How the EU’s AI act is helping to shape and protect our online dignity
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?? EU puts out guidance on uses of AI that are banned under its AI Act
The EU’s AI Act is a vital step towards protecting human dignity, privacy, and autonomy in a world where AI can shape our choices and erode our freedoms.
Privacy isn’t just a right - it’s essential to our wellbeing. By banning harmful AI practices like social scoring and subliminal manipulation, by taking away the biases and profiling that AI can entail, this law signals a much-needed shift toward ethical technology. Our own Do No Harm framework was built on similar foundations.
But the true impact depends on strong enforcement and continuous evolution to stay ahead of emerging risks. This is just the beginning of a movement to ensure AI empowers rather than exploits, reinforcing digital human rights as the foundation of a fairer future. The challenge now is making AI work for us - enhancing productivity, not fueling anxiety.
Cecilia E. , Senior Global Marketing Manager at Designit
?? Itsu’s self-service lesson for retailers on what robots do best
The integration of technology in retail comes into its own when it enhances customer experience and improves efficiency. Well-designed self-service tills, like the digital kiosks at Itsu and McDonald's, streamline ordering while allowing staff to focus on table service where human interaction adds real value.
Similarly, Zara’s self-checkout, integrated via QR codes, simplifies transactions, while its robotic pick-up points for online orders improve efficiency without compromising service.
Human interaction remains essential in retail and hospitality, but there needs to be balance. By automating lower-value tasks, businesses can free staff to focus on higher-value tasks like personalised service, expert advice, and a better overall experience.
Javier Velo , Senior Designer at Designit
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??Barnes & Noble will open 60 new bookstores in 2025, breaking last year’s record as bookstore revival ramps up
Books are back! Barnes and Noble is set to open 60 new bookstores this year - more than in the past 15 years combined.? It feels like only yesterday we were talking about the demise of bricks and mortar due to digital solutions offering a faster, cheaper and more convenient alternative, especially for books thanks to players like Amazon.
Now “digital fatigue” - a pushback against constant screen exposure - is driving a shift back to physical spaces and the rise of ‘third places’ - gathering spots outside of work and home where people can be around other people or meet friends, like coffee shops, bars, and gyms. Perhaps driven by social media wary Gen Z, there is a want for connection and community.
With its mix of books and coffee shop culture, Barnes & Noble could be the perfect third place for a generation craving real-world connection. Retailers now have a chance to rethink physical spaces - building places people want to linger in, not just shop.
Zoe Bishop , Chief Marketing Officer at Designit
????Switzerland’s Environmental Responsibility Initiative
For the first time, a nation will vote on whether to regulate its economy within biophysical limits.
The Environmental Responsibility Initiative proposes an amendment to the Swiss Federal Constitution. The idea? To limit economic activities to the biocapacity of ecosystems and the 'renewal capacities' of nature.
It’s not being universally popular though - The Federal Council and Parliament fear the initiative will weaken Switzerland's economic position. However, this renunciation can also be seen as a transition to a more resilient economy, less dependent on external resources and more respectful of the environment.
Moments like this highlight just how far sustainability has moved up the political agenda - which can only be seen as a good thing.
Elphège Barthe , Senior Designer at Designit
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