A fresh take on an iconic 80s ad

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🎥 Beyoncé modernises iconic 80s Levi’s ‘Laundrette’ commercial

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Back in 1985, BBH launched the unforgettable ‘Laundrette’ ad for Levi’s, a campaign that not only skyrocketed the brand but also catapulted the model Nick Kamen into global stardom. The ad redefined cultural trends, bringing boxer shorts into the mainstream.

Cut to 2024 and the ad has been reborn with Beyoncé as the face of Levi’s, proving that a great creative idea holds its power even 39 years later. It’s a testament to how timeless ideas, when done right, can transcend generations and continue shaping culture.

– Zoe Bishop , Chief Marketing Officer at Designit

📊 Zenlytic secures $9M to revolutionise business intelligence with AI-powered data analyst Zoë

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Zenlytic’s approach to business intelligence could be a game changer for BI tools – making data accessible to everyone, not just technical experts. With their AI-powered tool Zoë, they’re positioning BI as a co-worker who actively helps users drill down into data, rather than just displaying information to interpret.

This shift from passive dashboards to conversational, real-time insights could eliminate the reliance on domain experts and make complex data analysis truly self-serve, far beyond what existing solutions offer. 

– Jacquie Bailey , Director of Analytics at Designit

⚖️ Uber crash suit blocked after couple’s daughter agreed to Uber Eats terms

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First Disney, now Uber. Powerful companies are increasingly burying hidden arbitration clauses in the fine print of their terms and conditions, allowing them to sidestep liability in tragic situations. These clauses are often embedded in dense legal jargon and designed with dark patterns that deliberately obscure the user’s ability to give meaningful consent. Most customers don’t even realise they’ve agreed to waive their rights, as manipulative design choices push them to click ‘accept’ without understanding the full implications.

Exploitative tactics rely on a culture of confusion, where customers unknowingly forfeit their rights, making it nearly impossible for them to hold corporations accountable for harm. Thankfully, designers are increasingly aware of their influence in this arena and apply ethical frameworks to guide and document potential harms, intended or otherwise. Consumers are also adopting more critical relationships with the companies they engage with, voting with their wallets and away from intentionally unethical brands.

These two emerging and converging trends are galvanised by an increasingly alert media who are finally starting to shed light on deceptive practices, exposing how companies twist the notion of consent. In an era where ethical consumption is gaining traction, the reputational damage caused by these revelations can carry significant financial consequences.

– Pardis Shafafi , Global Responsible Business Lead at Designit

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