs the lines between cars and scooters, offering a unique urban driving experience. Learn More
Unilever is tripling its ad investment in the gaming sector to engage younger audiences and explore new marketing avenues, as the brand leverages the booming gaming market for brand partnerships. Learn More
Madewell collaborates with Reluxe to launch a collection of 550 pre-owned designer garments, available through trunk shows and online, emphasizing sustainable fashion. Learn More
Former soccer player Patrice Evra has launched PLAYER, an app designed to connect soccer players with new opportunities and aid career development. Endorsed by Kylian Mbappé, the app targets players overlooked by traditional academies. Learn More
The Financial Times looks at the growth of the Tractor Supply Company and how it caters to hobby farmers and small ranchers, focusing on rural lifestyles to drive growth and foster customer loyalty. Learn More
Sam’s Club is opening a new store format without cashiers, utilizing app-based shopping systems for a streamlined, cashier-free experience. Learn More
Paris Hilton’s new handbag line for Walmart brings a touch of affordable luxury to the retailer, demonstrating the impact of celebrity collaborations on fashion. Learn More
Laura Francois thinks awe can change the world. Learn More
PSFK activates Eventmind at Advertising week. Learn More
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