News 18.08.2020

Need to Know

Apple elevates smartphone storytelling, Google rolls out virtual business cards in India and holidaymakers are showing renewed confidence in Airbnb.

Apple’s new campaign celebrates smartphone cinema

The Stunt Double by Damien Chazelle for Apple, global

Global – For Apple’s Shot on iPhone campaign, Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle has created a short film shot entirely on an iPhone 11 Pro.

The Stunt Double is a nine-minute vertical short film that reframes cinema for the smartphone age, while using iPhone 11 Pro’s upgraded video functions such as 4K, video stabilisation, the extended dynamic range tool and the ultra-wide lens mode. The campaign was conceived by TBWA\Media Arts Lab.

With the aim of inspiring iPhone users to create their own short films, the genre-spanning blockbuster takes the spectator on a nostalgic journey through cinema history. In a making-of film, Chazelle says that he hopes the short film 'throws out a few ideas that people can play with literally on their own, at home or in their backyards’.

Traditional cinema is slowly adapting to the social media-inspired way of storytelling. In our interview with youth film-making collective Pickpocket, explore the importance of crafting stories in a way that relates to the digital generation.

A cooking kit that re-imagines self-sufficient dining

Portable Cooking Kit by Jisun Kim, Seoul Portable Cooking Kit by Jisun Kim, Seoul
Portable Cooking Kit by Jisun Kim, Seoul Portable Cooking Kit by Jisun Kim, Seoul

Seoul – Designer Jisun Kim re-imagines portable dining with a conceptual kit for self-sufficient, on-the-go cooking.

The kit features powdered supplements, dehydrated vegetables and compact equipment to enable people to visit remote destinations without the need to access traditional cooking tools and ingredients. Ensuring personalisation, each package is tailored to the user’s individual health needs. A supporting app also helps travellers source seasonal ingredients from local areas to be combined with elements already included in the kit.

It also features a portable solar panel to power the set’s small induction hob, allowing users to cook without external energy sources. ‘I foresee that the consumption of synthetic foods will grow in the future, and I believe customised supplements will improve personalised diets,’ explains Jisun Kim, designer of the portable cooking kit.

As outdoor experiences become more popular, the trend for the Elevated Outdoors is evolving, with consumers looking to brands to allow them to be self-sufficient.

Google’s people cards empower entrepreneurs

India – Google has launched a new search feature in India to make it easier to find information about everyday people.

Google’s new people cards aim to empower ‘the millions of influencers, entrepreneurs, prospective employees, self-employed individuals, freelancers, or anyone else out there who wants to be discovered’. By adding their personal data, a description and their websites to their people cards, individuals gain agency over the information that appears when people search for their name online.

Through this feature Google enables people to build their online presence without the need of an additional external website. ‘Our goal with Search is to always make sure people can find helpful and reliable information, so we have a variety of protections and controls in place to maintain the quality of information on people cards,’ explains Google.

The launch shows the increasing need for new tools and services that reflect the evolving workforce. In our dedicated Workplace series, we track ideas and innovations that will shape the future of work.

People cards by Google, India

Stat: Travellers are more confident about booking trips away

Amangiri, US Amangiri, US

Data from Airbnb indicates that people are feeling more confident about booking both local and international stays.

On 8 July, guests booked more than 1m nights’ worth of future stays at Airbnb listings around the world – the most since before lockdown. Guests booked stays in destinations in over 175 countries and regions, including Togo, Angola, Bahrain, Svalbard and Kyrgyzstan.

But while booking rates have gone up, most guests are planning local trips, with about half of reservations made for destinations within 300 miles. And many of these trips are to rural areas, allowing urbanites to reconnect with nature.

We initially identified the trend for Staycations as a result of carbon emissions, but increased emphasis on hygiene is now a key driver for local trips.

Previous News Articles
JD Sports celebrates modern families in Christmas campaign

News

JD Sports celebrates modern families in Christmas campaign

JD Sports is redefining the meaning of family this holiday season with its 2024 Christmas campaign, Family.
Society : Identities : Home
Louis Le Joly Senoville debuts wearable chess set

News

Louis Le Joly Senoville debuts wearable chess set

Central Saint Martins graduate Louis Le Joly Senoville has introduced a groundbreaking wearable chess set as his final-year project.
Design : Fashion : Sport
Foresight Friday: Fiona Harkin, director of foresight

News

Foresight Friday: Fiona Harkin, director of foresight

Every Friday, the Future Laboratory team offers an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. Here, direc...
Foresight
Stat: Sober Christmas parties are on the rise

News

Stat: Sober Christmas parties are on the rise

Christmas celebrations are being reshaped because of shifting consumer attitudes to alcohol, with health, inclusivity and experiential elements dri...
Society : Holidays : Food & Drink
The Future Laboratory and Bacardi investigate cocktail culture in 2025

News

The Future Laboratory and Bacardi investigate cocktail culture in 2025

Bacardi, in collaboration with The Future Laboratory, has released its cocktail trend report for 2025, forecasting a transformative year for the sp...
Drink : Spirits : Food
LG Display unveils world’s first stretchable display with 50% expandability

News

LG Display unveils world’s first stretchable display with 50% expandability

LG Display has achieved a major milestone in display technology with the launch of the world’s first stretchable display, capable of expanding by u...
Technology : Design : AI
New research finds that cannabinol significantly improves sleep

News

New research finds that cannabinol significantly improves sleep

Researchers from the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative have found new evidence supporting cannabinol (CBN) as an effective sleep aid.
Health : Wellness : Medicine
Stat: Teens face weekly exposure to conspiracy theories

News

Stat: Teens face weekly exposure to conspiracy theories

A new study by the News Literacy Project reveals that teens encounter conspiracy theories on their social media feeds at least once a week, yet mos...
Pop Culture : Youth : Media
Chester Zoo rebrands as a force for nature

News

Chester Zoo rebrands as a force for nature

Chester Zoo has unveiled a rebrand developed in partnership with branding agency How&How. 
Sustainability : Design : Advertising
Gobi Cashmere revitalises brand identity with Mongolian roots

News

Gobi Cashmere revitalises brand identity with Mongolian roots

Mongolian cashmere giant Gobi has unveiled a refreshed brand identity deeply rooted in its heritage and sustainable ethos.
Culture : Design : Fashion
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN