Raunak Saun’s Post

I had the pleasure of visiting Flokk´s Design Council with the eminent designers Andreas Engesvik, Christophe Guberan, and Clara Von Zweibergk. We tried to map out our takes and understanding of the trends, materials, and designmethods shaping consumer behavior today and in the future. I talked about my passions for subcultures, emerging platforms, new technology, social content, pop culture, and brands. I demonstrated insights to create a compelling story about how to earn trust and engage consumers as a brand in 2024. 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨: 𝙏𝙇;𝘿𝙍 ❑ Mainstream pop culture is over. Its time to think niche and tap into the subcultures and use smaller social platforms if you want to reach a broad audience today. ❑ Stop testing things and start following your fingerspizgefühl™️. Testing is the reasons why all branding looks the same and no-one paying attention to your really really boring, generic content. ❑ Brands look more like each other because art directors and designers are more likely to draw inspiration from the same vast online sources. It´s called the moodboard effect. ❑ Stop hitting wide and start build small communities that shapes your overall broad audience. ❑ Focus on creating simple pleasures and aesthetic experiences for the neo-hedonists. ❑ In the battle for attention, you must invest in talents with good intuition and hunger to make a change. ❑ Remember that Mr. Beast is seen by 10% of the world's population and he's just doing his thing (; Thanks a lot for this great day and for all the grateful conversations. Inspiring to see how Flokk work with manufacturing chairs and seating in Europe with the aim to inspire great work. I highly recommend the Capisco Chair for those of you who need a new way to sit(;

I don't know if I'm going to regret this post, and feel free to shoot me down here, but I found myself wondering recently - where have all the icons gone? In the early 2000’s I entered the design industry at a really interesting moment and when I think about the landscape at that time, literally everyone in the industry knew who Sagmeister was. Or Carson. Or Scher. You couldn’t escape those big names. Then, rhythmically, along came new ones. Alex Trochut. Jessica Hische. Tim Goodman. Jessica Walsh. They were designers whose work didn't just get noticed — it shaped the whole industry for a moment, wielding outsized influence. For a second I was lucky enough to have a taste of that myself: in 2012 I recall there were only 2 months of the year that my work wasn’t featured in one magazine or another. Getting flown around to this conference or that university… It was exhilarating, and I'm grateful for that time. And it felt inevitable that new names would emerge to claim the headlines and the covers and the commissions. Design thrives on renewal, on cycles, on the next generation and on fresh perspectives. And there was always that sense of excitement about who or what was coming next. But lately, doesn't it feel like the emergence of the next big name has stalled...? Don’t get me wrong. There are definitely studios and individuals I can point to as creating work that I enjoy and respect — Studio Feixen; Matt Willey; Christopher Doyle — great designers all. But I personally feel like I haven’t seen an individual cut through and pursue a new (and commercially successful) aesthetic in that same way in almost a decade. So why is that? Why aren’t these figures emerging to capture our collective imagination and make us all jealous…? Maybe the industry has shifted. The design press certainly isn’t what it was. It is harder to get noticed now for sure. Maybe we look to the education system - are students being taught how to stand out or how to get a job? Or perhaps we’ve moved from a focus on creative innovation to an era of safe, repeatable aesthetics — design that looks consistent and slick across every digital platform, but which doesn’t push any boundaries or really get anyone excited. Perhaps the idea of being the name just doesn’t hold the same allure anymore? Maybe everyone’s content with going in-house, or being part of a team - playing a different game. Equally, maybe it's just too hard to cut through as the individual now. Whatever it is, I can’t help but feel like we’re missing something and there's a certain sense of just 'maintaining' about the industry. There was an electricity to seeing someone new break through. Not for the sake of it, understand, but in furtherance of the industry. Raising the bar for everyone. So help me out, by all means. Where are the icons of tomorrow? Or has the idea of an "icon" in design changed forever? CW - #design #graphicdesign #icons #designthoughts #designstudios #press #designpress #designicons

