Jessica Owen Stephens

This month in my newsletter: ESG trade-offs Is an honest compromise enough? Consumers are not “rejecting” sustainability; they are rejecting the disappointing dripfeed of less-bad choices that George Monbiot has termed “micro-consumerist bollocks”. People want to buy products that have been made without destroying the planet or causing suffering to others, but the centre of the Venn diagram in which you can meet these requirements, while also meeting other essential requirements - like making an affordable, high-quality and fit-for-purpose product - is vanishingly small. In many cases, it’s functionally impossible - within the existing business model. More here: https://lnkd.in/eStkyRtt

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🌟Celebrating 5 Years at Pentagram! 🌟 As I reflect on my journey over the past five years at Pentagram, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the incredible projects and collaborations I've been fortunate to be part of. From transforming complex data into beautiful, accessible visualizations to creating impactful campaigns, this journey has been nothing short of inspiring. As I look to the future, I am deeply motivated by the pressing need to improve how information is communicated and understood. In an era where misinformation and deep fakes proliferate, and where virtually every company and individual produce "data" as we breathe, it is crucial that we elevate the clarity, trustworthiness, and impact of the data we share. I am passionate about partnering with: - Healthcare Organizations: To enhance public health communications and ensure critical information is clear and accessible. - Political Organizations: To bring transparency and trust through well-designed, understandable data visualizations. - Nonprofits: To amplify their mission-driven work with compelling and human-centric data stories. - Tech Companies Using AI: To ensure ethical and transparent use of AI in data dissemination. - Mission-Driven Companies: To support those who are committed to making a positive impact in the world through clear and trustworthy data. Lastly, as we journey through the evolving landscape of AI and emerging technologies, I am more committed than ever to guiding others in thoughtfully discerning the data that shapes our world. Through opinion pieces, campaigns, interactive experiences, and the philosophy of data humanism, my team and I aim to inspire confidence and understanding in the way data is communicated: Let’s work together to make data more transparent, accessible, and impactful for everyone. #DataHumanism #DataVisualization #Pentagram #AI #MissionDriven #Healthcare #Nonprofits #Transparency #TrustInData #Design 

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RED DOT JURY WORK 2024: In the evolving landscape of design, we are no longer content with being seen and not heard. Instead, we are actively shaping narratives and influencing perceptions through various design disciplines, from user experience design to branding and corporate design. Across all categories, there is a noticeable shift towards a more political outlook on communication. Design has become a powerful tool for conveying messages pertaining to various social and environmental contexts. Numerous companies have embraced this opportunity to express their stances and perspectives in an ever-evolving world. Remarkable products, both in the digital and tangible world, are reinforcing this approach. Personally, I am delighted to witness this exceptionally global and international perspective and have the opportunity to engage in discussions with a highly skilled and international jury. This year’s Red Dot entries reflect these trends, showcasing a commitment to leveraging design for impactful communication. As we move forward, it is clear that design will continue to play a outstanding role in shaping the future, enabling companies to not only be seen but also heard and remembered. Explore more about this transformation and the outstanding work being recognized at Red Dot through the link: https://lnkd.in/g_arYByV #RedDot #qualityofdesign #designjury #brandmanagement #Designaward #branding #experiencedesign #CorporateDesign #brandarchitecture #brandnarratives #thevalueofdesign

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Today on Dieline I wrote about New York State's proposed Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which could revolutionize plastic packaging management with new recycling mandates and extended producer responsibility (EPR). As a supporter of EPR, I see this bill as essential for making packaging manufacturers accountable for their waste. It's a significant challenge but also an opportunity for brands to innovate in sustainable packaging. My take is that this legislation is crucial for achieving genuine sustainability, as it pushes brands to develop recyclable packaging and enhances our recycling systems. Read the full article to learn more about its potential impact and how we can lead the way toward a more sustainable future. #Sustainability #Packaging #Recycling #EPR #CPG #Dieline https://lnkd.in/gd5DMki9

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Our June issue of BOLT! explores the intricacies of developing packaging for multiple entertainment brands under a single overarching brand, from establishing visual hierarchy to the myriad of benefits of leveraging a unified approach to package design. If you have thoughts on this topic, please chime in. I'd love to hear from you! https://bit.ly/3VuP4fp

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We are absolutely seeing a trend toward a more intentional design program across all markets, but especially among GenX adults 55+. Rendering beautiful spaces means more than just creating an appealing aesthetic - it means paying attention to the proven aspects of neuroscience and biology as they relate to how people interact with the spaces we create, and contribute to a sense of overall well-being. In new developments, aging adults are seeking access to health and wellness amenities, like hiking trails, swimming pools and pickle ball or tennis courts, as well as opting for thoughtful home features like showers instead of bathtubs, modified cabinetry, and the latest technology to help them as they age. https://lnkd.in/epcpaSVY

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In healthcare, the feeling of being just "a piece of meat" during treatment is a profound issue that design research aims to address. At K:D, we believe in the power of patient-centric design—our approach places the patient at the heart of the innovation process. Through rigorous design research, we delve deep into the patient experience, identifying and understanding their unique needs and emotions. This insight allows us to create solutions that respect and respond to the individual, making each patient feel valued and seen. It's not just about treatment efficacy; it's about fostering a sense of dignity and personal care in medical experiences. #PatientCentricDesign #HealthcareInnovation #DesignResearch #EmpathyInDesign #MedicalDeviceDesign

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“What knowledge gap do you have today?” 🤔 Great question Elizabeth Oates! Always inspiring to hear how insights can help drive effective action. Interested in learning more about how insights can help drive meaningful growth? Let’s connect! Finch Brands

