Designing the Future: Magnetic Circle

In this month’s edition of Magnetic Circle: our crowd sourced blog, we’re looking at design for the future. Some of the most compelling and interesting examples of companies pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with their innovative products and services. From groundbreaking medical devices to cutting-edge sustainable solutions, these companies and individuals are not only meeting the needs of their customers but also making a positive impact in the world.

Join us to explore our carefully selected list of innovative and inspiring product and service design work shaping the future of their industries and elevating purpose.

Here are our learnings. Join the circle.

• Dutch supermarket giant, Jumbo introduced ‘slow lanes’ for lonely seniors who want to have a chat. It’s part of a wider initiative called One Against Loneliness, launched by the Dutch government to tackle growing loneliness amongst over 75’s. The response was so positive that the company made plans to create 200 of these lanes across the country. [link] Credit: Pete
• CountThings is a very successful app that counts things. It costs $120/month. The templates page shows the things people pay to count. [link via Tom’s 52 Things]
• Robots powered by Artificial Intelligence are showing up at assisted living homes. Elderly companion ElliQ can do everything from keeping the elderly company to reminding them to take their medication at the right time. [link] Credit: Darlene
• Uganda’s textile industry is being undermined by imports of secondhand clothes. Buzigahill takes imported second hand clothes and up-cycles them before redistributing them to Uganda. [link] Credit: Dean
• In a bid to avoid excess plastic waste, confectionery brand Mars Wrigley is switching to paper packaging, with the transition starting this year. [link] Credit: Jassi
• UK-based startup Joipaw is currently developing a series of video games for dogs, to be played on a saliva-resistant touch screen console. [link] Credit: Paul
• 70% of Gen Z viewers tend to watch videos with subtitles, which is why a team at Netflix worked extra hard on the subtitles for Stranger Things. [Matt Zajechowski] (This year Magnetic spent a long time listening to Gen Z talk about the future of TV for Channel 4). [link via Tom’s 52 Things]
• McCain enters the metaverse to educate consumers on regenerative agriculture. The world’s largest potato producer has teamed up with Bored & Hungry to bring a free-to-play game, Farms of the Future, to Roblox. The game allows players to virtually grow potatoes using regenerative methods — rewarding them for behaviour that’s good for the climate. [link] Credit: Maria
• Health and wellness wearables are predicted to transform healthcare for millions of patients, enabling them to avoid many serious health conditions and better diagnose and manage a range of chronic illnesses. [link] Credit: Zunaid
• ManyPets have developed a Carbon Pawprint calculator to highlight the environmental impact our pets have. [link] Credit: Jon
• Using imperfect produce to eliminate food waste. Plant-based candy, FAVES, turns unwanted produce into chewy, fruity candies made of 96% fruits and vegetables. [link] Credit: Laura
• PlasticFree is a platform for designers, by designers — providing details of innovative plastic-free materials and system solutions. Consisting of over 100 plastic free alternatives which can be categorised by their properties and used to inform design and business decisions. [link] Credit: David
• YourTable connects people to dating and friendships by bringing together people with similar interests through food and work industries. [link] Credit: Darlene
• AI and Augmented reality come together: Lauren Cason created a proof of concept for the use of augmented reality cooking and baking, using the Next Generation Spectacles. [link] Credit: Prudence

Join the circle and access the latest on design and innovation at work.

Curator: Darlene Kijemba

Magnetic is a design and innovation company that helps design better futures. We’ve worked with global businesses to build capabilities, products, services and transform organisations. To find out more, get in touch: hello@wearemagnetic.com.