After I commented my optimism on this post, I scrolled through other comments to find that a lot of older designers are complaining about the Instagram algorithm and how "the human string is now dead" in the realm of design. What? If anything, a lack of new "icons" is an indication of an exciting age for design and creativity. I follow over 200 different people on my design-focused Instagram account. Not because the algorithm told me to, but because they each have a unique approach to solving problems and expressing creative ideas. Each person brings a new "human string" to the spider web of graphic design that, in the past, would've been dominated by a few select people (that most likely lived in NYC mind you). We get to watch new faces blow up overnight from corners of the world that wouldn't have gotten the chance at recognition if we lived in a pre-digital era. Designers nowadays have the opportunity to showcase themselves to the public through social media, giving local businesses a wider pool of talent to choose from. This not only fosters a strong community voice but can also save business owners money, especially when hiring a freelancer or a small agency. To me, that is the best possible outcome.

HOW I APPROACH DESIGN CHALLENGES Empathy in Design: Beyond Aesthetics to Real-World Impact As I navigate the intricate design process, I carry with me a profound awareness: each project is more than just a task; it's a dream being entrusted to me. It's a vision that someone has nurtured, a venture that stands to put food on the table for a family or even many families. This realization is a guiding light in my work, ensuring that my designs do more than captivate the eye—they must resonate on a human level, supporting dreams and sustaining livelihoods. The Weight of Dreams: Designing with Purpose Understanding the weight of each project's representation adds a layer of responsibility to my approach. It's not merely about fulfilling a brief or meeting aesthetic goals; it's about honoring the trust placed in me to contribute to someone's dream. This perspective shapes every decision, from the choice of colors to the tone of the content, ensuring that each element is aligned with the broader goal of supporting and elevating the client's vision. Sustaining Livelihoods: A Ripple Effect The impact of a well-executed design project extends far beyond the immediate visual or brand enhancement. It's about creating a ripple effect to bolster a business, support families, and enrich communities. This awareness drives me to push boundaries to think deeply about how design can not only attract but also retain and engage, turning viewers into supporters and customers into advocates. A Holistic Approach: Nurturing Dreams and Realities Incorporating this deep-seated empathy into my holistic approach means that every aspect of the design—from the overarching strategy to the minutest detail—is infused with a sense of purpose. It's about creating a cohesive brand experience that tells a story that supports the realization of dreams and sustains livelihoods. This is the heart of my design philosophy: to craft experiences that are not only visually stunning but also profoundly impactful. In Conclusion: The True Essence of Design Reflecting on my approach to design challenges, I'm reminded that every project's core is a dream, hope, and livelihood. This realization fuels my passion and guides my hand, ensuring that each design meets and exceeds expectations, supporting the dreams and realities of those I work with. It's a journey transcending the visual, touching lives, and making a tangible difference—one design at a time. xx, DEANNA B. 💓 deannaburks.com

I often see that companies require the applicants of design jobs to be up to date on current design or industry trends. This is always something that has kind of flummoxed me, I follow a bunch of designers and agencies on here and other social sites so I have an idea about what people are producing but I’ve always thought trends and ‘of the moment’ styles should be taken with a pinch of salt as they can date a design in the long run. What are your thoughts? How do you stay up to date with what’s happening in our world? Do design trends really matter or are they something that can be utilised to stay relevant in the moment?