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YES! Robert Fabricant, great Fast Company follow-up article. Stoked has been on this train for many years and I deeply believe it is the model of the future.  Last year, ⅓ of our projects were completely designed, staffed, and led by contract design talent and ¾ of all projects had collective team members on the project (collective = contractor). The future of design and innovation talent must recognize that there are incredible innovation leaders out there who don’t want to be full-time employees.  But, being independent comes with some challenges: 1. It can be lonely.  2. By nature, design leaders are obsessive learners. As an independent wearing many hats, seeking inspiration can fall to the bottom of this list. 3. Biz dev is a unique skill that many creatives don’t love. Cultivating our Collective meant solving these challenges while also creating consistency and reliability in what it means to deliver a Stoked experience.  The 50 or so projects we lead each year allow us to see emerging needs (e.g. design leaders must be skilled at complex problem-solving, take a systems perspective, and know how to measure innovation) and cultivate a community of leaders who can do these things with confidence and consistency. But, closest to my heart, and regardless of whether someone is an employee or a contractor - design leaders know how to create a human-centered environment. When big-business gets caught up in automation, optimization, and risk-mitigation they can look to design leaders to find a humanized work experience.  #innovation #design #culture #systemsdesign https://lnkd.in/eBh8hcu8

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They say it takes a village to raise a child. But it also takes a village to launch a brand, product, or service to the world. At Would You Even and Kaleidoscope, we love nothing more than seeing brands and products come to life. We get a kick from sharing our experiences and manifesting things into the world. After all, we make real things in a digital world. That’s why we are partnering with Tocci Made to facilitate helping brands bring their products and stories to life. We have worked with everyone from startups like MOO to global giants like Nike. Come see how we can help you. #brand #design #tech #product

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John's comments made me think about the long line of additional side effects the trend of "cheap is good enough" that follows cheap fashion made of artificial materials. The concept of cheap reflects on people's self value far beyond fashion - junk food, part-time jobs, small apartments, a lifestyle that represents lower values, lower health, lower self-value, and lower aspirations. Consequently, the societal impact of the "cheap is good enough" mentality is much more profound than it seems as it creates increased inequalities and widens the gap between socioeconomic classes. While the illusion of affordability, the affluent owners and shareholders behind these enterprises are constantly getting richer while constantly marginalizing those who are providing their profits (sometimes with full knowledge of the system). This is a symbol of giving up. No more point to try to change the system. Eventually, the pursuit of cheapness ultimately perpetuates dissatisfaction, inequality, and frustration, all beneath the growing umbrella of global warming under which cheap fashion non-recyclable products add a major amount.

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The Fortune Chair announced this past week by JUMBO is a textbook example of design effectiveness. In a crowded marketplace, true innovation still shines through. 🪑✨ This design shows that simplicity can be powerful. It focuses on manufacturing ideals, material selection, and effective forms for both aesthetics and functional value. Such attention to what truly matters turns this chair into an instant classic. It’s a reminder that great design doesn’t need to be complicated. Innovation is possible in any industry or product type. You never know what can be achieved until creative action is taken. 🎨 If you’re not investing in ongoing innovation, you’re missing opportunities. Make your products more captivating, cost-effective, and desirable to new audiences. https://lnkd.in/egA3c535

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Why have thrifting and upcycling skyrocketed in recent years? 🤔 It's the true intersection of looking AND feeling good -- because your shopping choices are truly aligned with a more sustainable and ethical future for fashion. Read this great article to learn more about why thrifting has exploded among younger generations. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e8_viwRB

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Something interesting in my sector of design is packaging. I've been spending a lot of time talking about the 'perception of form' in packaging. It seems that there is a lot of category confusion in forms because we, as manufacturing entities, don't think about this design language. https://lnkd.in/gd9mCeZU Johnson and Johnson for example. They moved their baby shampoo into this sustainable, recyclable carton....that also looks exactly like orange juice - in form and graphics. Just because it's not in a fridge, doesn't change people's perception of 'something to drink'. I would mistake this for food. as we move forms around, and create new products the form is just as much apart of the design as the graphics and i think designers, engreneers. and Research and development could work together to create something unique over something borrowed. what do you think? #packaging #design #creative #Graphicdesign #packagingdesign

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I am thrilled to announce the release of my new book, "Psycho-Aesthetics 2.0 Revolutionary Design and Innovation - Unleashing Disruption with a Proven Methodology." This book is more than just a collection of insights—it's a deep dive into the transformative power of design and innovation, honed through my experiences over the past four decades. Over the years, I've seen firsthand how the Psycho-Aesthetics (P/A) methodology can guide teams not only to meet but exceed the expectations of their audiences. This book isn't just about winning awards or building portfolios—it's about improving lives and enhancing self-esteem through a deeper understanding of "self." Thank you to my team, our clients, and all who have joined us on this journey. Your trust and collaboration have been invaluable. For those ready to unlock the full potential of design in your work and to create solutions that resonate on a deep emotional level, I invite you to explore the powerful possibilities of Psycho-Aesthetics with this new book. Get your copy today, and let’s shape the future together! #PsychoAesthetics #Innovation #DesignThinking #NewRelease #BookLaunch #innovation #design #humancentered

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I'm a creative and I think the ad is great. They incorporated an extremely popular type of video and were able to trigger an emotional response. Why is this good? Because you will remember it. Hydraulic presses crushing things gets a lot of views on YouTube and they turned it into a memorable advertisement. We packed all of this into the thinnest form factor yet! There is a lot of eye candy as things explode. The objects are meaningful, which creates an uneasy feeling, (emotion = remembered). They reinforce that feeling with the foam emoji ball right at the end 😳 When you're working on your next project, how can you trigger an emotion to help people remember it? It doesn't have to be an advertisement. You can use this for presentations or to help sell your idea.

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