The design lesson in Scrabble's controversial evolution

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?? ‘Cooperative Scrabble’ won’t ruin the game – the real threat would be Scrabble: the movie

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In an era allured by nostalgia, classic brands and experiences are being reimagined. Scrabble Together reflects our society's shift towards a more collaborative and accessible form of engagement.

By introducing a cooperative mode, Mattel demonstrates that innovation isn’t always about abandoning tradition but embracing inclusivity and evolution. This evolution reflects a broader trend in design and branding where adaptation and inclusivity become the bedrock of engaging with a new generation of consumers.

It’s a bold move that respects the game’s heritage while opening a new chapter that attempts to resonate with today’s diverse audience.

– Pardis Shafafi , Global Responsible Business Lead at Designit

?? How should I be using AI right now??

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Engaging with generative AI is more about asking the right questions than having all the answers. This discussion between Ezra Klein and Ethan Mollick touches on essential questions we should all be thinking about: How do we prompt engineer AI effectively? What are its most valuable uses today, despite its limitations???

It's not about pitting AI against human expertise but embracing the experimentation phase, recognising its potential to become even more effective at solving our problems as time goes on. This conversation is a reminder that the journey with AI is as much about creative exploration as it is about the destination.

–? Jonathan Kahan , Strategic Design Director at Designit

?? How a sustainable book design choice resonates with Gen Z

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HarperCollins's recent adjustment to its book design philosophy is not just an environmental win, it's a resonant message to a new generation of readers.

This design shift goes beyond saving trees – it aligns HarperCollins with the burgeoning values of Gen Z, a demographic that places a high importance on sustainability. Adaptability in design can lead to positive outcomes not just for our planet but also for a brand's relevance in today's evolving market.

– Zoe Bishop , Chief Marketing Officer at Designit

?? A reality check from Amazon's checkout-free experiment?

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Amazon's pivot away from 'Just Walk Out' technology in favor of 'Dash Carts' is a stark illustration of the gap between autonomous AI and the reality of its implementation.

The decision underscores a critical UX lesson and a broader reminder to the tech industry. Behind the seamless experience promised by AI lies a surprisingly labor-intensive reality, often at odds with the narrative of self-sufficiency and reduced human input.

The tech industry must navigate these challenges thoughtfully to ensure that innovations enhance the user experience without overlooking the human elements and necessary behaviour changes essential to their success.

–? Niklas Skovholt Mortensen , Chief Design Officer at Designit

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