🎉 Happy International Design Day! 🎉 Have you ever stopped to look at the travel mug that makes your commute that little bit easier? Or wondered why your eye is drawn to one brand of ice cream over another? Well today is the day to do exactly that! From artwork and décor to landscaping and graphics, design impacts our lives and makes something as mundane as your weekly shop or your train ride into the office easier, brighter, and maybe even inspirational. ✨ The beauty of good design can be life changing and, considering today marks International Design Day, we’re taking the time to celebrate that and would like to invite you to do the same! See below for a few tips on how to identify (and create) great designs… Innovation: 💡 The saying goes that there are no new ideas, but in a world that is always progressing and developing, new opportunities for innovation are never far away. Designs that move with developing tech and trends – as opposed to trying to get ahead of them – often have the desired outcome over innovation for the sake of it. Function first: ⚙️ Designs that look nice are great at first glance but are less impactful if they aren’t functional. Whether it is a physical product that needs to be intuitive or a graphic that needs to draw the eye, a design that encourages interaction has done its job nicely! Know the audience: 🤔 Ever had that sensation when it feels like a brand just gets you. Be it their ethos, or their product or service. It feels great, right? Really knowing the audience you’re targeting will not only make the design process easier but will also make the experience far more impactful! Why not take a look around you today and see if you can spot some designs that have caught your eye? Feel free to share your favourites in the comments below 👇 Want to learn how our team of graphic designers can help your brand stand out? Then get in touch today - https://lnkd.in/eaF6CiJX  🎨✨ #GraphicDesign #InternationalDesignDay #Standout #Branding

Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future. As designers, we're not just creating logos, websites, or products – we're shaping the very fabric of society. Every design choice we make, from colour palettes to user interfaces, influences how people interact with the world around them. These interactions form habits, and habits become culture. Take e-commerce websites, for instance. Their design has transformed how we shop, consume information, and make purchasing decisions. The culture of instant gratification and comparison shopping that followed has reshaped our values around convenience, choice, and consumer behaviour. But here's the exciting part, this means we have the power to design for positive change. By prioritising accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity in our work, we can nurture a culture that values these principles. As these values take root, they guide decision-making across all levels of society, steering us toward a more equitable and sustainable future. With every project, we're not just meeting a brief—we're laying the groundwork for tomorrow's world. Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow for more.

Our Design Services Events: From conceptualizing the vibe to rolling out the red carpet, our events are designed to captivate and mesmerize. We’re talking immersive themes, engaging visuals, and atmospheres that spark conversation and awe. Spaces: We turn any room into a declaration of its inhabitant's style. Whether it’s a cozy boutique, a sleek office, or a personal living space, our designs reflect bold identities and functional beauty, making every space a landmark. Graphics: Here, every line and color has a purpose. We create graphic content that tells stories, brands that stand out on shelves, and digital experiences that people can’t stop talking about. Products: From initial sketch to final product, we blend spectacular form with solid functionality. Our products are not just used, they’re experienced and cherished. Art Direction: Shaping the essence of visual storytelling with careful styling and meticulous planning, we compose scenes that frame your narrative in the most compelling light. Digital Design: We construct digital spaces that are as intuitive as they are engaging. Our digital designs forge connections, invite interaction, and create memorable experiences that users keep returning.

If I was to give any advice to aspiring designers or design students about how to create great design work, it would be this: Great Designs can be simplified to two key elements that make them great. 1. Great Idea 2. Brilliant Communication I am sure that anybody reading this post will have seen designs of products that hit at least one of these points. Maybe a great idea like compressed aerosol deodorant cans - but poorly communicated through its sustainability benefits for customers 😔 Maybe brilliant communication such as the infamous Juicy Salif in its aesthetics - but not exactly the best idea for a lemon squeezer in the world 🍋 (can be debated in the comments haha) However when you get designs that encompass both of these elements of a great idea and great communication usually it means that you have made something pretty special 💡 But also use this as a reminder to remember that if you see a pretty render it doesn't mean that it is just naturally a great design 🖼️ Also in the opposite sense if you see something that is poorly visually communicated it doesn't mean that its a bad idea ⚙️ Both mean that there are areas that can be improved to make the design truly 'Great'. Let me know in the comments below what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a 'Great' Design? ✍️

Design is not just about how something works; it's also about how it looks. There's a long-standing debate over whether beauty should come before functionality in design. Some believe that the main purpose of design is to be visually appealing, while others argue that it should focus on how well it works. However, it's important to remember that aesthetics—how a design looks and feels—play a crucial role in how consumers perceive and experience a product. How much you say, how you say it and how you prioritize those messages will determine your success in any form of design.