4 things a week: politics and innovation

1. World

Did it feel different, waking up to a new government? I suspect many of you will say no. But given the, perhaps more alarming, recent election results in the EU and (let’s be honest seemingly inevitable) impending changes in U.S politics, business as usual isn’t that bad.?

However I know that there will be others elated at the news and more hopeful for the future. We need to capitalise on this opportunity for a fresh start, put our citizenship hats on and reach out to others to help accelerate the changes so much of the country needs right now.?

Whilst I’m not expecting any great shift in my own industry, I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings. It’s empowering to see so many women take seats in parliament and to have a female chancellor of the exchequer who has a track record of acknowledging and supporting women in low-paid and part-time jobs. Yes there is something work to do in terms of Labour’s approach to Palestine and the horrifically watered down climate pledges, but I’m hopeful for this new start in British politics. Perhaps they can start by capping my ground rent.

For a more detailed breakdown of the ways in which Labours move on No.10 may impact the design and tech industries… check out my colleague Andy's post.

2. Innovation.

I attended a PENTAWARDS Meets event on Thursday night and the panel discussion brought up something that I also noticed both judging D&AD and attending design shows this year… innovation seems to have dropped off a cliff. Incremental improvements yes, but true innovation just isn’t there, particularly when it comes to developing more sustainable solutions.

Yes, innovation costs and when every company is feeling the pinch when the economy is weak, taking big risks in developing ground up product and packaging doesn’t seem quite so appealing. But Mark Buckley from Ellen MacCarthur Foundation raised an important point about the cost of not doing anything at all. Aside from legislation and taxes and the obvious cost to the environment, as customers seek more sustainable solutions, there is a risk that those not acting in this space get left behind.

Design and innovation is vital for keeping brands relevant. Ok it doesn’t always work, that’s the risk with pushing boundaries, but when it does it can shift both markets and consumer behaviour. Yes, I am praying the economy picks up, but let’s not let innovation take a back seat for another year while we sit around waiting for that to happen.

3. Morrama

We’ve just had our 9th birthday at Morrama | Certified B Corp ??. Founders often compare their businesses to children. I certainly have in the past. So by that analogy, my first child is now 9. Walking, talking, opinionated and stubborn.

Having put the vast majority of my 20s into building the team and Morrama’s reputation, I have certainly learnt the value of experience. Yet with that knowledge, it’s so easy as you get older to disregard the naivety of youth. Experience is important. I’m not sure i’d want a 21 year old carrying out the structural engineering on my house, but I might be curious to have their input on aspects of the design. When it comes to design, passion and attention to detail go a very long way and there is an energy in those just starting their career that can’t be ignored.?

Im proud to have put together an exceptional team. We are still a young team, excited to learn, curious about the world. Inexperienced in many areas, but experienced at being inexperienced. We know where are knowledge gaps are on a project and how to fill them. In fact I was doing a clear out of the filing cabinet (metaphorical, not literal, I’m 33 not 53) and came across a motto (if you can call it that) that we wrote 8 years ago.

We are open to ideas, change is good.

It’s we, not me. Be mindful.

If we don’t know, we find out and we learn.

Morrama’s design is both innovative and useful.

Our design is honest and understandable.

Ok, you could argue this should be true of any good collaborative team, but it’s words I've built Morrama on and almost a decade later still work to live up to.?

4. Inspiration

I asked the team to share what has caught their eye this week and if you could sum up the stereotypical ID agency in four products… ??

a) Nothing CMF phone

b) FREITAG 's shoppers made from old airbags.

c) no normal coffee in a tube ??

d) Sonos, Inc. Ace headphones. [Although I almost removed this after a friend shared a screenshot of the Sonos site encouraging customers to buy TWO pairs, one for home and one for on the go. I mean WTF, who needs two pairs? What a ridiculous way to unnecessarily double your carbon footprint!]

Want this content and more direct to your inbox, you can sign up here.

P.s. Just incase you got to the end of this and aren't sure who I am, I'm:

• an industrial designer (I design and engineer physical objects)
• founder of Morrama | Certified B Corp
• former tutor of Design Futures at the Royal College of Art
• co-instigator of Design Declares